Flagler College Unveils New Interactive Exhibits in the Historic Ponce de Leon Rotunda
St. Augustine, FL (09/29/2025) — Flagler College is enhancing the visitor experience at one of the nation's most iconic landmarks with the installation of new interactive exhibits inside the Rotunda and Courtyard of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon.
Funded by a grant from the Florida Legislature and the State of Florida, Division of Historic Resources, the project introduces a series of engaging displays designed to immerse visitors in the extraordinary art, architecture, and history of Henry Flagler's Gilded Age masterpiece.
Developed in partnership with Quatrefoil Associates, the new interpretive elements combine multimedia technology with tactile, low-tech experiences. They are designed to enrich student-led historic tours, casual visits, and exploration by members of the Flagler College community alike.
Highlights of the new installations include:
- Lantern Projector Tours: Student tour guides will use lantern-inspired projectors to illuminate historic photographs and context during guided tours.
- Discovery Drawers and Cards: Stations beneath the grand staircase will feature artifacts, ephemera, and prompts that encourage self-guided learning.
- Portraits Come to Life: Digital touchscreens will come to life with local actors representing key players in the Hotel Ponce de Leon's history.
- Stained Glass Design Kiosk: Visitors can design their own Tiffany-inspired stained glass while learning about Louis Comfort Tiffany's artistry.
- Newsstand and Collateral Rack: A historically inspired kiosk will provide context about the Ponce, complemented by brochures and publications.
- Recreated 1920s Guestroom: Original furnishings and reproductions [PS1] will transport visitors back to the Harding family's stay in 1921.
- Courtyard Exhibits: A bronze statue of Henry Flagler and his dog, Delos, and a series of graphic kiosks will showcase photographs of the courtyard across different eras.
"These new exhibits offer our visitors, students, and the St. Augustine community fresh ways to experience the remarkable history of the Ponce," said Flagler College President John Delaney. "They bring Henry Flagler's vision to life and deepen appreciation for the cultural and architectural legacy that continues to inspire us today."
The project reflects Flagler College's ongoing commitment to preservation, education, and storytelling at the Ponce de Leon - a National Historic Landmark that continues to serve as both the heart of campus and a treasured part of St. Augustine's history.
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