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Feb 08
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

It may still be the middle of winter, but Bonnet House is burgeoning with new classes and workshops! This February and March, Bonnet House is excited to announce a variety of interesting courses for those interested in art, wildlife, nature and so much more. From exploring the basics of calligraphy to learning how to paint stunning orchids, our workshops will leave you with a new skill or interest that you can be proud of for years to come.

Beginning on February 15th, Bonnet House will be hosting a five-week calligraphy workshop. In addition to learning about the art of calligraphy itself, participants will be taught the history of pen lettering and the importance of the hand-copying of great works of antiquity, especially the Bible, in the scriptoria of the great monastic houses of the Middle Ages. To learn more and register for this workshop, click here.

From February 25th – 26th, Bonnet House will also be presenting an orchid painting watercolor workshop. This two-day course will take place in our gorgeous gardens and will be taught by the very talented Karen Eskesen. This informative and fun workshop will be sure to help you improve upon your watercolor abilities and expand your artistic repertoire. To view the supply list for this course, and to register, click here.

Bonnet House is also pleased to offer a six-week acrylic painting workshop starting on Thursday, March 7th. Guests will be able to join Fine Artist Bonnie Opie in the historic Bonnet House gardens as she goes over the basic principles of acrylic painting. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to take inspiration from our vast gardens while learning a new artistic medium. To learn more about this six-week course and to register, click here.

Bonnet House is passionate about providing meaningful artistic experiences for interested individuals across the world. We hope that you can join us for one or more of our fantastic workshops and events. To learn more about our upcoming events, classes, and workshops, visit our events calendar.

Feb 08
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New Speaker Series Announced At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

It is well known by many of our guests that the Bonnet House estate has an incredibly unique and fascinating history. From its ecological significance to its historic importance, this property and the people who lived here have captured the imaginations of countless visitors throughout the decades. For this reason, we are excited to be hosting a speaker series that will highlight some of the more interesting and unknown facts about the property, South Florida, and much more.

Our first lecture in this series will cover the gentleman who started it all: Frederic Clay Bartlett. Frederic Bartlett and his first wife, Helen, began construction on the property in 1920. But unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1925 when Helen died from breast cancer. After that, Frederic’s visits to Bonnet House became sporadic until 1931 when he married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. With this marriage, a renaissance occurred on the site as Frederic and Evelyn entered a prolific period of embellishing Bonnet House with the decorative elements that delight visitors to this day.

But despite all that took place on the Bonnet House property before, during, and after his marriage to Evelyn, Frederic did not live exclusively at Bonnet House. In fact, over the span of his 80-year life, he actually lived in more than 15 different homes! Each of these homes reflects on his various passions, artistic endeavors, and even his character.

In this fascinating lecture, we have invited J. Kent Planck to discuss the significance of some of the places Frederic Bartlett called home. This event will occur on February 14th, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. This event will take place both in-person and virtually via Zoom. To learn more and register for this event, click here.

It goes without saying that the Bonnet House property would not be what it is today without Frederic Bartlett. We hope that you can take the time to learn more about his interesting life at this lecture. If you are unable to attend this event, we will continue our lecture series on a monthly basis with a variety of speakers & topics. To learn more, visit our events calendar.

Jan 11
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Popular Events Resuming In January

By Bonnet House Blog, Events, Music No Comments

2021 was an interesting year, to say the least. From our fantastic after-hours events to our artistic workshops, Bonnet House has continued to offer joyful and educational experiences to countless guests throughout the past year. But while we love reflecting on the success of the last year, we are eagerly looking forward to the variety of fun and exciting events we have coming in 2022.

This January, Bonnet House is excited to resume our popular Concerts Under The Stars series, featuring a variety of talented local performing artists. Here, sweet music, balmy starlit nights, and the setting of Bonnet House will combine for a truly unique experience. This extremely popular event series will begin on Thursday, January 27th, 2022, and will continue on the second Thursday of each month. Each event will take place from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and will include wine and cheese outside on our lovely tent-covered veranda.

Additionally, in January, Bonnet House will be resuming our Upstairs/Downstairs tours. Visitors will participate in a VIP experience of the upstairs and downstairs of the main house and take a sneak peek inside normally-closed areas of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett’s private living quarters. These tours are offered on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month January through April from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Be sure to note that reservations are required for our Upstairs/Downstairs Tours. Please click here or call (954) 703-2606 to reserve your space.

There are so many exciting events happening at Bonnet House in 2022. We hope that you will consider adding some of our upcoming events in 2022 to your plans for the new year. If you are looking for things to do in the new year, view our events calendar for more information!

Jan 11
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Bonnet House Announces 4 Week Ikebana Workshop

By Bonnet House Blog, Classes & Workshops No Comments

The Bonnet House property has a uniquely fascinating history that has captured the attention and imagination of countless visitors. The historical, ecological, and artistic components of this property make Bonnet House one of the most special places in all of South Florida. In order to properly honor this rich history, we do our best to offer a variety of classes and workshops that emphasize the interests and passions of the previous estate owners.

