Would you spend the night inside the historic home of one of America's most famous literary couples?
Tucked away in Montgomery's beautiful Old Cloverdale neighborhood is a charming historic house with an extraordinary past.
At first glance, it might look like another elegant Southern home. But this particular house was once occupied by F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of "The Great Gatsby," and his wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, a Montgomery native who became one of the most recognizable figures of the Jazz Age.
Today, the house is home to The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the lives and legacies of both writers.
And here's what makes this destination especially unusual.
You can actually spend the night inside the house where Scott and Zelda once lived!
With fascinating literary history, original artwork, personal memorabilia, and even stories of paranormal investigations, this Montgomery landmark is one of Alabama's most intriguing places to explore.
A Historic Home in Montgomery's Old Cloverdale Neighborhood
Located at 919 Felder Avenue, the Fitzgerald Museum occupies a historic house dating to the early 1900s.
The home stands in Old Cloverdale, a neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and historic character.
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald rented the house during 1931 and 1932, a particularly significant period in their lives.
Although their stay was relatively brief, the house became an important part of their literary history.
It was also the last home where Scott, Zelda, and their daughter, Frances Scott Fitzgerald, known as Scottie, lived together as a family.
Today, visitors can walk through rooms that preserve the couple's remarkable story.
Who Were Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald?
F. Scott Fitzgerald was one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century.
His most famous novel, "The Great Gatsby," was published in 1925 and became one of the defining works of American literature.
The novel explored wealth, ambition, romance, and the excesses of the Jazz Age.
Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald was born in Montgomery in 1900.
Known for her independent personality and artistic interests, she became a prominent figure in Southern society before meeting Scott.
The couple first met in Montgomery in 1918 while Scott was stationed nearby during World War I.
They married in 1920 and soon became celebrities of the Jazz Age.
Their glamorous lifestyle, international travels, and unconventional behavior attracted widespread attention.
But behind their public image was a complicated marriage marked by financial difficulties, creative rivalry, and personal struggles.
Why Did the Fitzgeralds Return to Montgomery?
By 1931, Scott and Zelda had spent years traveling between the United States and Europe.
Their lives had become increasingly difficult.
Zelda had experienced serious health challenges, and the couple faced mounting financial pressures.
Returning to Montgomery offered an opportunity to reconnect with Zelda's family and establish a more settled home.
They rented the house on Felder Avenue in the fall of 1931.
During their time there, both writers worked on important literary projects.
Scott continued developing his novel "Tender Is the Night."
Zelda worked on "Save Me the Waltz," her only completed novel.
The house therefore holds a rare distinction: both writers worked on major literary projects while living under the same roof.
The Last Family Home of Scott, Zelda, and Scottie
One of the most meaningful details about the Fitzgerald Museum is that it preserves the family's last shared home.
Scott and Zelda's marriage was already under considerable strain when they moved to Montgomery.
Their daughter, Scottie, was also living with them.
By the spring of 1932, the family's circumstances had changed again.
Zelda received further medical treatment, and the family left the house.
Although Scott and Zelda remained married, they never again established a lasting family household together.
Knowing this history adds an emotional dimension to visiting the museum.
The rooms preserve memories of a brief period when the Fitzgerald family was still together.
The House Nearly Disappeared Forever
Here's something that makes the museum's survival even more remarkable.
In 1986, the historic house was scheduled for demolition.
After the Fitzgeralds moved away, the property had been divided into apartments and used for other residential purposes.
Over time, its literary significance was at risk of being forgotten.
Fortunately, Montgomery residents Julian and Leslie McPhillips recognized the home's importance.
They purchased the property and helped establish the museum.
Their efforts saved an irreplaceable piece of American literary history.
The museum opened to the public in 1989.
Today, it continues preserving the Fitzgerald family's story for visitors from around the world.
What Can You See Inside the Museum?
The Fitzgerald Museum contains an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits related to Scott and Zelda.
Visitors can explore materials documenting their courtship, marriage, travels, literary accomplishments, and personal lives.
Highlights include:
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Historic photographs of the Fitzgerald family
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Personal letters and correspondence
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Books and literary memorabilia
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Newspaper articles and historical documents
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Original artwork by Zelda Fitzgerald
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Exhibits about the couple's lives during the Jazz Age
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Information about their time in Montgomery
The museum provides a more personal perspective on the couple than visitors might find in a traditional literary exhibit.
Rather than simply reading about them, you're standing inside a house they once called home.
