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Bonnet House Blog

Apr 12
Love3

2017-2018 Season Recap: What You May Have Missed

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

This last season was a tremendous success for Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. We proudly hosted a highly-acclaimed art exhibition, in addition to a variety of classes, workshops, lectures, and concerts. At Bonnet House, we feel that it is our mission to offer enjoyable and enriching cultural experiences that connect today’s community to the Bartletts’ architectural, artistic, and environmental legacy.

Classes, Workshops & Lectures:
To enhance the mission of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we offer a variety of classes, workshops and lectures for anyone interested and willing to grow in their passions for art and nature.

From October 2017-April 2018, we hosted popular Birding Classes that focused on the identification of rare birds, as well as various approaches to understanding their behavior, habitat, and so much more. Each class included an informative presentation, numerous handouts, and a walk around our beautiful garden to search for rare and beautiful birds.

In February 2018, we also hosted three Orchid Classes in our Island Theater. Each class covered a different aspect of understanding and caring for different types of orchids. From repotting to diagnosing pests and diseases, these classes were a hit for all in attendance!

This fall, we also offered a variety of workshops in varying session topics and lengths. Some of our popular workshops included calligraphy, watercolor, acrylic, orchid painting, and even basket-weaving. We were fortunate enough to have found experienced artists to teach each of the workshops, ensuring our participants received a thorough, well-rounded experience.

On select Mondays between January and April 2018, we hosted 4 lectures discussing topics specifically chosen to help connect people living in today’s world to the Bartletts’ legacy. All lectures are free to members, and just $5.00 for non-members. These popular lecture topics included:

● Digging Into The Past: Tequesta at Bonnet House
● Abiaka (Sam Jones) in Context
● Trains & Travel: The Bartletts & The 20th Century Limited
● Planting for Life: How to Make Your Backyard Your Bird Feeder

Concerts Under The Stars:
At Bonnet House, we believe that there is no better way to experience the beauty and elegance of the Bonnet House estate than with live music and fantastic company. That’s why we make it a priority to host a variety of indoor and outdoor concerts each year. This fall, we hosted monthly “Concerts Under The Stars,”so that guests could experience musical performances on the beautiful Bonnet House Veranda, while enjoying wine, coffee, and sweet hors d’oeuvres. This series was a huge hit for all who came to celebrate and enjoy all that Bonnet House has to offer.

Holiday Magic Evening Experience:
Bonnet House never shines brighter than during the Holiday Season! Between 5:30 and 8:30 PM on December 1st-8th, 2017, all of the trees and wreaths throughout the house were lit and designed to delight as guests enjoyed a self-guided tour of the house during this rare nighttime opportunity. With something exciting every night (like a visit from Santa and his Elves, Christmas storytelling, strolling carolers, and more), our Holiday Magic Evening Experience surpassed even the highest expectations!

Making New Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit:
As of March 8th, 2018, Bonnet House has been hosting our Annual Juried Art Competition and Sale. All of the art work selected for the competition is for sale and 50% of the proceeds help support the preservation of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Impressions exhibit will be on display in the Carl Weinhardt Gallery at Bonnet House during regular tour hours. If you haven’t gotten the chance to see this popular and vibrant exhibition, don’t worry, it will be staying until April 29th, 2018! Learn more about attending the Competition & Sale, here.

From all of us at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we’d like to thank each and every individual who attended any of our fantastic activities and events this season. If you may have missed out last year, don’t make the same mistake twice! Check out our upcoming events calendar & purchase tickets to our next event, here:

Mar 23
Love4

$25,000 Challenge Grant

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

We are so excited to announce this wonderful opportunity for Bonnet House. The Salah Foundation has most generously awarded Bonnet House a $25,000 Challenge Grant to complete our hurricane recovery efforts by refurbishing the fence along A1A and repairing the Boat House.

The contract for the fence is $45,000 and we also learned recently that the boathouse will cost $14,600 to repair.   It has taken quite a bit of time to get to this point post Hurricane Irma, and we have to get these items fixed now more than ever for safety and security reasons!

