Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - Iconic South Florida Historic Museum And Estate Offers A Variety Of Art Classes, Workshops, Exhibitions, Horticulture And More

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a fanciful blend of art, architecture, history, and ecology, provides a charming destination for vacationers or day trips for visitors. At the Bonnet House, visitors can experience what life was like on a beachfront estate in the 1930’s and 1940’s. The 35-acre grounds contain the Main House which features a whimsical collection of decorative sculptures and fine art, as well as nature trails ideal for families. Bonnet House offers exciting self-guided and guided tours, programs, events, workshops, classes, and a speaker series.

Interested visitors can become a Bonnet House Member for $65 annually and receive significant discounts on classes, workshops and special events, as well as receive free admission to Bonnet House year-round.

In addition, Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM) is Monday, September 1st, 2025 - Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, where visitors who mention BAMM will receive one regular price admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free.

All upcoming classes and events at the Bonnet House can be registered for in advance. Please visit: www.bonnethouse.org/events - Or call: (954) 703-2606:

Classes & Workshops:

Birding Classes

Sunday, October 5th, 2025 & Sunday, November 9th, 2025; from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join birder extraordinaire, Paddy Cunningham, to discover the wonderful world of birding on the beautiful Bonnet House Estate. Each class will include an informative PowerPoint, numerous handouts, workshop activity and a walk around the garden to look for birds.

Cost: $25/Members, $30/Non-members

Watercolor Basics Workshop

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 – Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join watercolorist Barbara DiMartini on the Historic Bonnet House Veranda for six weeks of classes. Learn the basic techniques of painting with watercolor. All classes will be on the Bonnet House Veranda overlooking the freshwater slough.

Cost: $220/Members, $250/Non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)

Intermediate Watercolor Workshop

Thursday, October 9th, 2025 – Thursday, November 13th, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join watercolorist Barbara DiMartini on the Bonnet House Veranda for this six-week session. The workshop includes traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing, as well as time to paint in the gardens. Art tables are available in a shaded area.

Cost: $220/Member, $250/Non -Member. All class registrations are final and non-refundable.

Yoga on the Veranda

Friday, October 17th, 2025, Friday, November 14th, 2025, Friday, January 9th, 2026, Friday, February 6th, 2026, Friday, March 13th, 2026, Friday, April 17th, 2026 & Friday, May 15th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The best medicine is nature! Join Lisa Pumper, E-RYT 500, YACEP, to experience deep healing, restoration, and rejuvenation as we return to nature with a slow sacred Hatha Yoga flow on the beautiful Bonnet House Veranda.

Cost: $25/Member, $30/Non-member. Includes self-guided grounds tours.

Is Beekeeping Right for You? with Master Beekeeper Joanna Diamond

Saturday, October 25th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Many people want to keep bees, they think they can just put them in a box and that’s it – but being a responsible beekeeper is so much more complicated and involved – come and learn the facts of Beekeeping.

Cost: $30/Members, $40/Non-members

Oil/Acrylic Workshop

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 – Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join teacher Bonny Opie to learn how to create beautiful images with oil/acrylic paint. Basic oil/acrylic techniques such as underpainting, glazing, composition, and the use of light and color will be covered. All artists are welcome.

Cost: $220/Members, $250/Non-members

Orchid Care Classes

(2) 2-hour classes

Orchid Basics: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Orchid Replanting & Mounting: Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There are two Orchid Care classes that are 2 hours each. Classes will include a tour of the Orchid Display House and the Orchid Greenhouses.

Cost: $30/Members, $35/Non-Members

Oil/Acrylic Painting Workshops (6 weeks)

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 - Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 – Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn how to create beautiful images with oil/acrylic paint. Basic oil/acrylic techniques such as underpainting, glazing, composition, and the use of light and color will be covered. All artists are welcome.

Cost: $220/Members, $250/Non-members

Watercolor Workshops (6 weeks)

Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 - Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 – Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join watercolorist Barbara DiMartini in the historic Bonnet House Gardens for these six-week sessions. The workshops include traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing and time to paint in the gardens. Art tables are available in a shaded area.

Cost: $220/Members, $250/Non-members

Acrylic Painting Workshops (6 weeks)

Thursday, January 8th, 2026 – Thursday, February 12th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 – Thursday, March 26th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

These two six-week sessions with Fine Artist Jane Riles in the historic Bonnet House Courtyard include basic principles of acrylic painting and time to paint in the covered courtyard and gardens.

Cost: $220/Members, $250/Non-members

Events:

Bonnet House Fine Artist Member Exhibits and Opening Receptions

Currently Running Exhibit: Now – Sunday, September 7th, 2025

Exhibit: Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 – Sunday, November 2nd, 2025

Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Exhibit: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 – Sunday, January 4th, 2026

Opening Reception: Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Exhibit: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 – Sunday, March 8th, 2026

Opening Reception: Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Step into a vibrant celebration of local creativity in the Gallery’s middle room, where the Bonnet House Fine Artists’ Exhibits showcase a rotating collection of works by talented regional artists.

