South Florida Venue Directory
Museums & Cultural Spaces CISNEROS FONTANALS ART FOUNDATION5
This Miami exhibition space in a converted 1936 warehouse has a 10,000-square-foot plaza that can host as many as 700 people. It features a multicolored glass facade made from Bisazza tiles that depicts a bamboo jungle. Inside, the 16,000-square-foot space can host events for 1,500 people or be divided into two spaces for smaller functions. Parking is available for 200 cars, and valet companies can work with the staff to coordinate additional room. (1018 North Miami Ave., 305.455.3380) FLAGLER MUSEUM5
Whitehall, the former Lake Worth home of Standard Oil tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler, is now open to the public as the Flagler Museum. Special events at the museum are the privilege of some levels of membership. Relics of the Gilded Age, the museum’s event spaces include the 4,800-square-foot grand hall, a courtyard, the West Room and adjoining Lake Room with terrace, the Flagler Kenan Pavilion, and the boardroom and study. (1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, 561.655.2833) FORT EAST MARTELLO MUSEUM & GARDENS5
Since 1949, this Civil War-era fort has housed a collection of local artifacts, historical records, and military memorabilia. The parade grounds seat 150 or hold 350 for receptions. The courtyard inside the fort’s eight-foot-thick granite walls seats 110 or holds 300 for receptions. The fort’s interior seats 50 people or holds 90 for receptions. (3501 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, 305.296.3913) FORT LAUDERDALE HISTORY CENTER5
Home to several historic buildings near the New River, the Fort Lauderdale History Center offers use of the 1905 New River Inn for events. Home to the history museum, the inn’s Lucy Bryan Room seats 50 or holds 125 standing. The veranda, second floor balcony, and front and back lawns each accommodate up to 200 guests. Valet parking is available, and tours of the museum and the other historic buildings can be arranged. (219 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954.463.4431) I.G.F.A. FISHING HALL OF FAME5
This 4,680-square-foot attraction can seat 300 guests or accommodate 500 for receptions. Guests can browse displays and engage in the interactive fishing simulators in the Catch Gallery and main hall. Other spaces include the 3,735-square-foot lobby, with a capacity of 300; the 3,285-square-foot event hall; a 2,000-square-foot marina; a 1,536-square-foot art gallery; and a 1,000-square-foot courtyard that can hold 100 people for cocktails. The newly renovated 500-square-foot Gulf Stream Room holds 100. (300 Gulf Stream Way, Fort Lauderdale, 954.922.4212) INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME
This Fort Lauderdale facility is the international showplace for swimming, diving, water polo, and synchro-
nized swimming, with a museum, library, and archives that contain the world’s largest collection of aquatic memorabilia. Occupying more than 7,500 square feet, the wave-shaped building features a 3,192-square-foot auditorium for 200 guests and a 20-person boardroom. The 6,000-square-foot museum is also available for events of as many as 650 people. Outside caterers are allowed, and guests can bring food and beverages into the exhibits. (1 Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 954.462.6536) JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA
This event space on Miami Beach is composed of two restored synagogues connected by a narrow bistro. The original 1936 Art Deco building can seat 100 in sanctuary benches, and the synagogue—built in 1929—can accommodate as many as 400 guests. Both venues together make up 15,000 square feet of space. There is a catering kitchen, and outside vendors are allowed. (301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305.672.5044) MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS5
The grounds of this Delray Beach museum include six gardens, each modeled after a different historical period and type of Japanese garden. The lobby can accommodate 250 people for cocktail receptions or 150 for sit-down dinners. The terrace will hold 350. The grounds can also be tented to accommodate groups of 600 for receptions or 400 for banquets. In addition, a theater with tiered seating for 224 can be rented. The museum offers catering. (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, 561.495.0233) OLD DAVIE SCHOOL HISTORICAL MUSEUM5
This historic structure, which opened its doors in 1918 to roughly 90 students, was the first permanent school in the Everglades and is now Broward County’s oldest existing school building. All meeting rentals include an overhead projector, screen, tables and chairs. Party rentals also include the use of the Seminole Chickee Hut for outdoor events. (6650 Griffin Road, Davie, 954.797.1044) RAGTOPS MOTORCARS