We are honored that the Salah Foundation has graciously offered this grant to Bonnet House, but we need your help!  The Salah Foundation will match dollar for dollar up to $25,000, thus making the funds go twice as far.  Please help Bonnet House raise its goal and show the Salah Foundation your gratitude by making a donation today.

Click here to donate today. 

Mar 12
Love8

Where Culture Meets Couture – Don’t Miss Our Unique Gift Shop

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House has long been known for its beautifully tranquil, expansive gardens, as well as its historic art gallery, studio, and museum. But did you know that Bonnet House is also home to a Gift Shop featuring a variety of unique inventory that is sure to please even the notoriously “hard-to-buy-for?”

 

Our Gift Shop features Charles Albert jewelry, which is showcased only at high-end retailers because of their fine sterling silver pieces. For organic lovers, we present the colorful and eye-catching, Organic Taua Jewelry , that is sure to make a stunning statement with any outfit. Beautiful, high-quality ladies scarves and handbags are available, and make perfect year-round accessories.

 

Our Gift Shop is proud to also share our space with specialty items from SPI, as well as a wide array of other household and personal items that are sure to compliment your home with elegance and style.

If it’s history that interests you, our Gift Shop has an expansive selection of books capturing the fascinating history and culture of Fort Lauderdale.

For an in-depth history of Bonnet House specifically, we have published a new hardcover book, “Bonnet House: A Legacy of Artistry and Elegance.” This new coffee table-book highlights the historic home and the artistic legacy of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. The book traces the history of the property, and explores and depicts the decorative embellishments utilized by the Bartletts to create a truly unique home. Click here to view some sample pages.

For your convenience, tickets for Concerts Under-the-Stars, Impressions, Cruising Down The River, and Orchid Festival, in addition to the many classes and workshops featured at Bonnet House, are sold in our Gift Shop (as well as online, the Welcome Center, and the South Gate).

As you visit, please consider that a great gift for anyone is a Bonnet House membership, as it is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Memberships to Bonnet House include benefits such as complimentary tours, special discounts, priority at special events, and also help to preserve this wonderful estate. Learn more about becoming a member here.

Whether you’ve been a member for years, or are a first time guest, we thank you for visiting our our beautiful estate, and we hope that you take advantage of all that it offers, including our
unique Gift Shop! If you have any questions about our Gift Shop contact Dianne Ennis, at [email protected] or call (954) 703-2617.

Feb 09
Love13

Destination Weddings at One of the Nations Premier Historic Homes

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens has been called the most beautiful place for a destination wedding in Fort Lauderdale, offering a stunning variety of exquisite settings, each uniquely charming in its own special way. Be it a grand lavish celebration or a close intimate gathering, your guests will enjoy sharing unforgettable moments in this culturally and historically rich venue featuring innovative architecture, original artwork, and lush tropical gardens.

Bonnet House, located in the center of Fort Lauderdale, at 900 North Birch Road, combines the grandeur of the past with modern amenities and a private parking lot, making it a choice destination to accommodate events of any size, but be sure to plan ahead – Bonnet House limits the number of private events, and dates are reserved based on availability when accompanied by your rental deposit. Here are some useful tips on planning your perfect wedding:

  1. Select a full service caterer. Make sure your caterer can handle not only food and beverage service, but also rentals (tables, chairs and linens), as well as staff for set-up, service and cleanup.
  2. Consider hiring a planner. Planners are a great asset and can make your wedding at Bonnet House run smoothly.
  3. Plan in advance. Bonnet House requires a formal walk through with the client, planner and caterer at least one month before your event.
  4. Be prepared for inclement weather. This might mean selecting a particular time of year for your event or making sure you have arranged for a tent.
  5. Think about how you want the event to flow. Events can be very fast paced, so provide a timeline to your guests, so they know when to arrive at the venue.

Bonnet House can furnish a list of vendors that are fully licensed and insured and that have worked at the estate before. For additional information visit us online at  https://bonnethouse.org/weddings/ or contact David Woodin, Bonnet House Events Manager, at (954) 703-2608 or [email protected].

