Charles Dearing, American billionaire and art patron, built the eclectic Maricel Palace in the early 20th century to house his art collection and be part of what he hoped would become an international art complex. The center was never realized, but an adjoining building much later became the Maricel Museum. Dearing returned to Miami, his winter home, in 1921, taking his art collection with him. The palace became home to various art exhibits and now is used for weddings, concerts and conferences. A major restoration project is underway.