Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

• Why was the Geiger home built in Key West?

  • In October of 1846, a massive hurricane destroyed most of the homes on the island of Key West, Florida. In the wake of the storm, Captain John Geiger, master wrecker, decided to build a grand home to reflect the wealth and status of his family. He chose the corner of Whitehead and Greene Street so that anyone coming or going from the waterfront would be able to see the home there.

• What materials and style were used in the construction of the Geiger home?

  • The home was built in the American Classic Revival style of architecture using Dade County Pine, a hardwood impervious to termites and now extinct. Other expensive hardwoods such as mahogany and cypress were also used in the home.

• How long did the Geiger family live in the home?

  • Four generations of Geiger’s lived in the home for over 100 years, with the most recent being Captain William Bradford Smith. Unfortunately, William was a recluse who lived alone and never installed electricity, running water or a functional indoor kitchen in the home. When he died in 1956, the home was in very bad shape, not livable, and slated for demolition.

• Who saved and restored the Geiger home?

  • Luckily, the Wolfson family, who had close ties to Key West, purchased and restored the home for use as a museum in 1958. They added electricity as part of the renovation, added Audubon art, antique furnishings from the early 1800s (including some that belonged to the original Geiger family), and opened the museum in 1960. The Museum is currently operated by the Wolfson family through the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation.

• What is the main attraction of the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens?

  • The main attraction of the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is the Home itself. The home was renovated by the Wolfson family in the late 1950s and turned into a museum to commemorate the lifestyle of the early 19^th century when the home was built, as well as the artwork of James Audubon, who painted 22 of the original 435 Havell plates in Dr. Benjamin Strobel’s house, which was located on the site of the Audubon House before it was built. Many of the images of flora in the artworks are said to have been in the gardens.

• What can you see and experience inside the Audubon House?

  • Guided tours of the three-story home are offered daily. Most of the furniture in the home are antiques from the early 18^th century that have been collected and placed for authenticity. Others, such as the dining room table and a painting of Captain John Geiger, were owned by the original family. Visitors should also be aware that the Audubon House is certified as haunted. Paranormal investigators claim William Smith, the last descendant, haunts the third floor, and reports of child’s laughter and sightings of a young girl have also been made.

• What is the significance of the outdoor cook house?

  • One unique feature of the Audubon House is the outdoor cook house. To avoid heat and fire, homes in the early 19^th century often had separate cook houses. The original cook house was demolished in 1958 due to its condition, but a replica was built in 2012 that is historically accurate to an 1850’s model. It is furnished with period antiques and includes a medicinal herb garden to show how cooking and care-taking were done at the time.

• What can visitors expect in the tropical gardens?

  • Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the acre of tropical gardens and view more than 200 orchids in bloom. There are also rare palms, crotons, butterflies, birds, and a koi pond that honors local poet John Malcolm Brinnin. The pond includes ample seating to relax and watch the Heron. According to legend, these gardens are where John Audubon found inspiration for his drawings.

• What is featured at the Audubon House Gallery?

  • Adjacent from The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is The Audubon House Gallery, which features art prints and some originals of John James Audubon. In addition to the collection of original 19^th century works, there are also select limited editions available, as well as the gallery owner’s own special editions of Birds of the Florida Keys.

• What can visitors find at the Museum Gift Shop?

  • The Museum Gift Shop is located on the property and offers a wide array of art, prints, collectibles, gifts, and educational materials. Visitors will find art by John James Audubon as well as pottery, jewelry, paintings and drawings by local artists, and antique collectibles. The shop also has an extensive book collection that explores Audubon and life in 19^th century Key West.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, Phone: 305-294-2116,