Discover Zelda Fitzgerald's Artwork
Although Scott is widely remembered for his novels, Zelda was also an accomplished artist.
She explored painting, drawing, dance, and creative writing throughout her life.
The museum displays examples of her artwork, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate her creativity beyond her famous marriage.
Zelda's paintings often feature imaginative subjects, expressive colors, and distinctive compositions.
Her artistic achievements were frequently overshadowed by Scott's literary reputation and the couple's highly publicized relationship.
Today, the museum helps visitors recognize Zelda as a creative figure in her own right.
For art and literature enthusiasts, her work is one of the museum's most fascinating features.
Is the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Haunted?
Because the house is more than a century old and has such a dramatic history, it has also attracted attention from paranormal enthusiasts.
Ghost-hunting events and paranormal investigations have been associated with the property.
Some visitors enjoy exploring the house while imagining the conversations, celebrations, and personal struggles that once took place inside.
However, there is no verified evidence that the Fitzgerald Museum is haunted.
The house's paranormal reputation should be understood as part of its modern folklore rather than established history.
And unlike some supposedly haunted destinations, the Fitzgerald Museum's real historical significance is extraordinary enough on its own.
You Can Actually Spend the Night!
One of the most unusual features of the Fitzgerald Museum is its overnight accommodations.
The property includes two upstairs vacation rental apartments.
They're named after the famous couple:
The Zelda Suite
The Scott Suite
Both suites allow travelers to spend the night inside the historic house.
Imagine waking up in a building where two of America's most recognizable literary figures once lived and worked!
The accommodations provide a completely different experience from staying in an ordinary hotel.
They're especially appealing to literature lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for unusual places to stay in Alabama.
The suites are booked separately from museum admission, and rates vary depending on the dates selected.
Visitors should check availability and current amenities before making reservations.
A Unique Place for a Montgomery Weekend Getaway
Staying at the Fitzgerald Museum can be a memorable way to experience Montgomery.
The Old Cloverdale neighborhood offers a quieter atmosphere than the city's busier downtown areas.
Visitors can enjoy historic architecture, neighborhood restaurants, and local attractions.
The museum is also conveniently located for exploring Montgomery's broader history.
Nearby destinations include the Alabama State Capitol, the Rosa Parks Museum, the Legacy Museum, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
For travelers who enjoy historic homes and cultural attractions, the Fitzgerald Museum makes an interesting addition to a weekend itinerary.
Tips for Visiting the Fitzgerald Museum
Arrive before 2:30 PM. The museum closes at 3 PM, and visitors are asked to arrive with enough time to explore.
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes. Literature enthusiasts may want additional time to examine the exhibits.
Look for Zelda's artwork. Her paintings are an important part of the collection.
Learn about both writers. The museum explores Zelda's accomplishments alongside Scott's literary career.
Ask about guided tours. Group and guided experiences should be arranged in advance.
Book overnight accommodations separately. The Scott and Zelda suites are vacation rentals, not standard museum tickets.
Explore Old Cloverdale. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its historic charm.
Confirm special events. Museum hours may change for private events or scheduled programs.
Plan Your Visit to the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
Attraction: The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Address: 919 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106
Phone: (334) 264-4222
Historic Home Built: Early 1900s
Fitzgerald Family Residence: 1931–1932
Museum Established: 1980s
Opened to the Public: 1989
Museum Highlights: Historic photographs, personal letters, books, memorabilia, and Zelda Fitzgerald's artwork
Museum Hours:
Thursday–Sunday: 10 AM–3 PM
Wednesday: School and group tours by appointment
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Admission: $5 per person, described by the museum as a donation
Recommended Arrival: Before 2:30 PM
Overnight Accommodations: The Scott Suite and Zelda Suite
Vacation Rental Rates: Vary by date and availability
Guided Tours: Contact the museum to arrange group visits
Travel Tip: Check the museum's schedule before visiting, particularly if you're traveling from outside Montgomery.
Is the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Whether you love literature, historic homes, unusual overnight accommodations, or fascinating stories from the past, the Fitzgerald Museum is one of Montgomery's most distinctive attractions.
It's remarkable to think that the house nearly disappeared before being saved from demolition.
Today, visitors can explore the lives of two influential creative figures, admire Zelda's artwork, and learn about a significant chapter in American literary history.
And the opportunity to spend the night in the same house makes this destination even more memorable.
So here's the question: Would you spend the night in this historic literary home, or would you rather explore it during the daytime?
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