Bonnet House Blog

The holidays have come to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and it is truly a magical experience! Enchanting trees, festive wreaths, and dazzling centerpieces deck the halls and museum rooms bringing a lot of light, joy, and holiday cheer to this beautiful estate.

In the videos below, sibling designers Julius Bianchi and Beatrice Flarida give us a closer look at some of the Holiday Magic decor and explain some of their design inspiration. Listen to the stories behind the vintage pieces in the Butler’s Pantry, the equestrian theme in the kitchen, the magical woodlands in the dining room, and be dazzled by the 10-foot tree in Frederic Bartlett’s Studio. This year is the first time you’ll see decor in Evelyn’s Bamboo Bar. Toast with Beatrice to a very happy NYE 2024! We hope you enjoy the stories shared here and feel inspired to come out and support the museum in person.

Butler’s Pantry

Equestrian Theme in the Kitchen

In the Staff Dining Room

Frederic Bartlett’s Studio

Bamboo Bar

Drawing Room

The Bonnet House has always been a place where artists thrive, and we are so grateful for the teams of extraordinarily talented designers and volunteers who generously donate their time, talents, and decorations to create a very merry holiday here for all to enjoy.

We hope you come see us soon! Happy Holiday Magic!

Bonnet House is on the Cusp of an Exciting Future

 

What if you could be transported to a different time?

What if Bonnet House Told the Story of the Diverse People who Created and Nurtured It?

What if Fort Lauderdale became known as a destination for outdoor art?

What if local artists had gallery space to display work for visitors and locals?

What if you could have lunch in the middle of nature and Fort Lauderdale beach?

Click here to View Some Ideas.

As the holiday season approaches, it is always a good idea to remember the importance of family and togetherness. Spending time with our loved ones as the seasons change and the days get shorter is a time-honored tradition. Here at Bonnet House, we are providing a variety of unique opportunities for families to spend time together this holiday season.

On November 18th from 9:00am – 3:00pm, we invite you to join us for our Special Family Day! Special Family Day will include a selection of fun, family-friendly activities including:

● Live music by the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra at 10:00am & 11:00am on the lovely veranda
● Escape Back to the Museum STEM-based Outdoor Game with Ciphers, Riddles, and STEM Labs along our historical hardwood hammock
● The Mounted Police Horse Unit and K9 Police
● A Treasure map of what to find on the Bonnet House Estate
● Meet the Barefoot Mailman and other historical people from Bonnet House

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the historic house museum, and explore the nature trails filled with native plants, trees, and an occasional monkey! Admission to Special Family Day is $10 per adult, and children under 13 as well as Broward County educators are free of charge!

We hope that you and your family join us for this special occasion. Spending time with family is one of the most important things we can do, and Bonnet House is the perfect place! To learn more about Special Family Day, visit our event calendar.

Life is full of ups and downs. Although our lives can’t be perfect all the time, there is still an abundance of joy to be found in each experience and opportunity. Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we want to be there for the most important moments in your life. Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating a retirement, or taking graduation photos, we can accommodate your event on our vast estate.

The Bonnet House estate spans 35 acres on Fort Lauderdale Beach, providing a variety of exquisite settings for events of any shape and size. 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. Guests have the exclusive use of the tree-lined alee, garden courtyard, waterfront veranda, hibiscus garden, or the Bonnet House Beach. It is important to note that the renting party is responsible for all services such as catering, tables, and chairs. To learn more about how you can plan your next event at Bonnet House, visit our Estate Rental webpage .

The Bonnet House property is truly stunning, and offers some of the most beautiful settings for photography and filmography in the area. In fact, Bonnet House was the primary location for Will Shriner’s delightful movie “Hoot,” the television series “The Bachelor” and “The Glades,” and even served as the finish line for season 7 of the reality television program “The Amazing Race.” To learn more about photography and filming on our estate, you can view our specific guidelines, here.

Photographers and videographers are not the only folks that seek inspiration from our historic property. The Bonnet House Fine Artists are a group of accomplished artists, whose work is often inspired by the lush and tropical Bonnet Grounds. Bonnet House Fine Artists members exhibit and sell their work on the Bonnet House property and in various galleries, museums, and public sites throughout the community. Membership is open to artists working in any medium. To learn more about becoming a member of this unique community, click here.

