House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar

06/11/2026

📍House of Refuge Stuart,FL
One of those Treasure Coast spots that never gets old. 🌴

Whether you’re local or just passing through, places like this are why we love calling the TC home.

👉 Explore more local favorites at TreasureCoast.com

06/10/2026

A pirate's life...

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

A Legacy in Color at the House of Refuge

Some gifts are simply unforgettable.

We are thrilled to unveil a breathtaking 33-foot sea turtle mural, generously donated by our talented intern, artist, and all-around wonderful human being, Caroline Nolan.

This stunning work of art now stands in the exact location where legendary turtle conservationist Ross Witham once maintained his sea turtle tanks, creating a powerful tribute to the years of dedication, education, and conservation that took place at the House of Refuge.

Caroline's mural is far more than paint on a wall. It is a vibrant celebration of the sea turtles Ross worked tirelessly to protect, the countless visitors he inspired, and the enduring connection between our museum and the natural treasures of Florida's coastline.

Caroline brought not only incredible artistic talent to this project, but also thoughtfulness, heart, and a deep appreciation for the story she was helping tell. Her generosity has created a lasting legacy that visitors will enjoy for years to come.

When you visit the House of Refuge, be sure to stop and experience this remarkable mural for yourself. Stand where Ross's turtle tanks once stood, admire Caroline's extraordinary artwork, and reflect on the conservation story that continues to inspire us all.

Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your talent and your heart with the House of Refuge.

Come see the mural in person and help us celebrate art, conservation, and community on Hutchinson Island!

06/01/2026

THE HOUSE IS ALIVE AGAIN!

What an extraordinary moment in history for the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar!

As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary, the House has officially reopened following a year-long restoration, and the response has been overwhelming. Visitors have been pouring through our doors, marveling at the beautifully restored landmark and sharing their excitement at seeing this treasured piece of Florida history shining brighter than ever.

Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was a celebration worthy of the occasion, bringing together all five Martin County Commissioners, county leadership, REG Architects, The Tradesmen Group, Historical Society of Martin County staff, community partners, supporters, and preservation experts whose vision, craftsmanship, and dedication made this remarkable restoration possible. To everyone who helped safeguard this national treasure for future generations, thank you.

The celebration continues beyond our walls!

The Coastal Colors Paint Out Exhibition at the Elliott Museum is drawing rave reviews as visitors experience stunning artwork inspired by the House of Refuge. Created by our talented plein air artists, these remarkable paintings honor the House's 150th Anniversary, its successful restoration, and the enduring spirit of this iconic landmark. Best of all, many of these beautiful works are available for purchase, allowing collectors to take home a lasting piece of this historic celebration.

Back at the House, our incredible volunteer docents are once again welcoming guests with enthusiasm, knowledge, and heartfelt stories that bring the House's history to life.

And then there's THE TEMPEST...

This immersive experience continues to captivate audiences, transporting visitors into the fury, power, and majesty of the sea that inspired the very existence of the House of Refuge. Guests have been absolutely enthralled, and attendance continues to surge.

Adding to the excitement, acclaimed artist Ralph Papa recently visited to experience The Tempest alongside his students. Ralph's breathtaking 50-foot mural, Of Storm and Splendor, serves as the dramatic centerpiece of the exhibition, and seeing the artist himself immersed in the experience was a truly special moment.

Visitors will also discover exciting new exhibits throughout the museum, offering fresh perspectives on the House's fascinating history and its unique role along Florida's Treasure Coast.

And don't leave without stopping by the Boathouse Gift Shop! Filled with new books, gifts, keepsakes, maritime treasures, and one-of-a-kind finds, there's something special waiting for everyone.

The House of Refuge has stood watch over our coast for 150 years. Today, thanks to an extraordinary community of supporters, preservationists, volunteers, artists, and visitors, it begins an exciting new chapter.

The House is restored.
The doors are open.
The stories are alive.
And the celebration is just getting started!

Come see what everyone is talking about.

05/31/2026

We've been listening.

For the past week, guests have been walking through our newly restored House of Refuge, exploring the fresh exhibits, and experiencing The Tempest.

The comments have been remarkable.

Some visitors have lingered in the exhibits longer than expected. Others have returned with friends and family because they wanted someone else to experience it. Many have told us they had no idea how dramatic, dangerous, and extraordinary life along this coastline once was.

After nearly a year of restoration, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect with the stories that have lived within these walls since 1876.

If you haven't visited recently, come see what's new. Explore our reimagined exhibits, discover artifacts you may have never noticed before, and step into The Tempest to experience the power of the ocean and the tranquility of our marine life below.

History feels different when you're standing inside it.

House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

House of Refuge Admission Fee

$12 for adults
$10 for seniors 65+
$8 for youth 6-12

Complimentary for children 5 and under.
Complimentary for veterans and active service US military with proper ID.

Combo House of Refuge/Elliott Museum

$30 for adults
$26 for seniors 65+
$16 for youth 6-12

Complimentary for children 5 and under.
Complimentary for veterans and active service US military with proper ID.

05/29/2026

Thank you for joining us!

𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒. 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄. 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒.

Something extraordinary is happening at the Elliott Museum… and you’re invited to experience it firsthand.

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 exploring the remarkable restoration and future of the legendary House of Refuge Museum — one of Florida’s most iconic and mysterious historic landmarks.

📅 Tuesday, May 26 | 2:00 PM
🎟️ FREE Admission | First Come, First Served

For 150 years, the House of Refuge has stood against storms, shipwrecks, and time itself. Now, for the first time, the stories hidden within its walls are being revealed.

Join Catherine Larsen, Keeper of the House, and renowned preservation architect Rick Gonzalez as they take you behind the scenes of the most significant restoration in the site’s history.

Discover:
𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 uncovered during restoration
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 of preserving a 150-year-old structure
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 and architectural secrets
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 of the House of Refuge
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬, immersive experiences, and cultural programming

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.
It’s a rare opportunity to step inside living history and witness the next chapter of a landmark that has watched over Florida’s coastline for generations.

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲…𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.

05/28/2026

Outstanding! Thank you for sharing!

A total of 10 Houses of Refuge were built. The U.S. Life-Saving Service constructed them along Florida's isolated Atlantic coast between 1876 and 1886 to she...

05/28/2026

Thank you, Congressman Brian Mast, for your support!

Check out the new exhibits at the House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar. The 1876 building officially reopened on May 23.

05/28/2026

Step inside history once again at the historic House of Refuge and explore our remarkable new exhibits, including The Tempest, an immersive experience that captures the fury, danger, and human drama of storms along Florida’s unforgiving coastline.

Discover powerful stories of shipwrecks, survival, service, restoration, and resilience within the last remaining House of Refuge on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. From maritime history and lifesaving heritage to breathtaking art and new interpretive experiences, there is something extraordinary waiting around every corner.

Come experience the House of Refuge as you’ve never seen it before.

📍 House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar
Stuart, Florida