One such workshop will be starting on January 18th and will last through February 8th, 2022. In this four-week workshop, participants will learn about ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, with Sensei Marjorie DaVanzo. Ikebana has roots dating back to the sixth century but has regained popularity in modern times. The more we understand about ikebana, the more we can see that its recent popularity is not surprising.

The overall purpose of Ikebana is not simply to create beautiful flower arrangements but to expand the appreciation that we have for beauty. According to one of Japan’s most influential modern ikebana practitioners, Toshiro Kawase, the point of the art form is to see that “the whole universe is contained within a single flower.” This workshop takes place on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and costs $260 for members, and $280 for non-members.

The world we live in today is often hectic and stressful, which can make it difficult to appreciate the beauty in all that is around us. By hosting these workshops, we hope to help people open their minds, and better appreciate the world around them.

While the Bartlett family may not have practiced the ikebana artform specifically, they did care a great deal about appreciating nature and expressing themselves through their decor and artwork. If you want to learn to better appreciate the beauty surrounding you and your life in the new year, consider registering for this workshop today.

Oct 12
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Step Back In Time & Into Nature At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Here at Bonnet House, we understand that life can sometimes feel mundane, and it’s easy to feel disconnected and discouraged while stuck in the basic routines of day-to-day life. Work and family life can be all-consuming at times, and it’s only natural to crave new experiences. Fortunately, however, there are a variety of ways to step back from the monotony of your daily routines and experience something truly unique and magical.

The Bonnet House estate is special in that it provides guests the opportunity to step back in time, while also connecting with the beauty and solitude of nature. Though the Bonnet House property was purchased in 1895, the grounds had already witnessed over 4,000 years of human activity, remnants of which can still be seen on the property today. Bonnet House’s modern history, however, began in 1919, when Hugh Taylor Birch gave the property to his daughter. Since then, the estate has served as a cultural and artistic landmark, taking guests back through time to an exciting, bygone era.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is also one of the few places in downtown Fort Lauderdale where guests can truly get lost in nature. In addition to their historic significance, the Bonnet House grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a freshwater slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest.

Bonnet House is also a haven for migratory birds, year-round birds indigenous to Florida wetland and coastal areas, and manatees that occasionally seek refuge in the estate’s Boathouse Canal. The natural beauty, and fascinating wildlife makes Bonnet House the perfect place to step back and reconnect with nature.

If you are looking for a way to switch up your routine, be sure to visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Our vast property provides the perfect opportunity to step back in time and into nature. Plan your trip to Bonnet House and purchase your tickets here.

Aug 24
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Plan Your Next Special Event At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Ever since its inception, the Bonnet House property was designed to be enjoyed. With its perfect beach-front location, its spacious tropical gardens, and its ornate Main House, the Bonnet House property was made for people to enjoy themselves and create special memories. This is why we take great care to provide our guests with the ability to host their special events in our historic estate. From weddings to dinner parties, and all the celebrations in between, Bonnet House is well-equipped to host your next event in style.

When it comes to weddings, Bonnet House has become the premier destination for romance and timeless memories in South Florida by embodying old-world charm and understated elegance. Spanning 35 acres, Bonnet House offers a variety of exquisite settings, each uniquely beautiful in its own way. Whether you are planning a close and intimate gathering or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House can offer the perfect accommodations.

But you don’t have to be planning a wedding to make the most of the Bonnet House property. Guests have the exclusive use of the tree-lined alee, garden courtyard, waterfront veranda, hibiscus garden, or the Bonnet House Beach for whatever kind of event they desire. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings can all be made even more special when spent here at Bonnet House. Alexander Event Catering has partnered with Bonnet House to serve all of your event and catering needs. A more extensive list of pre-approved vendors that have experience on the property is also available.

Bonnet House is also offering guests the opportunity of a lifetime as part of our Re-Vitalize Campaign. For a donation of $5,000, Bonnet House will be offering a unique 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 t our 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.

As you plan your next event, we hope that you will consider Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for your rental space. Your event will be truly unique and will offer your guests unforgettable memories. C lick here to view available dates for rentals.

Jul 22
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Bonnet House Presents: A Night At The Museum

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we are always looking for new ways to provide unique experiences for our guests. Finding new ways to connect visitors with the fascinating history of South Florida is a huge part of our mission and enables us to preserve and maintain our estate. This is why we are so excited to announce that we will be continuing our 100th-anniversary celebration by offering a new, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will pamper and educate our guests.

For a gift of $5,000, donors will have the opportunity to participate in one of two luxurious “Night at the Museum” experiences. Donors may select between one experience that offers dinner for two, an overnight stay in Bonnet House’s newly renovated suite, and breakfast the next morning.  Alternatively, donors can forgo the overnight stay and host an outdoor dinner on the veranda for eight guests, entertaining friends, and family members just as the Bartletts once did.

Both of these curated experiences will immerse participants in the leisurely life once enjoyed at a 1930s beachfront estate. They both include a private, docent-guided t our of the property as well as the rare opportunity to enjoy moonlit palms and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Guests will also be immersed in the elegant entertaining traditions of the Bonnet House estate and will get a glimpse into the leisurely lifestyles of Floridians in the early 20th century.

