Tucked away in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a peaceful and inspiring escape from the bustle of the city. This historic estate blends art, history, and ecology on a stunning waterfront property, and features one of South Florida’s last examples of a native barrier island ecosystem. With lush gardens, fascinating art, and rich cultural heritage, Bonnet House offers a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Recommended For

This historic and artistic estate is ideal for:

  • History buffs—interested in Florida’s early settlers and historic preservation
  • Art lovers—with original works by Frederic and Helen Bartlett
  • Nature enthusiasts—with barrier island habitats and native wildlife
  • Educators and students—thanks to interactive school programs and group tours
  • Wedding and event planners—looking for a beautiful and unique venue

Overview & History

  • The site has 2,000+ years of history, once home to the Tequesta people
  • Modern history began in 1919, when Taylor Birch gifted the land to his daughter Helen and her husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett
  • The couple built Bonnet House as a vacation home and artistic retreat
  • After Helen's passing in 1925, Frederic later married Evelyn Fortune Lilly, who helped finish and preserve the home
  • In 1983, Evelyn donated the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
  • Bonnet House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984

The Bartlett Legacy & Art Collection

  • Frederic Bartlett was an accomplished painter and art collector
  • The Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection is displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Frederic and Evelyn’s artwork and personal collections are showcased in the Carl J. Weinhardt Gallery at Bonnet House

Gardens & Ecosystems

  • The grounds showcase five unique ecosystems:
    • Atlantic Ocean beach and dune
    • Mangrove wetlands
    • Freshwater slough
    • Maritime forest
    • Secondary dune
  • The Desert Garden features drought-tolerant plantings suited for South Florida
  • Evelyn Bartlett cultivated one of the largest orchid collections in the Southeast U.S.
  • Resident wildlife includes Amazon parrots, squirrel monkeys, mute swans, manatees, and gopher tortoises

Educational Programs & Tours

  • Offers specialized group tours of the Main House, grounds, and tram areas
  • School programs follow the Florida Core Standards and include:
    • Images and Impressions of the Bonnet House
    • Birch Bonnet Barrier Island Beat About
    • An Eco Here and An Eco There
    • An Old South Florida Portrait
    • Time Travel at Bonnet House – A Multicultural Past
    • The Last Egret
  • Max of 60 students per school program per day
  • One complimentary teacher/chaperone per 10 students; additional adults pay the student fee

Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Trip