These Aren’t Your Grandma’s Museum Events

When you think of Museums, you usually think of traditional exhibits, featuring paintings and sculptures by the masters, prehistoric fossils and artifacts, historical documents and photographs, etc. But not every museum is limited to these staples of art and culture. Nowadays, many museums cater to very unique interests and tastes, making them stand out from the rest in fun and informative ways. We thought it would be great to compile a list of these distinctive museum events to both encourage reluctant museum attendees and provide refreshing alternatives to museum lovers looking for something a little different to add to their cultural rosters when planning their next outing.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Robert Winthrop Chanler: Discovering the Fantastic [Book Launch & Signing] May 20, 6-8 pm

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens hosts the official launch and signing for “Robert Winthrop Chanler: Discovering the Fantastic,” the first study of its kind in the past eight years. The book explores the life and work of the elusive muralist responsible for site-specific works at the iconic Miami estate, including the decorative ceiling in Vizcaya’s pool grotto and the Vizcayan Bay screen on view in Deering’s Sitting Room.Vizcaya's Curator, Gina Wouters, and Conservator, Lauren Hall will also be on hand for signing copies of the book and engage with guests in a lively discussion about Chanler and the works created for Vizcaya. Tickets for the opening event are $7 for members and $15 for non-members. Tickets include a discount for the purchase of the book. Tickets are available for purchase online and photos are available for download as well.

3251 S. Miami Avenue, Miami
305.250.9133
www.vizcaya.org

Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square

Extraordinary 6x6 Art Sale
July 28, 6-8pm

Experience extraordinary art and take home an original! A unique display of donated 6x6-inch works in a variety of media, by local and national artists, will be on sale for just $30. See the current exhibit, Lit, featuring contemporary artwork by creatives working with light. Cash bar and light bites available. Suggested $5 donation.

51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
561.243.7922
www.OldSchoolSquare.org

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Seminole Story Days May 5, 6 & 7, 9am-5pm

Spend a day in beautiful Big Cypress! Watch engaging hand-to-hand combat and weapon demonstrations reenacted by the Big Cypress Martial Arts team. Enjoy interactive 18th and 19th century period presentations featuring tools of war and camp elements. Join the museum in honoring the Seminole voices as they express a history largely written by others, showcased in the “Struggle for Survival, 1817-1858” exhibit.
Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation

34725 West Boundary Rd., Clewiston
877.902.1113
www.ahtahthiki.com

Lowe Art Museum

Sip & Sketch
May 6, 7-9pm

Participate in guided art making with UM Professor Jackie Gopie while enjoying light refreshments and a glass of wine. Jackie provides direction for creating a drawing or painting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere in the Lowe’s Education Pavilion. $45 ($35 for Lowe members) includes materials, instruction and two glasses of wine. Must be 21.

1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables
305.284.1540
www.lowemuseum.org

Old Davie School

Historical Museum
The Barbie Story
Tuesdays thru Saturdays in July,
10am–2pm

Barbie fans rejoice! Throughout the museum, a display of Barbie’s from her beginnings in 1959 to present, as told by a collector. On July 30 there will be a “Tea with Barbie,” from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, featuring a Fabulous Fashion Show showcasing a variety of Barbie’s from her exciting adventures. Tea & treats are served while you take photos and autographs with Barbie and her friends. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.OldDavieSchool.org

6650 Griffin Road, Davie, FL
954.797.1044
www.OldDavieSchool.org

Museum of Discovery and Science

Asian Pacific American
Heritage Celebration
May 14 & 15, Noon to 4pm

Dancers! Music! Drummers! May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Join MODS for Music and Dancing, Food and Flowers, Arts and Crafts, Surfing Lessons and more! It’s an exciting way for the whole family to experience the cultures of Asia and the South Pacific Islands.

401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale
954.713.0930
www.mods.org

The Wolfsonian

Promising Paradise

Through photographs, posters, and promotional ephemera drawn primarily from a gift by Vicki Gold Levi, Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure, American Seduction revisits the past relationship between the United States and Cuba, that left lasting traces in both nations. From the Prohibition era of the 1920s through the postwar tourism boom of the 1950s, the exhibition traces how wealthy Americans and celebrities were lured to the exotic nightclubs, casinos, and cabarets of Cuba —creating a flood of tourism, a perception of glamor, and a craze for Latin music and dance in the U.S. On select Sundays, join them for an intimate guided tour of Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure, American Seduction at The Wolfsonian at 5pm, followed by a classic Cuba-themed film across the street at the Cinematheque at 6pm. The summer film series tied to this event includes: Week-End in Havana (1941) on May 8, 6pm; A Lady without Passport (1950) on May 29, 6pm; Our Man in Havana (1959) on June 19, 6pm; and Soy Cuba (1964) on July 10, 6pm.

1001 Washington Avenue,
Miami Beach
305.535.2622
www.wolfsonian.org

Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts

Ardmore Exhibit

Ardmore has long been recognized by the international art world and recently their colorful designs of African flora and fauna have appeared on luxurious Hermès scarves. The WMODA exhibition of Ardmore includes many other African animals, which burst out of luxuriant foliage to form vibrant vases, tureens and bowls. Ardmore is one of the most popular exhibits at WMODA and it’s worth a visit just to see this gallery.

481 South Federal Highway,
Dania Beach
754.227.8968
www.WMODA.com

Historic Stranahan House Museum

Pineapple Jam

Every April, the Historic Stranahan House Museum hosts its annual Pineapple Jam. This tropical celebration is complimented by waterfront vistas under the stars and the view of the statuesque Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and starting point of Fort Lauderdale. Featuring house tours, a cocktail reception, a silent auction, dinner, and a live auction, the funds raised from Pineapple Jam sustain the House’s education and preservation programs all year long.

335 Southeast 6th Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale
954.524.4736
www.stranahanhouse.org

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Spring Fling Celebration

Even though you just missed the most recent one in April, you should definitely mark your calendars for next Spring, when Historic Bonnet House hosts its always anticipated celebration! Besides touring the historic house museum – filled with a delightful collection of art and personal treasures from the Bartlett family – and exploring the spectacular nature trails filled with native plants and trees, Spring Fling participants will also enjoy beautiful musical performances and cultural events. Recent performers included the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra (featuring selections from "Arcangelo Hungarian Dances" and Felix Mendelsohn's "String Symphony No. 2 in D Major"), and author Bill Sydnor reading from his book, "Mitchell's Magical Day at Bonnet House.

900 North Birch Road,
Fort Lauderdale
954.563.5393
www.bonnethouse.org