Originally a 1920s car dealership, this three-story, 16,000-square-foot museum is home to a revolving set of antique automobiles. The Tropical Art Deco building can be used in conjunction with the main building to accommodate as many as 1,500 people. Both buildings were renovated in 2007, though period decor like the antique gas station, soda bar, and drive-in remain. The staff will coordinate all elements of an event upon request. (2119 South Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561.655.2836)
SCIENCE & NATURAL HISTORY SPACES CARIBBEAN GARDENS: THE ZOO IN NAPLES5
can arrange animal presentations, private cruises on Lake Victoria through the Island of Monkeys, or after-hours tours, as well as catering. (1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, 239.262.5409) MIAMI METROZOO5
With over 100 exhibits, more than 2,000 animals, and 740 acres, the Miami Metrozoo offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces for as many as 6,000 guests. Teambuilding activities are available for corporate events, and hosts can arrange for interactive activities with the animals. On-site catering is available, although outside caterers are allowed for an extra fee. (12400 Southwest 152nd St., 305.251.0400 ext. 84939) MIAMI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND PLANETARIUM
The planetarium accommodates groups of 10 to 1,000. The galleries, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, can hold 800. The grand lobby can be used as prefunction space for 150 people. A 243-seat theater with a stage is ideal for presentations, lectures, or meetings. The Planetarium Dome and Space Gallery can produce star and laser shows and offer a total of 5,870 square feet of space. The dome has 231 seats while the gallery seats 150 or holds 225 standing. (3280 South Miami Ave., 305.646.4200) MIAMI SEAQUARIUM5
With dolphins, whales and alligators as spectators, the aquarium can host everything from a private picnic to an evening gala. The Dolphin Lobby is available for indoor receptions, and the outdoor event area is ideal for company picnics and larger parties. The renovated Sunset Cove waterfront garden opened in December 2008 and offers a view of the Miami skyline. (4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, 305.421.1950) MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE, FORT LAUDERDALE
Spanning 85,000 square feet, this hands-on, interactive facility in Fort Lauderdale can accommodate groups of 25 in one of its many smaller rooms or a complete buyout for 2,500. Highlights include the grand atrium, which can host 550 for receptions, and the New River Balcony, with space for 150. The 294-seat Blockbuster Imax Theater is also available for slide, LCD, or DVD presentations, as well as speaking engagements. (401 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954.467.6637) PALM BEACH ZOO
On the shores of Baker Lake in the Tropics of the Americas exhibit, the Tropics Café at the Palm Beach Zoo offers a variety of menu and event options in a unique tropical environment. With an Amazon Basin theme, tiki torches, and animal encounters, the restaurant and catering facilities offer breakfast buffets, hot hors d’oeuvres, four and five star buffets, and a specialty carving station. (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561.547.9453)
Guests can dine and be entertained against the tropical backdrop of this 52-acre botanical garden in Naples. The open-air Rainforest Grove can accommodate a 6,000-square-foot tent and seat 400 for dinner, 600 for receptions, Reports on South or more than 750 in a theater setup. An 1,800-square-foot pavilion can accommoFlorida’s newest date 120 for banquets, 180 for receptions, event spaces or 225 in theater rows. The zoo’s event staff
ON BIZBASH.COM
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM
The South Florida Science Museum offers 22,000 square feet of event space, with the option of adding planetarium shows and demonstrations to events. (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561.832.1988)
Outdoor Venues ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS
This 1.7-acre property is the former residence of sculptor Ann Weaver Norton and features 300 species of tropical palms and more than 100 works by the artist. The gardens accommodate up to 150 guests; gatherings of 50 people or fewer can make arrangements for use of the house. Aaron’s Catering is the exclusive caterer. (253 Barcelona Road,West Palm Beach, 561.832.5328) ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE
