Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is one of Fort Lauderdale’s hidden gems. In addition to the architectural, cultural, and artistic elements of the Bonnet House, the estate is home to magnificent gardens that happen to be one of the last examples of a native barrier island replication habitat within South Florida.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens History

What is the historical significance of Bonnet House?
- The earliest activity on the site dates back to 2,000 B.C. with the Tequesta people.
- Studies suggest Bonnet House may have been one of the first places the Spanish landed in the New World.
When did the modern history of Bonnet House begin?
- The modern history of Bonnet House began in 1919.
- Taylor Birch gave the estate as a wedding gift to his daughter, Helen, and her husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett.
- The land was unoccupied when they received it.
Who built Bonnet House?
- Helen and Frederic Clay Bartlett built Bonnet House after receiving the land.
- The house was used as a vacation home where they could pursue their artistic passions.
What happened to Bonnet House after Helen's passing?
- Helen passed away from lung cancer in 1925.
- Frederic rarely visited Bonnet House in the five years following her death.
How did Evelyn Fortune Lilly contribute to Bonnet House?
- In 1931, Frederic remarried Evelyn Fortune Lilly.
- Together, they decorated and embellished Bonnet House in a style similar to what is seen today.
- After Frederic's passing in 1953, Evelyn continued to visit Bonnet House every winter.
When was Bonnet House donated for preservation?
- In 1983, Evelyn donated the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
- This was considered Florida’s largest charitable gift at the time.
What official recognitions has Bonnet House received?
- In 1984, Bonnet House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- In 2002, it was officially named a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Art at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Who was Frederic Bartlett?
- Frederic Bartlett was an avid art collector and painter.
Where is Frederic Bartlett’s art collection displayed?
- Bartlett’s renowned and rare art collection with his wife Helen is displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago.
- The collection is known as the Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection.
Did Frederic Bartlett continue collecting and creating art after Helen's passing?
- Yes, Frederic continued to collect and create art after Helen’s passing.
- His passion for art was also shared with his third wife, Evelyn.
Where can Frederic and Evelyn’s artwork be seen?
- Their works have been featured in a variety of renowned art museums.
- The majority of their work and collections are displayed in the Carl J. Weinhardt Gallery at Bonnet House.
Where can I find more information about the art and artifacts in Bonnet House?
- For more details, visit the Bonnet House official website.

Bonnet House Gardens

What ecosystems are found in the Bonnet House estate’s gardens?
- The estate features five distinct ecosystems:
What is the Desert Garden?
- The Desert Garden is a notable section of the estate that features a variety of plants suited to a dry and humid climate.
What was Evelyn Bartlett’s contribution to the gardens?
- Evelyn Bartlett contributed a significant orchid collection to the gardens.
- This collection is recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Southeast United States.
What animals can be found in the Bonnet House gardens?
- The gardens are home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Educational Opportunities at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

What educational opportunities are available at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens?
- The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers group tours and school programs as its main educational opportunities.
What specialized group tours are available?
- Each specialized group tour focuses on a different aspect of the estate and requires a minimum number of guests.
- The available tours include:
What school programs are offered at Bonnet House?
- Each school program integrates the Florida Core Standards into fun and educational activities.
- The school programs include:
What is the maximum number of students allowed per school program?
- Each school program can accommodate a maximum of 60 students per day.
What are the requirements for school program payments and chaperones?
- Schools must arrange payment on or before their reserved program date.
- For every 10 students, one classroom teacher or chaperone is complimentary.
- Additional teachers or chaperones must pay the general student fee.
Where can I find more information about Bonnet House’s educational opportunities?
- Visit the Bonnet House official website for more details.
- You can also contact or visit them during their standard hours of operation.
Where is the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens located?
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Phone: 954-563-5393

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens History
2. Art at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
3. Bonnet House Gardens
4. Educational Opportunities at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens