On September 29, 2026, more than 300 guests gathered at the Museum of Discovery & Science’s AutoNation IMAX Theater in Fort Lauderdale for a memorable evening celebrating the premiere of Hidden In Plain Sight: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
The exclusive red-carpet event marked the debut of Bonnet House’s new 27-minute documentary, which explores the extraordinary history, art, architecture, and natural beauty of one of South Florida’s most treasured historic landmarks.
Guests enjoyed a special screening of the film, created to bring the story of artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett and their beloved estate to audiences throughout South Florida and beyond.
A New Chapter for Bonnet House
Executive Producer Neil Goldberg reflected on the significance of the project during the evening.
“Bonnet House will no longer be hidden in plain sight. This film brings to life the estate’s remarkable history, art, energy, and natural beauty. Our hope for this documentary is that it introduces Bonnet House to new audiences across South Florida and around the world and inspires them to come experience this incredible place for themselves.”
Following the screening, award-winning filmmakers Neil Goldberg and Frank Linero joined Bonnet House CEO Patrick Shavloske for an engaging Q&A discussion. The panel offered behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the documentary, and its upcoming broadcast on South Florida PBS.
Meet Bonnie Gator
The evening also featured the official introduction of Bonnie Gator, Bonnet House’s new mascot and ambassador.
Standing seven feet tall and wearing a whimsical lily pad bonnet adorned with flowers, pearls, butterflies, birds, frogs, vines, and leaves inspired by the estate, Bonnie Gator welcomed guests on the red carpet and quickly became one of the stars of the evening.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Bonnie Gator as the newest member of the Bonnet House family,” said CEO Patrick Shavloske. “She will help us connect with younger generations and create memorable experiences for families through our events and programming in the years ahead.”
Experience the Documentary at Bonnet House
Visitors won’t have to wait long to experience Hidden In Plain Sight for themselves.
The documentary will be featured during Bonnet House’s upcoming Halloween Fest on October 31, 2026, where attendees will have the opportunity to view the film in the Caretaker’s Cottage.
Following Halloween Fest, the documentary will become a permanent part of the Bonnet House visitor experience. As the final stop on both self-guided and guided tours, guests will be invited to watch the film as a meaningful conclusion to their visit and gain a deeper understanding of Bonnet House’s artistic legacy, rich history, and ongoing preservation efforts.
Watch the Trailer & Go Behind the Lens
Discover the story behind Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Hidden In Plain Sight through the official trailer and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the filmmakers.
Get an inside look at the inspiration, creative process, and preservation story that brought Bonnet House’s remarkable history to the screen.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
As Bonnet House continues to welcome visitors from around the world, Hidden In Plain Sight serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural and natural treasures for future generations.
Through stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and rare historical insights, the documentary shines a light on the remarkable people, art, and landscapes that make Bonnet House one of South Florida’s most unique destinations.
We invite you to experience the story for yourself and discover why Bonnet House is truly a hidden treasure no more.
Learn more about visiting Bonnet House Museum & Gardens at www.bonnethouse.org/visit.
