Tucked away in Montgomery in Alabma (United States), is the only museum dedicated to American authors Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. What's more, you can also spend a night or two in the home where they wrote some of their famous works, like "The Great Gatsby." It is located in Old Cloverdale, said to be one of Montgomery's oldest and historic neighbourhoods.
The Jazz Age (a term coined by Fitzgerald to describe the 1920s) couple lived in this Lockwood home in Montgomery from 1931 until 1932, when they worked on portions of their novels "Tender is the Night" and "Save Me the Waltz," respectively. After the Fitzgerald family moved out, the building served as a boarding house. However, the building was about to be demolished when it was saved through private enterprise, namely local residents Julian and Leslie McPhillips, who started the musuem.
The building was constructed in 1910 as a single family structure and was later subdivided into apartments. Bathrooms were added in the 1930s. Now, the building houses the only museum dedicated to the famous couple on the ground floor with two separate suites (named after the authors) on the upper floor for guests who want to spend a night or two here. The suites may be booked through a vacation rental company according to the museum website.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum (also called The Fitzgerald Museum) contains first-edition books, letters, photographs, personal possessions, etc. Some of Zelda's paintings are also on display. Some of the exhibits go back to the authors' childhood days.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum awards The Fitzgerald Prize For Literary Excellence annually.
Guests staying at the suites have often lauded the fact that staying here is like coming within touching distance of history. For example, the original wallpaper is exposed in the living room and bedroom in the Scott Suite.
Located in the historic Cloverdale neighbourhood of of Montgomery, the museum is near the Alabama State University. It can be easily included in the itinerary as the museum is not far from the I-65 (a major north-south interstate highway in the central US).
The Zelda Suite and the Scott Suite may be booked through airbnb. The Zelda Suite is a full apartment with two bed rooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and a sun room. The Scott Suite is a one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and bath. However, do remember, this is a heritage house with aspirations to retain the period look; hence, some of the amenities (such as bathrooms or tubs may not be as spaicious as modern facilties). Both apartments do not have a television but have wi-fi connections. Guests have access to the museum only during opening hours; however, guests are free to come and go from their suites, even when the museum is closed, according to the airbnb site.
The museum’s is open from Thursday-Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm. Wednesdays are by appointment only. There is an admission fee. The museum is wheelchair accessible.Guests may make a request for a guided tour of the museum. It also organises events from time to time. For details of events and tickets, see www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.com.