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.
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