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Elliott Museum

2015 Update

The Elliot Museum relocated to a brand new building quite a while ago, but we'd not been back until recently. I have to be honest, while it's still a fun trip through time, it lost a lot of its charm with the move. It's now housed in a bright and shiny building with gleaming signs and displays, and my favorite showcases have been scaled back in favor of the cars.

The big expansion included what is pretty much the highlight of the museum - a rack system for storing all of the cars with an elevator sort of thing that brings any car down and front-center for viewing upon request. While this was neat, and it was cool to hear the history of each car from the well-versed hosts...well, cars just aren't my thing. And it took a really...long...time...for each car to be moved back to its home, and for the next one to come out.

My favorite exhibits from the old Elliot Museum were the historic lifestyle displays - the clothing and the drug store - and they've been relegated to small scaled-down exhibits in a long hallway. There is the addition of a baseball room, but again, really not my thing.

Don't get me wrong, it's still an interesting and educational experience. There is a large room full of old boats and cars and even facades from buildings in the area. And it you like cars, it's fantastic! The museum also still hosts travelling exhibits, and has a much larger area for more expansive displays.

Admission has more than doubled since my last visit, up to $14 from $6, but there are discounts available (free for children under 6, $6 for children 6-12, $12 for seniors and military personnel, and $13 for AAA memebers & AARP members). The Elliot Museum is open from 10AM to 5PM Monday-Sunday, and closed five days though the year: New Year's Day, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Original Article

Take a step back in time when you visit the Elliott Museum. Founded by Harmon Elliott, the museum houses art, antiques, inventions, tools, and vehicles recalling life in South Florida and elsewhere from 1830-1930, celebrating the American Spirit. Much of the museum is set up to depict old-time stores, including an apothecary, a shoe store, a general store, and a post office. Many of the "stores" feature original fixtures and products. I love the apothecary - you can read some of the directions on the authentic medicine bottles, and they seem so ludicrous now! I also liked the displays of period clothing, so detailed and intricate. Many of the exhibits are reflective of Mr. Elliott's own interests, specifically in automobiles and invention - he and his father obtained more than 200 patents between them, and the many of the elder's inventions are displayed. Paticularly fascinating is the automotive area, housing a large number of impressive and even rare old vehicles. The museum is host to many changing art displays, as well as local interest programs. The $6 admission fee is more than worth it, and discounts are offered for children.

Price range: $6.00-$14.00 per person

Location:

825 NE Ocean Blvd
Stuart FL 34996
561-225-1961

Web site:

www.elliottmuseumfl.org