Palm Beach Artist Spotlights Sharp-Dressed Monkey Johnnie Brown

Paintings by local artist capture the capuchin monkey that inspired Addison Mizner's iconic Palm Beach architecture.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Palm Beach artist has created a series of paintings featuring a well-dressed capuchin monkey named Johnnie Brown, who was the beloved pet of architect Addison Mizner and served as the inspiration for some of the iconic architectural details in Palm Beach's scenic vias.

Why it matters

Johnnie Brown the monkey has become a beloved local figure, with the artist's paintings celebrating the animal's role in shaping Palm Beach's distinctive aesthetic. The series highlights how even unexpected elements can leave a lasting imprint on a community's culture and identity.

The details

The "Monkeying Around Palm Beach" series by local artist depicts Johnnie Brown, Mizner's pet capuchin monkey, in a variety of sharp outfits strolling through the scenic vias of Palm Beach. Mizner's affection for the monkey is said to have influenced some of the architectural details in his iconic Palm Beach buildings.

  • The paintings in the "Monkeying Around Palm Beach" series were created in 2026.

The players

Johnnie Brown

A capuchin monkey that was the beloved pet of architect Addison Mizner and served as the inspiration for some of the iconic architectural details in Palm Beach's scenic vias.

Addison Mizner

A prominent architect who designed many of the iconic buildings and scenic vias in Palm Beach, Florida in the early 20th century.

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The takeaway

Johnnie Brown the monkey has become an unexpected but beloved part of Palm Beach's cultural identity, with a local artist celebrating the animal's influence on the community's distinctive aesthetic through a new series of paintings.