Join us for each exhibit’s opening reception, where you’ll enjoy a sparkling wine welcome, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar offering beer, wine, and soda. It’s a relaxed and inviting setting—perfect for connecting with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts. All art is available for purchase and benefits both the artist and the museum.

Cost for Opening Receptions: $5/Members, $10/Non-members (each exhibit is included with general admission)

Secret Fort Lauderdale Meet & Greet and Book Signing with Author Christiana Lily

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Did you know Evelyn Fortune Bartlett was the ultimate hostess for her guests to the Bonnet House? Learn more about the eccentric artist from the author of the brand-new "Secret Fort Lauderdale," which highlights other obscure, weird and wonderful stories from Greater Fort Lauderdale. You just might leave with the recipe to Evelyn's iconic cocktail!

Cost: $10 (registration required https://www.bonnethouse.org/event/secret/)

Holiday Magic

Friday, December 5th, 2025, Saturday, December 6th, 2025, Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Thursday, December 11th, 2025 & Friday, December 12th, 2025

Celebrate Five Nights of Holiday Magic at the Whimsical and Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens! The House and grounds will be lit up and sparkling during this five-day holiday celebration. The celebration kicks off Friday, December 5 with a VIP Opening Reception followed by Whimsical Wonderland, an evening for families, on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 and then followed with magical Evening Experiences on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Thursday, December 11th, 2025 & Friday, December 12th, 2025 with live music and libations each night. All the trees, wreaths, and centerpieces throughout the house will be lit and designed to delight, and will be for sale.

Costs:

Holiday Magic VIP Opening Reception Friday, December 5th, 2025: VIP $150

Whimsical Wonderland on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 and Evening Experiences on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Thursday, December 11th, 2025 & Friday, December 12th, 2025:

General Admission Adult, includes two drink tickets: $35/Members, $40/Non-members

Ages 13 – 17: $15; Ages 6 – 12: $5; Ages 5 & under: Free

ZimSculpt – Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit from Zimbabwe

Thursday, January 15th, 2026 – Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from open to close daily

Honoring the artistic legacy of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, ZimSculpt, will provide a high-quality, immersive, and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Experience over 2,000 inspiring, hand-carved stone sculptures by 150 artists from Zimbabwe. Displayed throughout Bonnet House, this extraordinary exhibit will transform the grounds into a sanctuary of global artistry. The exhibit will include daily live demonstrations by two renowned artists sculpting on-site, offering an immersive look into traditional Shona carving tools and techniques. All artwork will be available for purchase—from bold garden centerpieces to small décor items and meaningful gifts—directly supporting Zimbabwean artists.

Cost: Included with General Admission

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $50, includes light fare and cocktails by Hugh’s Catering

International Orchid & Garden Festival

Saturday, April 11th, 2026 & Sunday, April 12th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The annual festival welcomes orchid enthusiasts and plant lovers alike to vividly experience and purchase diverse, colorful and fragrant varieties of orchids, tropical plants, herbs, and fruit trees sold by local and international vendors. The two-day event will take place rain or shine. Admission includes Orchid Festival and Self-Guided House & Grounds tours. Children 12 & under are free. No discounts or group rates apply. There will be no guided house tours during the festival weekend. All tickets are valid for either day, and are non-refundable.

Cost: $25, Includes Orchid Festival, Zim Sculpt Exhibit, Gardens, Lectures, and Tours

Special Family Days

Saturday, November 15th, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 28th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us for memorable Special Family Days at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, filled with engaging activities for all ages! Explore the grounds, wander through scenic nature trails, home to native plants, majestic trees, and graceful wading birds. Tour the Historic House Museum and step inside and discover charming and delightful collections of art and personal treasures from the Bartlett family. Relax on the veranda while you enjoy live classical performances by the talented Gold Coast Youth Orchestra. Family-friendly activities include participating in a variety of fun and educational activities designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Cost: Half price for adults and free for those 13 years old and under, tickets can be purchased at the door

2026 Speaker Series

Monday, January 12th, 2026

Guest Speaker – Bonnet House Historian Kent Planck

“Hugh Taylor Birch”

Monday, February 9th, 2026

Guest Speaker – ZimSculpt Founders

ZimSculpt: Hand-carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Guest Speaker – Dr. Ott

Seashells: Nature’s Sculptures

Cost: Free/Members, $5/Non-members

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is open for self-guided tours Tuesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Guided tours are also available. Members are always free. Click here to become a member today. For more information, please visit: www.bonnethouse.org.

About the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens:

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Bonnet House, Inc. is a NonProfit, 501c3, whose mission is to celebrate the story of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, and preserve the art, history and nature of Bonnet House, providing inspiration and respite for all. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and is open for tours Tuesday–Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturday — Sunday from 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit: www.bonnethouse.org.