Sunday in Key West – The Floridiana Luncheon & Auction at Backus returns
The Backus Museum will again host its annual Winter Signature Event, The Floridiana – Luncheon & Auction a local favorite since its beginnings in 2013 – formally known as Sunday in Key West. With its expanded theme of “All Things Florida” – The Floridiana – is sure to captivate whether you find your kicks in the Keys or the Back Country! The thrills are set for Sun., Jan. 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Pelican Yacht Club, 1120 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce.
Guests will enjoy a plated, three-course, chef-inspired Florida-themed menu, with the option to select their main course in advance, ensuring a personalized dining experience while enjoying spectacular views of the Indian River Lagoon. Main course options include: Coconut Tofu, Key Lime Chicken, Tropical Grouper, and an Everglades Crusted Strip Loin (all main course options are gluten free). The Luncheon can be paired with a wristband to indulge at the Bottomless Florida Juice Bar for $50, which also offers a chance to win Backus-themed treasures. Cash Bar will also be available for guests to treat themselves to the beverage of their choice.
Reserved seats are $120 per person, and with limited availability, reservations must be made by January 16. Visit BackusMuseum.org/Floridiana or call (772) 465-0630 x104 to reserve your seat.
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for cocktail hour, live auction viewing, and silent auction bidding. The live auction, featuring exclusive vacations, excursions, and experiences, will bring the afternoon to its highly anticipated peak. Some of the wonderous and enticing offerings include a spectacular 8-day / 7-night Viking River Cruise; a 4-day / 3-night island stay on Man-O-War Cay in the Bahamas; create-your-own dinner parties with delicious BBQ or Paella dinners by local culinary masters; and the highly anticipated Night at the Museum private experience.
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery extends its gratitude to Presenting Sponsors Carolyn Huggins & Dan Cushman for their continued support of The Floridiana – Luncheon & Auction. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of Florida while supporting the Museum you love—reserve your seats today!
Currently on View
On view at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery through January 4, 2026 is Glory in Glass: The Conrad Pickel Studio. Since 1947, the Conrad Pickel Studio has contributed a dazzling fusion of old world craftsmanship and new world innovation to the resplendent and enduring traditions of stained glass. Created from the finest mouthblown antique glass, their leaded stained glass windows for religious, secular, and public projects throughout North America embody the art and science of light. This new exhibition of luminous studio work presents examples of process and pièces de résistance, and highlights a shining artistic treasure of the region.
All dates and programming subject to change; please check the website for any updates or cancellations.
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is a community-based, 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts institution that relies on your support. Contributions during these challenging times will lessen the financial impact on the Museum, and can be made securely online at www.BackusMuseum.org/donate. Gifts can also be made as an ongoing monthly donation, as a way to extend contributions and provide steady support through uncertainties. For more information, please visit www.BackusMuseum.org.
About the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Since its founding in 1960 and the first day the doors opened in 1961, the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery has been a center and catalyst for creativity and culture in our region. The Museum houses the nation’s largest public presentation of artwork by Florida’s preeminent painter, A.E. “Bean” Backus (1906-1990), and is home to the state’s only permanent multimedia exhibition on the Florida Highwaymen. In addition to preserving and perpetuating the artistic and humanitarian legacy of Backus, the Museum organizes and hosts changing exhibitions from artists of regional, national and international acclaim. The Backus Museum was recognized as the 2025 & 2022 Best of the Best Community Choice Award for Best Art Gallery; 2024 Best Art Gallery by Hometown News; and the 2021 Best Tourist Attraction – 2018 Best Museum / Best of the Treasure Coast by the readers of Indian River Magazine.
Regular Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 PM (closed Monday-Tuesday). Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $5 per person; AARP, AAA, and Veterans with appropriate ID receive a $2 discount. Students with school ID, children under 18, active duty military, and current members are always free. Visitors are asked to follow the latest public health guidance for the safety and comfort of guests, staff, and volunteers.
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