Key West Audubon House: A Breathtaking Combination of Tropical Gardens and Timeless Art Masterpieces
One of the most visited places in Key West is the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens on Whitehead Street. It offers an acre of lush landscaped gardens with stunning views of tropical foliage such as bromeliads and orchids, as well as a 19th-century-style herb garden and nursery.
In addition to antique furniture collected from Europe, this tourist attraction contains the first 28 original paintings by renowned ornithologist John James Audubon. These classic works of art are housed separately in the Audubon House Gallery, where you can view other original 19th-century art, as well as a large selection of unique Audubon images.
A brief history of the Audubon House
This classic example of early American architecture was built by Captain John H. Geiger in the 1840s. Captain Geiger was a state-licensed harbor pilot and demolition master, earning a living saving ships at a time when Shipwrecks were a daily occurrence on the key’s dangerous reefs. Captain Geiger and his wife Lucretia lived in this house with his nine children.
The Geiger estate provided the perfect background for the works of John James Audubon. Audubon visited the Dry Tortugas and the Florida Keys in 1832, where he identified and drew 18 new Florida birds while conducting ornithological surveys in the gardens of the Geiger estate. Many of his bird paintings have trees and other backgrounds that can be found around the house.
The Geiger house was saved from scheduled demolition by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation in 1958. It was Key West’s first of many restoration projects.
masterpieces for sale
The Audubon House Fine Arts Gallery contains an astonishing collection of first edition prints and watercolor lithographs by John James Audubon made between 1830 and 1859. In addition to the original paintings, the Audubon House Fine Arts Gallery offers limited edition replicas of these 19th century masterpieces for dirty.
A wide variety of gift items can be purchased in the museum shop. Metal, porcelain and ceramic pieces, both functional and decorative, are adorned with designs of tropical plants, flowers and birds. These items are for sale, as well as antiques, jewelry, reproductions, home decor, and children’s educational items.
Memorable occasions in a classic setting.
The abundant tropical gardens that inspired Audubon’s paintings are available for social occasions and business functions. Special lighting is installed throughout the one-acre property to illuminate the trees and grounds.
The gardens are ideal for any occasion, from informal parties to catered weddings. Corporate events, buffet or plated dinners and wedding receptions will always be memorable occasions in the ambiance of this timeless classic setting. GP
