Founder's Day
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Free Admission for All Visitors
10 am to 5 pm
On June 5th each year the Flagler Museum celebrates its anniversary by opening to the public free of charge in honor of the Museum's founder, and Henry Flagler's granddaughter, Jean Flagler Matthews. Visitors may take a self-guided tour of Whitehall, view the permanent collection of art and objects related to the Gilded Age, and climb aboard Henry Flagler's private railcar in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion.
Whitehall was built by Standard Oil partner Henry Flagler in 1902 to demonstrate the nation's rise to the pinnacle of human invention and artistic achievement. Flagler's granddaughter, Jean Flagler Matthews rescued the estate from potential demolition and established the Flagler Museum on June 5, 1959. Since then millions have immersed themselves in the majesty of American life during the Gilded Age. National press praise the Museum's contribution to history and culture, including National Geographic Traveler who called the Museum, "An absolute must-see..." and Art + Auction magazine which proclaimed "Everyone should go to the Flagler Museum. It's one of the greatest Gilded Age mansions in the world."
Founder's Day allows visitors free access to this National Historic Landmark. Along with the Museum's vast collection there are special exhibits on Florida history and Henry Flagler's impact in developing Florida's East coast while establishing tourism and agriculture as the backbone of the state's economy.
Self-guide tour brochures will be available for visitors to guide themselves through Whitehall's first and second floors as well as Railcar No. 91® in the Flagler-Kenan Pavilion.