Ten acres of historic land in downtown Hollywood, ArtsPark offers an array of visual and performing arts activities. Facilities such as the Meadow, the Grove, and rooms in the Visual Arts Pavilion are available for rental. An outdoor stage with seating for 2,500 can also be used for events. (1 Young Circle, Hollywood, 954.921.3500)
ing for more than 3,000 vehicles. Covered pavilions have barbecue grills and picnic-style tables and hold 70 guests each. Hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton are within minutes of the park and offer additional meeting and event space. (4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305.361.5421) FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Established in 1938, this 83-acre garden has grounds available for events. The 1,904-square-foot visitor center ballroom holds 225 standing or 150 for a seated dinner. It and the 4,770-sqare-foot Garden House, which seats 250 or holds 400 for receptions, can be rented along with the surrounding lawns. In addition, tents can hold up to 650. (10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 305.667.1651) FLAMINGO GARDENS, WRAY BOTANICAL COLLECTION
Next to outdoor dining and shopping destination Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park hosts special events on its 32 acres. Bayfront Park Amphitheater holds as many as 10,000 for general admission shows. The Tina Hills Pavilion can host 1,000 guests in fixed seating and on the lawn. (301 North Biscayne Blvd., 305.358.7550)
Groups can tour 60 acres of lush gardens with exotic and native plants or enjoy a 25,000-square-foot free-flight aviary, an Everglades animal sanctuary, and more. Event spaces include a 946-square-foot meeting room, a gallery with room for as many as 75 seated guests, plus the 2,500-square-foot barbecue house. Guests can also take a 25-minute tour through the property’s wetlands and groves. (3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, 954.473.2955)
BICENTENNIAL PARK
HISTORIC VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK
This 29-acre open park sits on the shores of Biscayne Bay, just a few blocks north of Bayfront Park, and can host as many as 45,000 for events. Given the wide-open space, everything from a single-stage event to shows with multiple stages and carnival atmospheres have been executed at the park. (1075 Biscayne Blvd., 305.358.7550)
This venue offers an event meadow, a 35-acre green space with a capacity of 10,000; a historic dance floor, a circular concrete surface shaded by palms that can accommodate 100; and a large pavilion. Other facilities within the park include the carousel building, the bath house, and the Biscayne Virginia Rickenbacker Central miniature railroad. (4020 Virginia Beach Drive, 305.960.4618)
BAYFRONT PARK
CRANDON PARK
This park boasts a beach, a baseball field, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, a running track, cabanas, and park-
66 bizbash.com summer 2010
MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN
This 4.5-acre botanical garden offers a variety of event
spaces. The 1,500-square-foot Banyan Room can accommodate 110 for seated dinners, 120 for conferences, or up to 200 for receptions. The Great Lawn, with its vertical landscape of orchids, bromeliads, and cascading greenery, can host tented events for as many as 300. Other options include the Rose Fountain courtyard, the 630-square-foot Butterfly Room for events of 30 to 40, and the Japanese Garden, which holds 60. (2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, 305.673.7256) NGALA PRIVATE RESERVE
This 42-acre property can accommodate groups as large as 1,000 for private events in a jungle atmosphere. The three main safari tents and the Masai Mara Boma are decorated with authentic teak and bamboo furniture, cut-crystal chandeliers, and rustic lanterns. The lawn can hold 550 under clear span tent known as Cleopatra’s Conservatory. (2755 Inez Road, Naples, 239.353.3572) PINECREST GARDENS
This municipal park in Pinecrest has several facilities for events. In its 630-square-foot pergola or 13,690-squarefoot meadow, Pinecrest Gardens can accommodate groups of 50 to 500. All events must be held during park hours. (5855 SW 111th St., Pinecrest, 305.284.0900) VENETIAN POOL
This Coral Gables venue was converted in 1923 from a coral rock quarry into an 820,000-gallon spring-fed pool with two waterfalls, coral caves, and grottoes. Venetianstyle architecture surrounds the pool, which can be rented for evening events for as many as 150 people. Glassware is not allowed on the property, and swimming is prohibited if alcoholic beverages are served. (2701 DeSoto Blvd., Coral Gables, 305.460.5306)