Third Annual Celebration of Art & History features 14 fireplaces decorated by local artists at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Tours available November 15 through January 5 in the 227-year-old house
St. Augustine, FL — Historic holiday house tours in St. Augustine, Florida will take place during the festive Nights of Lights season at the 227-year-old Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, located on America’s oldest platted street — Aviles Street.
In partnership with the St. Augustine Art Association, the Ximenez-Fatio House will present A Celebration of Art & History from November 15 through January 5, featuring holiday finery and 14 fireplace mantels throughout the house decorated by area artists. The theme this year is “Unknown Florida in the American Revolution,” celebrating America’s upcoming 250 anniversary. Discover how Florida’s untold Revolutionary stories come alive through stunning mantel displays in this original coquina house.
Guests can stroll through the historic house decorated for the holiday season and view decor and artwork by artists who are members of the St. Augustine Art Association. The Art Association was founded on January 18, 1924 in the Ximenez-Fatio House, located at 20 Aviles Street. Now located at 22 Marine Street, the Art Association celebrated 100 years in 2024.
Guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors, military, and teachers; $10 for St. Johns County residents. Tickets can be purchased at ximenezfatiohouse.org
Selected artists include:
General Store: Angela Gaudioso-Klein
Entrance Hall: Robyn Freedman
Dining Room: Judy Vance
Guest Parlor: Corina Manno
Soldiers Room: Kennedy Sheider
Sea Captains Room: Nancy Birchall
Owners Office: Irene Klucar
Owners Parlor: James White
Owners Bedroom: Nieves Galleger
Family Room: Ezra Ochoa
Frail Lady’s Room: Doni Dowie
Tourist Room: St. Augustine Art Association, Native American Arrowheads
Naturalist Room: Bonnie Campbell
Detached Kitchen: Hollace Thomas
“This effort was inspired by the beautiful Christmas Extravaganza at Stetson Mansion in Deland, Florida and supported by its designer, J. T. Thompson,” said Payson Tildon, Executive Director at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum.
“This beautiful holiday display in our historic house provides a unique opportunity to partner with the St. Augustine Art Association, which had its beginnings at the Ximenez Fatio House in 1924.”
In 1798, Don Andrés Ximenez built this fine three-story house made of coquina for his wife Juana Pellicer and their children. Juana’s father, Francisco Pellicer, led the Menorcan exodus of 1777 out of New Smyrna, from their bondage by Dr. Andrew Turnbull.
By 1830 Mrs. Margaret Cook had completed the purchase of the property. Mrs. Cook converted the home into a boarding house. In 1838, Mrs. Sarah Petty Anderson purchased the boarding house. In 1851, Miss Louisa Fatio became the manager of Mrs. Anderson’s boarding house. In 1855, Mrs. Anderson sold the property to Miss Fatio.
After Miss Fatio’s death, the house remained in her family until 1939, and was leased throughout the years for many purposes, including the St. Augustine Art Association. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Florida purchased the property in 1939, and began the decades long process of meticulously restoring and furnishing the home with the intent of making it a historic house museum.
Events at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum are sponsored in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, St. Johns Cultural Council and other generous community partners and sponsors.
Visit ximenezfatiohouse.org or call 904-829-3575. The Ximenez-Fatio House is located at 20 Aviles Street in historic St. Augustine, Florida. The historic house (with original detached kitchen) is on the National Register of Historic Places and a Florida Heritage Landmark. The property is owned by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Florida, since 1939.
