Have Your Own "Night At The Museum" With Fort Lauderdale's Historic Bonnet House

If you've ever wanted your own night at the museum, here's your chance.

To commemorate a huge milestone, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens has announced that it will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new special invitation — one that will pamper as well as educate.

Bonnet House is a historic site that is part of South Florida's unique history. Built in 1920, the 35-acre subtropical estate was once home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Today, the museum offers guests a look into the home's blend of art, architecture, history, and ecology that preserves the natural setting of South Florida, situated on what is one of the last examples of a native barrier island habitat in the region.

To pay tribute to its centennial mark — and a return to socialization — the historic and whimsical 35-acre subtropical estate will be offering an opportunity for donors to participate in one of two luxurious stays for a "night at the museum."

For a gift of $5,000, donors can opt for the Night at the Museum overnight stay, which will provide guests with accommodations for two in a newly-refurbished second floor suite. In addition, the couple will be provided a multi-course dinner for two on the veranda with an individually curated menu, and breakfast in the morning that may include Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Alternatively, donors can forego the overnight stay and host an outdoor dinner on the veranda for eight guests, entertaining friends and family members just as the Bartletts did. For a gift of 5,000, donors can choose the Dinner for Eight experience, which includes a guided tour, pre-dinner cocktails, and dinner on the veranda or moon-lit courtyard. Menu options may be exquisitely personalized, executed by Oakland Park-based Hugh's Catering, and can include dishes like lobster and steak, as well as a full open bar.

Both curated experiences will immerse participants in the leisurely life once enjoyed at a 1930s era beachfront estate. Guests will be immersed in the elegant entertaining traditions of the Bonnet House estate and will experience a glimpse into the lifestyle and the world of art and Florida in the early 20th Century. This is an ongoing opportunity, with dates bookable according to a doner's preferences.

The Night at the Museum program is being offered to complete the museum's $275,000 Re-vitalize Campaign that seeks to raise funds to support Bonnet House during a period of decreased visitation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the museum has raised $181,000 towards its goal.

In addition to a memorable evening, Night at the Museum participants will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped re-vitalize Bonnet House. For more information about the “Night at the Museum” experiences please visit bonnethouse.org/re-vitalize-bonnet-house.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve this unique historic estate of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Through enjoyable and enriching cultural experiences, the Museum connects today’s community to the Bartletts’ architectural, artistic, and environmental legacy.

Bonnet House. 900 North Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale; bonnethouse.org. Tours take place Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.