12 Surprising Facts About Bok Tower Gardens
1. Singing Tower Surprise
The iconic Singing Tower wasn't always meant to sing. Millionaire philanthropist Edward Bok originally envisioned it as a bird sanctuary, but acoustics expert John Carillon persuaded him to incorporate a carillon instead. Today, the 67 bells play daily concerts, filling the air with beautiful melodies.
2. Quick Construction
It took a mere two years to build the Singing Tower! Construction began in 1927 and was completed in late 1928. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the tower and surrounding sanctuary “for visitation by the American people” on February 1, 1929 – just seven months before the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
3. Art Deco Inspiration
While the Singing Tower has a Gothic Revival look, it also boasts some surprising Art Deco details. Look closely at the geometric patterns and stylized ornamentation, particularly on the friezes around the tower's base.
Check Out Chad’s Video About Bok Tower!
4. Hidden Mansion
Nestled amidst the gardens lies El Retiro, a 20-room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion that whispers of glamorous soirées and hidden passages. Tours are available, so you can pretend to be a Gilded Age socialite exploring your sprawling estate (minus the corset, hopefully).
5. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark
The entire Bok Tower Gardens property was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, recognizing its exceptional significance to American history and culture.
6. Largest Carillon in Florida
The carillon within the Singing Tower is the largest in Florida, with 67 bronze bells that range in size from 12 pounds to 12,500 pounds. The largest bell is named "Peace Bell"
7. Singing Tower's Bells Came From England
The carillon bells were cast by the prestigious John Taylor Bellfounders company in Loughborough, England, and then shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida.
8. Home to Rare Plants
Bok Tower Gardens is a haven for plant enthusiasts, with over 500 species of native and exotic plants on display. This includes a significant collection of cycads, ancient cone-bearing plants that have been around for millions of years.
9. Bok Tower Gardens is a Bird Sanctuary
After all, Edward Bok's original vision wasn't entirely abandoned. The gardens provide a crucial habitat for over 100 species of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
10. Lake Wales Wasn't Always Bok Tower's Home
Bok originally planned to build his utopia in Mountain Lake, Florida, but his plans were thwarted by a local land developer. So, he set his sights on Lake Wales instead, forever changing the town's landscape.
11. Bok Tower Gardens Almost Became a Nudist Colony
In the 1930s, a group of nudists attempted to buy the gardens and turn it into a clothing-optional retreat. Thankfully, the deal fell through, and Bok Tower Gardens remains a family-friendly destination.
12. Bok Tower Gardens Inspired a Song
The gardens' beauty and serenity inspired the song "Bok Sanctuary" by singer-songwriter John Prine. The song captures the peacefulness of the gardens and the majesty of the Singing Tower.