Bonnet House

Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House is one of the city's Historical Landmarks. In 1919, Hugh Birch gave the Bonnet House to his daughter Helen and her husband Frederic Clay Bartlett. Bartlett was an artist from Chicago, and Helen played music and wrote poetry. Helen died of breast cancer in 1925, and the site was barely visited until Bartlett met and married a woman named Evelyn in 1931. Between Frederic and Evelyn, the Bonnet House came alive with art. 

Today visitors can view the Bartlett's art and decor in this beautiful historic house. Admission is $20 per person, and there are discounted rates for children, senior citizens and groups. You can catch a tour Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Sunday noon to 3 p.m.
 

Bonnet House's Music Series features the Florida Grand Opera, the University of Miami Frost School of Music, Florida Atlantic University's Department of Music and the Palm Beach Opera. Come relax at Bonnet House and hear beautiful arias and duets. You can purchase tickets for one performance or a discounted rate for the entire series.
 

There's a lot going on at Bonnet House, so check out the calendar of events. You can attend lectures, drawing classes, calligraphy, bird walks and watercolor workshops at this culturally inspiring landmark. Temporary and rotating art exhibits frequently make their way to Bonnet House as well, giving you lots of reasons to visit.
 

It pays to be a member at Bonnet House. Members enjoy free admission, discounted rates for classes, events and music, and complimentary admission to certain historical gardens around town.
 

If you're interested in holding a party, wedding or event at Bonnet House, click here for rental information.

- by Jessica Bates, Fort Lauderdale Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.