Audubon visited the Florida
Keys and Dry Tortugas in 1832. Audubon left Key
West having sighted and drawn 18 new birds for his
"Birds of America" folio. It is believed
that many of those drawings were conceived in the
Audubon House garden. Audubon's painting of the
white-crowned pigeon features the Geiger tree found
in the front yard of the house.
The 19th-century home was
built by Captain John H. Geiger, a harbor pilot
and master wrecker, who lived in the house with
his wife and nine children. It was an era when shipwrecks
occurred daily on the off-shore reef. It was a time
of pirates and yellow fever, slave ships and Indian
wars.
Antique enthusiasts will
appreciate the unique quality of the furnishings
purchased for the Audubon House at estate sales
and auctions in Europe. Typical of the sort of furnishings
to be found in a prosperous Key West home during
the 1800's the furnishings reflect the elegance
and comfortable living enjoyed in Key West during
its prime.
You will continue your tour
by wandering through the gardens along the brick
paths shared with skittering geckos. Varieties of
orchids emerge from the foliage and trees to surprise
you with their vibrant blooms. Bromeliads and other
tropical plants and trees abound. The herb garden
and 1840-style nursery provide an historic look
at gardening, while native plants and exotics provide
an environment that is reminiscent of old Key West.
This is the finest tropical garden in the Florida
Keys. Please linger as long as you like.
Audio tours of the House
and Gardens. The recreated voices of Mr. and Mrs.
John Gieger, and some of their children, take you
back to historic life in Key West. The audio tours
are in English and Spanish. Written tours are available
in German, Japanese, French, and Italian for your
convenience.
Click Here for a discount coupon on our House &
Gardens tour.
The House and Gardens can
be rented for weddings, luncheons, dinners, receptions,
and other special events, during or after hours.
Call on our staff to make your event memorable in
this tropical Key West setting.
The museum gift shop offers
visitors the opportunity to purchase affordable,
original Audubon art, prints, a selection of books
ranging from nature to local history, ceramic wares,
educational toys, and a variety of unique museum-quality
items.
Admission Price:
Adults $9, seniors $8, students $6.50, children
(5 - 12) $5, children under 5 free.
Payment Options:
American Express, MasterCard, Travelers Checks,
Visa
Website:
www.audubonhouse.com
