Glazer Hall: A Revitalized Cultural Hub in Palm Beach

After years of neglect, Palm Beach’s historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse is about to receive a total facelift and revival as Glazer Hall, a new state-of-the-art center for performing arts.

The project, formerly called The Innovate, is being led by and named for Jill and Avie Glazer, longtime Palm Beach residents with an enduring passion for philanthropy and the arts. The couple made a powerful commitment to the center and its success with a donation of more than $15 million that should see it ready to open for the 2025-2026 season.

“Avie and I are excited to showcase a dynamic space that will inspire, entertain, and stand as a lasting landmark for generations to come,” Jill Glazer says of the eponymous venue. “Transforming the playhouse into a vibrant cultural center could not be made possible without the unwavering support of the community and our board. Our hope is for Glazer Hall to inspire a future for the arts, acting as a beacon of creativity, history, and connection.”

At 27,000 square feet and a total estimated cost of more than $30 million, the nonprofit center will be a top-of-the-line venue for performing arts, cultural programs and community events. Located in a remarkable waterfront setting, the theater seats 400 and will offer a state-of-the-art audiovisual experience.

“Glazer Hall will be Palm Beach’s first new nonprofit arts organization in more than 60 years,” Jill Glazer adds. “We are thrilled to support this special place that will bring individuals of all ages together through dynamic performances, inspiring programs, vibrant cultural events, and more.”

Designed by John Volk, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, has been vacant for years. Avie Glazer noted the value of breathing new life into the space, explaining, “The Playhouse has languished in the dark for far too long. It was time to turn on the lights and bring this jewel box back to life.”

While it will feature updated and modernized design elements and technology, Glazer Hall will also honor the Playhouse’s significant architectural heritage. The space will include retractable seating, a wall of windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and private event spaces, making it a cultural hub for Palm Beach with the flexibility to accommodate a variety of uses, such as dance, film, music, lectures and educational programs, as well as programming focused on cultural enrichment and social connection.

“The mayor and town council unanimously supported renaming the new arts venue Glazer Hall to recognize Jill and Avie Glazer’s remarkable contribution,” Town of Palm Beach Council President Bobbie Lindsay said, adding, “Their dedication to ensuring a first-class arts venue at the former Playhouse site will benefit us all.”

Palm Beach Civic Association CEO Michael Pucillo called Glazer Hall “an important addition that Palm Beachers will enjoy for decades to come.”

Samantha David, President of WS Development, agreed, noting, “Jill and Avie are creating a space that will enrich Palm Beach’s arts and culture while bringing the community together for generations to come.”

Glazer Hall will be open year-round. For more info on the project or to offer your support, visit glazerhall.org