Jan 31
Love23

ABC’s “The Bachelor” Features Rose Ceremony Filmed on the Bonnet House Estate

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

“The Bachelor’s” Rose Ceremony which was filmed throughout Bonnet House in October aired Monday, January 29 at 8pm.  A number of rooms were featured in the show including the Studio, Master Bedroom, Drawing Room, Dining Room and Music Room along with many shots in the Courtyard.  The group entered through the front door of the historic home, walked into the Courtyard and were escorted to the Studio. All of the group shots as well as the Rose Ceremony took place there in the Studio. The individual shots of Krystal were taken in the Master Bedroom, the private meeting with Lauren and Arie took place in the Drawing Room and the meeting with Chris Harrision and Arie took place just outside in the Courtyard. “All of the rooms were dressed up with lovely vintage furnishings and décor that are not part of the house’s collection,” “It was a pleasure having the crew and the show’s contestants on property,” said Monica Estevez, director of marketing at Bonnet House. “The crew was very professional and a delight to work with and they respected the historic nature of the home and estate.”  Click here to learn more about the history of the estate and view photos.

Jan 29
Love21

18th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, Making New Impressions, Opens March 8

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 18th Annual Juried Art Exhibit and Fundraiser, Making New Impressions, opens Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 6:00p.m. Enjoy an evening of food, cocktails, music and art on the beautiful Bonnet House Estate. All of the art work selected for the competition is for sale and 50% of the proceeds help support the preservation of Bonnet House. Bonnet House is honored to welcome Patricia Watson as the exhibit’s juror. Dr. Watson was a founder, President of the Board and Executive Director of the Riverdale Art Center in Riverdale, New Jersey, a non-profit art gallery and art education center in northern New Jersey. She worked closely with local philanthropists and William Paterson University to establish the center and help emerging artists from that school and the local area to exhibit and sell their art. She oversaw the renovation of a 19th-century factory to house the art center and gallery, and mounted and marketed exhibitions on a monthly basis. She organized three very well attended “Art of Food” festivals that included local chefs, plein air painting and exhibitions, silent auctions, music, dinner and dancing.

“Making New Impressions” showcases artists from throughout Florida

Bonnet House is working to make the event a celebration of art from various perspectives that attracts long-time patrons and new guests.  All guests and participating artists are invited to cast votes for their favorite artist in the exhibition.  The artist receiving the highest number of votes will receive the People’s Choice Award, awarded that evening.  All of the artwork in the Impressions competition will be available for sale with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the ongoing preservation of Bonnet House and its cultural programming that reach over 70,000 visitors, including 8,000 area youth each year.  The Impressions exhibition will be on display from March 8 through April 29, 2018 during Bonnet House regular tour hours.

Additional highlights of the evening will include gourmet food, fine wine and entertainment throughout the house. Invitations for Impressions will be mailed in February. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Dec 20
Love15

Unique Venue for Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

By Bonnet House Blog 2 Comments

If you are looking for a unique venue for your wedding ceremony and reception, you have found the perfect South Florida location. Known as Ft. Lauderdale’s best kept secret, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens embodies old-world charm and understated elegance. Originally built in 1920, Bonnet House exudes the whimsy and eclectic taste.  Artwork and decorative flourishes can be seen at every turn and the love for nature is evident in the surrounding grounds.

Exquisite Settings for Events of Any Size

Spanning 35 acres, Bonnet House offers a variety of exquisite settings for events of any size, each uniquely beautiful.  Whether you are planning a close and intimate gathering or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens sets the scene for romance and timeless memories.  Our dramatic spaces, such as the Hibiscus Garden, fountain courtyard, water front veranda, and tree-lined alee all provide memorable possibilities for weddings.  Aside from the exclusive use of Bonnet House property for your wedding, we also provide:

  • Use of the property for photography two hours before ceremony
  • Private use of upstairs bridal suite
  • Personal Bridal Assistant
  • Ceremony and Front Door Hostess
  • Complimentary tram service for guests to be escorted from the parking lot to the main house.
  • Free parking
  • Rehearsal and Ceremony coordination
  • Ceremony microphone and speakers
  • Two hours for set up and one hour for clean up

