The Link Trainer Building in Fort Lauderdale became the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. It is of great importance, having served as one of the 257 air stations in World War II. It aims at the preservation of national as well as international naval air artifacts in a way that educates the public. The museum was dismantled in 1998 and relocated to its current location in 1999. The research library offers a great deal of knowledge via more than 3000 volumes, touching various aspects of history.
The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to the history of the African-American community of the United States. The beautiful library is adorned with sculptures and is stocked with resources that aid the study of African-American and Caribbean legacy and culture. The AARLCC is also a cultural center with an ultra-modern auditorium, meeting room and a special art gallery, which exhibits artworks of renowned artists. The place often hosts cultural and recreational programs.
Built in 1927, a historic firehouse adorned the heart of the Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Today, serving as a museum, this facility welcomes visitors for an insightful journey across an eventful decade that saw the transformation of the city’s fire department. Housed within the Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum is an array of photos, videos and ancient equipment, which chronicle the evolution of the department. You will also find old uniforms of fire personnel alongside information about major fires and emergencies of the cities that were valiantly controlled by them.
Dating back to 1921, this historic two-story, 35.4-acre (14.16-hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, which is what makes the land so special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named after a waterlily, which once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.
On the chic Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, you'll encounter boutiques, narrow alleyways, brick walkways, tiny white lights twinkling in windows, and dozens of trendy restaurants. Among the several shopping and dining options, you might also come across dessert cafes and live jazz bars that are always packed. Clothing boutiques, gift shops, hair salons, and art galleries round out the list. The wide variety of shops and services available ensures you'll be able to find exactly what you need.
Dating back to 1901 and built by the “Father of Fort Lauderdale,” Stranahan House is also referred to as the Pioneer House. In 1984, this mansion was opened for public viewing as a house museum, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting this landmark annually today. Now a historic riverside museum, the elegantly restored house contains antiques, turn-of-the-century furnishings and old photographs of the area. It is also an example of classic Florida Frontier architecture, which is also seen in post offices, town hall and general stores of the city. This lovely museum can also be hired for private events and special celebrations. The events hosted here include the Pineapple Jam, the Peter Pan Pirate Party and more
ArtServe situated in the busy East Sunrise Boulevard is a getaway for Fort Lauderdale's artistic and creative minds. The various temporary and permanent exhibitions at this wonderful art gallery features work by talented underground as well as popular artists. Sketches, paintings, photographs, amazing sculptures and murals amongst many others is what you can expect at ArtServe. Every Tuesday is open mic night where you will get to witness raw and unfiltered comedy as well as music performed by artists in the neighborhood. Apart from these, classes in dance, stand-up comedy, performing arts, visual arts, music, acting, photography and wellness are offered to people of all ages.
With a history dating back to 1951, The Classic Gateway Theatre still retains its retro charm and legacy. Offering classic hits for nostalgic movie goers as well the latest blockbusters and independent movies for the more modern cinema lover, this movie theater is one of the most loved in the neighborhood. Renovated with digital halls and comfortable seating, it also hosts festivals and other events.
Since its inception, Empire Stage has been dishing out some of the most iconic shows and performances the city has seen. Owned and run by a group of artists, this theater is one of the flag-bearers for local performers, artists and the arts. Committed to inspiring audiences with dynamic theatrical productions, the theater plays host to a number of original and reproduced shows. From drama, comedies and tragedies, to musicals, contemporary stage shows and classics; entertainment and inspiration comes in many forms at the Empire Stage.
The War Memorial Auditorium was built to honor the veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars. From trade shows to concerts and graduation ceremonies to receptions, it hosts nearly 200 events annually. Spread across a vast area of 20,000 square feet, it can accommodate nearly 2,000 people. It has been recently renovated to include facilities like adjustable house lighting and acoustical curtains. Be it a festival or a trade exhibition, it will surely be a hassle free experience.
If you are looking for a night's live entertainment, you can hardly do better than Parker Playhouse when in Fort Lauderdale. Comedies, tragedies, musicals and more are performed on Parker Playhouse's stage. At this 1167-capacity theater established in 1967, you can catch anything from Charlotte's Web to The Nutcracker.