Arts & Entertainment

Although Broward County is better known for its tourism, we take equal pride in a commitment to cultural growth. As you will quickly discover, music, theater, art and dance flourish through widespread community interest.

Art

• The Broward Art Guild
  provides classes for artists and the general public, monthly gallery shows and outdoor festivals. Phone: 764-2005
   
• The Museum of Art
  houses permanent exhibits and features changing exhibits, from visiting artists, as well as films, lectures, theater and tours. Phone: 525-5500
   
• The 85,000-square-foot Museum of Discovery and Science
  features seven exhibit areas including EcoScapes, KidScience, Sound, Choose Health, Space Base, No Place Like Home and a Traveling Exhibit Hall show-casing temporary exhibits from museums across the country. The Museum's Blockbuster IMAX Theater is equipped with a five-story screen and a 42-speaker digital sound system and offers a variety of thrilling film adventures for all ages. Phone: 467-6637

Music

• The Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida
  performs classical and pop concerts in both Broward and Palm Beach counties. The season runs from October through May. Phone: 561-2997
   
• The Opera Guild
  is the oldest cultural institution in Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1945. Phone: 728-9700
   
• The Coral Ridge Concert Series
  Phone 491-1103.

Theater

• The Broward Center For The Performing Arts
  hosts a variety of theatrical and musical performances. It is ideally located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, overlooking Sailboat Bend on the New River. Phone:462-0222
   
• The Parker Playhouse
  presents musicals, drama and comedy from December through May. Top Broadway names and hits are featured. Phone: 764-0700
   
• The Sunrise Musical Theater
  features top name entertainers year round. Phone: 523-3309
   
• The War Memorial Auditorium
  offers local concerts and entertainment. Phone: 761-5381
   
• The Vinnette Carroll Theater
  has local presentations of original plays written by Vinnette Carroll. Phone: 462-2424
   
• The Ft. Lauderdale Children's Theater
  presents plays for children of all ages. Phone: 763-6882

Dance

• The Ft. Lauderdale Ballet
  is a touring ballet company with major performances during the holiday season. Regular auditions are held for aspiring young dancers. Phone: 537-4195

Museums

• Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History
  431 5. Federal Highway 925-7770 Dania 33044
  Occupying a brand-new building crowned by a massive skeletal cranium, Graves museum has assembled an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits, ranging from marine archaeology to minerals. Dramatic displays cover the eras from Tequesta Indian times in South Florida to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the pre-Hispanic Americas, and the Near Fast.
   
• Himmarshee Village/King-Cromartie House/New River Inn/Bryan Homes/Fort Lauderdale Historical Museum
  219 SW Second Ave. 463-4431 Fort Lauderdale, 33301
  In the early days of Fort Lauderdale, the New River was the center of life. Named Himmarshee or "new water" by the Native Americans when it supposedly sprang up overnight, the river was the site of the New River Inn, which is the new home of the Fort Lauderdale Historic Society. Next door is the tiny King-Cromartie House, Which has been painstakingly restored and furnished by local historians. A few steps away are the Bryan Homes-built in 1905 by P.N. Bryan for his sons - which have been converted to the Chart House Restaurant.
   
• Kissimee Billie Swamp Safari
  Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
  Alligator Alley (I-75) Exit 14, 23 miles west of Fort Lauderdale, 15 miles into park (800) 949-6101
  Take the venerable Seminole tribe, add a touch of 20th-century technology season with swampland toss in a gazelle or two. and you've got Billie Swamp Safari, a roarin' ride through the fabled Florida Everglades.
   
• Museum of Discovery and Science Blockbuster IMAX Theater
  401 SW Second St. Fort Lauderdale
  467-6637(museum) - 463-4629(theater)
  Dinosaurs and towering birds of prey, a five story-high IMAX Theater, intriguing hands-on exhibits that go whirr and buz and clank. and a science-made-fun toddler play area are all part of the exploration and entertainment while-learning at this museum.
   
• Native Village
  3351 N. State Rd. 7 US 441.
  961-4519 Hollywood.
  Alligators and snakes slither at this village that showcases the talents of the Seminole Indians. Intrepid types wrestle those gators into submission, while the tribal ladies create beaded jewelry and turn intricate patchwork quilting into beautiful jackets, skirts, and dresses.
   
• Old Dillard Museum
  1009 NW 4th St.
  765-6952 Fort Lauderdale, 33311
  A National Register landmark school, this was once the region's only school for African-American children. Today the Old Dillard museum is devoted to celebrating Greater Ft. Lauderdale's African-American history, pioneers and educators. Exhibits include African art, jewelry, and tribal masks, as well as artifacts and hands-on exhibits.
   
• Pompano Beach historical Museum
  217 NE 3rd Ave., Pompano Beach, 33072.
  Call 782-3015
  Pompano Beach traces its history back many generations in this museum, which is filled with memorabilia of the city's early years. Period furnishings, old books, clothing of earlier eras are part of the museum's exhibits.
   
• Stranahan House
  335 SE Sixth Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, 33301.
  Call 524-4736.
  Pioneer Frank Stranahan set up his trading post on this once lonely spot alongside the river in 1693 As the tiny settlement grew around the trading post--which was also the mail, banking. and gossip center--Stranahan decided to build a house on the site.