#77: Gaze at Grand Architecture While Attending An Event
Excerpt from “100 Things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die” by Nancy Hamilton:
When you see a building of Neoclassical Revival architecture with massive columns in south Florida, you know there has to be an interesting history to match the grandeur. The site upon which the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center stands in the downtown River District was originally a Native American Calusa settlement. It later housed soldiers in Fort Myers during the Civil War. In 1933, it became a United States Post Office and later a federal courthouse. When the government built a new courthouse, the abandoned building fell into disrepair. In 2003 a project to bring back the old splendor created a modern arts facility. The center hosts art exhibits, lecture series, a film festival, a fashion show, education festivals, concerts and other special events year-round.
Insider’s Tip: When touring the building, head upstairs to see handprints from its 1933 construction. No one knows why, but each hand has six fingers!
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. More information can be found at sbdac.com or by calling 239-333-1933.