Bonnet House is a unique venue for your wedding ceremony and reception and was awarded Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Award. The Estate is shown by appointment only. For additional rental information, please visit our estate rental page or contact David Woodin, Events Manager at 954-703-2608 or [email protected]

 

Oct 27
Love13

Bonnet House Orchid Festival

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

 

Explore the world of orchids at the 11th Annual Bonnet House Orchid Festival Saturday & Sunday, December 2nd & 3rd from 9am to 4pm

One of the most popular and anticipated yearly events will bloom once more in early December with the return of the Bonnet House Orchid Food Festival, featuring the 11th Annual Orchid and Exotic Plant Sale. Taking place from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, the Festival will allow orchid enthusiasts, and plant lovers in general, the opportunity to vividly experience – and purchase – diverse, colorful and fragrant varieties of orchids, exotics, tropical, herbs and fruit trees sold by over 40 local vendors. The orchids and exotic plants, though, are only the beginning. This exciting two-day event will offer something for everyone to enjoy, including food trucks, libations, garden art, orchid care and general gardening lectures, live music and much more!

Bonnet House’s world-famous orchid collection is one of the myriad reasons why a visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at this grand estate’s beautiful Museum and Gardens. Here, you will marvel and delight in the approximately 1,200 beautiful, exotic plants in various stages of development found within our greenhouses and display house.

Bonnet House, one of our nation’s most popular historic houses and gardens, is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. The entry fee for the Orchid Festival is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Parking is free. Tickets are now available online at BonnetHouse.org. For more information please call (954) 703-2614.

A visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, Bonnet House is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums; the estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been declared a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale. For more information and details, please contact Monica Estevez at (954) 563-5393, extension 127 or online at [email protected].

 

Click here BonnetHouse.org for more details and to purchase tickets.

May 16
Love12

Join Bonnet House and Kelly’s Landing for A Cruise Down the New River Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 5pm

By Bonnet House Blog One Comment

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and Kelly’s Landing Seafood Restaurant present Cruisin’ Down the River: Digging Up The Past. Take a boat ride with Bonnet House down the New River Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 5:00 p.m on the famous Carrie B paddlewheel boat. Hear historical tales about Fort Lauderdale’s New River while enjoying wine and tasty treats from Kelly’s Landing and live music from the Gold Coast Banjo Band. Featured speaker is Sara Ayers-Rigsby, MA, RPA, Director, Southeast/Southwest Regions, Florida Public Archaeology Network. Admission is $45 for members and $55 for non-members and includes two glasses of wine along with a lite snack generously sponsored by Kelly’s Landing. A cash bar will also be available onboard. The yacht embarkation site is 3440 North New River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

For more information and to reserve your seat, please call (954) 653-1554 or visit https://bonnethouse.org/calendar/.

Apr 19
Love12

Fine Artists’ Summer Series at Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

George Rusovick, The Shell Museum

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in collaboration with Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery present The Fine Artists’ Summer Series featuring works from the Bonnet House Fine Artists. The first of four exhibitions opens Thursday, June 15 at 5:30pm with a free wine and cheese reception. The four exhibitions will feature works of various media including watercolor, oil, acrylic and photography and a percentage of all art sale proceeds will benefit Bonnet House and its programs. The exhibitions are scheduled to run from June 15 through October 19. All four exhibitions are free and open to the public and will include raffle, a wine & cheese reception and beautiful art. The receptions for each show will begin at 5:30pm on the first night of each exhibition.

The exhibitions schedule is as follows:

First Exhibition: Thursday, June 15 – Thursday, July 20

Second Exhibition: Thursday, July 20 – Thursday, August 17

Third Exhibition: Thursday, August 17 – Thursday, September 21

Fourth Exhibition: Thursday, September 21 – Thursday, October 19

Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery is located at 229A E. Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308. For more information, please contact Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery at (954) 267-9202 or http://framenartbythesea.com/.