Written by Nikki Chasteen
Visiting a museum may not be the first idea that comes to mind when you and your friends, or just you, are bored on the weekends. But what you may not know is how many cool museums are around NSU’s campus. The greater Fort Lauderdale area is quite historic and offers a variety of museums for students, their families and friends. While there are too many to list – I was shocked myself to see just how many museums there are in the Fort Lauderdale and Davie community – here are a few museums to get you started.
NSU Art Museum
1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
The NSU Art Museum in downtown Fort Lauderdale is free for NSU students, alumni, faculty and staff. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Artists currently being featured include William J. Glackens, Samson Kambalu, the Regeneration Series, Francesco Clemente and Belief + Doubt. A new collection by Catherine Opie will open Feb. 12 and close on June 18.
Stranahan House
335 Southeast 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
The Stranahan House has been part of the history of Fort Lauderdale since Frank Stranahan built the house in 1901. The Stranahans were important figures in the development of Fort Lauderdale as we know it today. The house became a museum in 1981, after being purchased by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. The admission for the Stranahan House is $12. Daily tours start at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Stranahan House offers a variety of special events throughout the year. Coming up on Mar. 18, the Stranahan House will be hosting a Mad Hatter Tea Party. The admission for this special event is $25.
Old Davie School Historical Museum
6650 Griffin Road, Davie
Opened in 1918, Old Davie School House served approximately 90 students, according to the museum’s website. The school house was the first permanent school to serve the Everglades, and it is the oldest school in Broward County. In addition to the museum, the property also contains other attractions like the Viele House. Although the home was moved from its original location, it was restored to be structurally sound. The Viele’s were paramount to the development of the Davie community. Another home you can visit is the Walsh-Osterhoudt House, which was brought to the Old Davie School property as part of a relocation project at the request of the Osterhoudt family. Lastly, the Pioneer Hut is a replica of what a pioneer hut would have looked like in 1908. According to the website, the Pioneer Hut was designed to signify “how the pioneer spirit lives on in Davie.” Admission for the Old Davie School House and the Walsh-Osterhoudt house is $10. The museum and houses are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Museum of Science and Discovery
401 Southwest 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale
The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Science and Discovery is located a few blocks away from the NSU Art Museum. If it’s a really cloudy day, you can even do both. General admission to the museum is $16. They are open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On display now are exhibits such as “To Fly,” “Living in the Everglades,” “Ecodiscovery Center” and “Powerful You.” Of course, the museum is also home to the IMAX and IMAX 3D theaters which have feature documentaries, as well as a full-feature Hollywood movie. The IMAX is currently showing “Star Wars: Rogue One.” The price ranges for the different IMAX viewing options, so be sure to check the availability at mods.org/visit/index.html#prices before going.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House is a collection of gardens and nature trails, as well as the former home of the daughter of Hugh Taylor Birch, who bought the home for his daughter as a wedding gift in 1919. The home is located on the property inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and offers plenty to see, including tours during the day. Public tours begin Tuesday through Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and run every hour with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is guided. Admission is $20. According to the museum’s website, picnics are welcome with paid admission. A picnic in the gardens with your significant other or besties makes for a relaxing time to get your mind off classes and assignments. In addition to the museum and orchid gardens, the property also has an art gallery.
So next time you are sitting at home or in your dorm room and you are wondering what you could possibly do when it’s not sunny enough to catch some rays, go check out some of Broward County’s historical museums. There is a museum for everyone. Get out and explore. You might have a good time and learn something new about your community. Whether you are a native to Florida, South Florida, an international or out-of-state student, there is a museum in the community for you to check out.