The “Night at the Museum” program is being offered to complete our museum’s $275,000 Re-vitalize Campaign that seeks to raise funds to support Bonnet House during a period of decreased visitation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, we have raised $181,000 towards our goal. In addition to a truly memorable evening, “Night at the Museum” program participants will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped revitalize Bonnet House.

We hope that you consider joining us for an authentic “Night At The Museum” experience. Your gift to us will not only provide you with lasting memories but will also help us continue providing unique and educational experiences for years to come. For more information about this program, click here.

Jul 22
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Beautiful Shell Work On-Site At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

For much of his life, Frederick Bartlett was an avid art collector and artist, purchasing and creating unique pieces for his tropical South Florida estate. He even passed his passion for art along to his third wife, Evelyn, who became a prolific painter and talented art collector herself. Today, most of t his artwork is still on display at the Bonnet House estate for guests to enjoy as they visit the museum. But it isn’t just paintings and two-dimensional artwork that are on display throughout the estate – Bonnet House also displays quite a bit of shell art from the Bartlett’s original collection.

If you’ve toured Bonnet House in the past, you likely noticed that the Bartlett family had an affinity for shells and shell-themed artwork. In fact, eleven of Evelyn’s original paintings, and eight of Frederick’s paintings contain shells. Evelyn also purchased f our small shell assemblages that are in the shape of a bride’s basket in Nassau, which are still on display in our Music Room. As these intricate shell assemblages are very difficult to dust, we have them displayed under glass domes.

Another clear example of the Bartletts’ love for shells can be seen in the intricate shell designs in the Haitian Loggia. When the building was created, the designs were even more impressive, but a shadow of these details can still be seen today. Also featured at Bonnet House are the two shell flower arrangements in the white marble urns at the base of the pier mirrors.

Today, Bonnet House pays homage to the original owners of Bonnet House by continuing to display their shell art pieces throughout the estate. You can learn more about these pieces and other artistic elements shown throughout the museum on our guided tours available Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am-4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:30 am-11:00 am. This is the perfect opportunity to see how many different pieces of shell art you can find throughout the property.

We hope that you and your family join us for a guided tour of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. You’ll get to enjoy the natural beauty of our gardens, and learn about the artwork and design elements that make the property so unique. Click here to plan your next visit to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

Apr 20
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Historic Restoration On Bonnet House Property

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we have been busier than ever! With so many new events and classes taking place, it’s hard to imagine taking on even more major projects. But our dedicated team understands that taking care of a historic estate in South Florida is no easy feat and requires round-the-clock maintenance. That’s why we are excited to be restoring a few key areas of the Bonnet House property in the coming weeks.

Specifically, we will be focusing restoration efforts on our thatch roof, as well as the ponds located on the north and south ends of our property. These types of renovations are incredibly important to our estate and our guests. They not only ensure that our historic estate is preserved for future generations, but they also enable us to provide our guests with an enjoyable experience as they explore the Main House and gardens.

In order for Bonnet House to continue making these important historical renovations to our estate, we rely on donations from our supporters and guests. Our generous donors make our work at Bonnet House that much more effective and beneficial to our community. If you’d like to make a donation to support our restoration efforts, you can click here to donate any amount that you feel comfortable with.

While Bonnet House happily accepts donations of any amount, we do provide special options for our patrons who choose to donate large sums to our restoration efforts. For anyone interested in donating at l least five thousand dollars to the Bonnet House Revitalization project, we are offering a “Night At The Museum” experience for two in a newly refurbished second-floor suite. Depending on the amount you would prefer to donate, you can experience a multi-course dinner on our veranda with a curated menu, as well as breakfast in the morning that can include mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.

Even if you choose not to donate, we hope that you and your loved ones take some time to visit our estate to see the progress on our newest renovations. You’ll be sure to leave impressed and inspired by the beauty of our historic estate and vast gardens. To plan your next visit, and view information about admission and how we’re keeping you safe, click here.

Apr 15
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Self Guided Tours Now Available In Spanish & German

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is located i n sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our location in the center of a thriving metropolis i n South Florida puts us i n a unique position to cater to a variety of different guests that come to us from all over the world. It i s an honor to share the unique history of our estate, and the artistic legacy of the Bartlett & Birch families to people from all corners of the globe.

In an effort to ensure that all our guests can have the same opportunities to l earn about our historic estate, we have started offering self-guided tours in Spanish as well as German. We also plan on launching self guided tours i n Portuguese very soon.

Here at Bonnet House, international tourists can experience the unique charm and historic atmosphere that South Florida has to offer. With our expansive tropical and desert gardens, and our historic Main House, Bonnet House has so much to offer. By providing self guided tours in multiple languages, we aim to become a top destination for international tourists visiting Fort Lauderdale.

Bonnet House offers self guided tours Tuesdays – Fridays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Center on the day of your visit, or by visiting this webpage. Adult tickets can be purchased for $20.00 per person, and children are $8.00.

We hope that you and your l oved ones have the opportunity to visit our museum on your next visit to Fort Lauderdale. To plan your visit and learn more about how we’re keeping you safe, click here.

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