There is so much that is worth celebrating in life. Our expansive, historic estate is the perfect place to capture timeless memories. If you’re interested in having Bonnet House be a part of the most important moments in your life, you can email [email protected] or call (954) 703-2608 to schedule an appointment.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens has been a staple in the South Florida community for over 100 years. The estate offers an extraordinary blend of art, architecture, history, and ecology. Filled with a delightful collection of art and personal treasures, the Main House exudes a sense of charm, whimsy, and gracious living. The surrounding grounds of the estate remain a virtual oasis of coastal wilderness and informal gardens, nestled amid the commercial development of the Fort Lauderdale beachfront.

This 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum was built in 1920 and was the winter retreat of the Birch/Bartlett family. Bonnet House has survived with remarkable authenticity – reflecting the creative lifestyle of its artist owners and preserving the natural setting of Old South Florida. This whimsical property preserves the home of the Bartlett family and offers a glimpse into their lifestyle, and the fascinating world of art in the early 20th Century.

You can be a part of persevering this remarkable institution and the legacy of the Birch & Bartlett families by donating. Your tax-deductible contribution will go toward the maintenance and operations of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. To make a contribution or become a member, click here.

Additionally, donations enable us to continue offering unique opportunities for the public to learn and explore our estate. For example, this year we are excited to announce that we are hosting a Night At The Museum! We are inviting guests to participate in one of our two extravagant experiences. These include an overnight stay at Bonnet House and dinner for two (or eight!) individuals.

For a donation of $5,000, we will be offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes a luxurious dinner for two and an overnight stay in the newly renovated guest suite. The curated experience will immerse participants in the leisurely life enjoyed at a 1930s-era beachfront estate including the rare opportunity to tour the property like never before with accommodations for two in a newly refurbished second-floor suite, dinner for two on the veranda with an exquisitely designed personalized menu, and breakfast in the morning with Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Separately and for a donation of $5,000, visitors can enjoy the elegant entertaining tradition of the Bonnet House estate, just as its iconic former owners, Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett did. This experience for eight includes a specially curated tour, pre-dinner cocktails, and dinner on the veranda or moonlit courtyard. Menu options may be exquisitely personalized and could include dishes like a scrumptious lobster first course, steak, and a full open bar.

Discover the beauty of Bonnet House at night at this fantastic event. We hope that you and your loved ones can show your support for Bonnet House Museum & Gardens by attending Night At The Museum. Book your reservation today!

With so much to see and do in Fort Lauderdale, it can often feel overwhelming to pay out of pocket for all the unique experiences that our community has to offer. But luckily, September is Broward Attractions & Museums Month (BAMM)! This exciting opportunity encourages visitors to experience the diversity of cultural treasures that are offered throughout Broward County. During the month of September, visitors may buy one admission and receive a second admission for free to 12 participating museums and attractions in Broward County, while eight additional museums offer free admission, as part of the BAMM Promotion.

During September, visitors just need to mention “BAMM” or inquire about the offer at the admissions desk to purchase one regular price admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free.

Participating attractions and museums include:
● Art and Culture Center/ Hollywood (BOGO admission)
● Bonnet House (BOGO admission *self-guided tours only)
● Butterfly World (BOGO admission)
● Coral Springs Museum of Art (Free admission)
● Flamingo Gardens (BOGO admission)
● The Frank Art Gallery (Free admission)
● Historic Stranahan House (BOGO admission *online reservation encouraged)
● History Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)
● International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum (Free admission *partially open)
● Island Space (Free admission)
● Jungle Queen Riverboats (BOGO *90-minute cruises only *online reservation required)
● Museum of Discovery and Science (BOGO *Tuesdays excluded. Adult purchase
required)
● NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)
● Old Davie School Historical Museum (BOGO admission *online reservation required)
● Plantation Historical Museum (Free admission)
● Sawgrass Recreation Park (BOGO admission *online reservation required)
● Stonewall National Museum & Archives (Free admission)
● Studio 18 Art Complex (Free admission)
● World AIDS Museum (Free admission)
● Young At Art Museum (BOGO admission)

Participating organizations may have additional restrictions or blackout dates that apply, as well as additional discounted offers available. No other offers, discounts or coupons may apply. Visitors should check each attraction’s website or call for details, hours of operation, and other updates before visiting.

There is so much to see and do with the whole family in Fort Lauderdale. We encourage you to take this fantastic opportunity to explore Fort Lauderdale and experience something new and exciting with your loved ones. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BAMMsfl for additional information about this amazing opportunity.