Jacksonville Museums

Jacksonville Museums

The Alexander Brest Planetarium offers informative and fun programs for all ages. Every day visitors can gaze at the stars or learn about astronomy (past and present). The schedule changes regularly! Cosmic Concerts are also under the dome of the planetarium.1025 Museum Circle 396-6674

American Lighthouse and Maritime Museum An intimate museum that depicts the history of lighthouses and includes paintings, authentic scale models of lighthouses, rare photos, architectural drawing, lighthouse artifacts, and navigational aids. 1011 North Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, 241-8845

Beaches Museum & History Center Experience the world of our Beaches pioneers for yourself at the Beaches Museum & History Center. Enjoy the interactive, informative, and intriguing look at the area's heritage through exhibits and firsthand accounts designed to bring the rich history of the Beaches communities to life. Our First Coast shores enjoy a deep and diverse heritage. Travel back to the past and get to know the people and events that shaped our area. 380 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32250 241-5657 Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 4:30 PM

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens The Cummer is the largest museum in Northeast Florida, with a permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects. The museum also features more than two acres of English and Italian gardens. The museum was founded in 1959, as a gift from Ninah Cummer, an art collector and civic leader. The formal gardens, along a picturesque stretch of the St. Johns River, are filled with beautiful sculptures and flowers. The collection of fine art and antiques are featured in 10 galleries throughout the museum. The collection includes American and European paintings and sculpture from ancient, medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, 19th century Impressionist and Modern Art. Pre-Columbian ceramics and Japanese inro, netsuke, and woodblock prints are also part of the permanent collection. 829 Riverside Ave. Phone: 356-6857 Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Fort Caroline National Memorial French Huguenots landed at this site in 1564 and established the first Protestant colony in North America. Today, the park encompasses 680 acres and includes a replica of the original fort, as well as a visitor center and a nature trail. 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, Located in the Timucuan Preserve 641-7155

Karpeles Manuscript Library The primary mission of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is to preserve and present original writings of the great authors, scientists, composers, philosophers, statesmen, sovereigns and leaders from all periods of world history. The Jacksonville Karpeles is one of seven Karpeles locations around the country. Via our Mini-Museum outreach program, The Jacksonville Karpeles strives to promote history and literacy. The Jacksonville Karpeles also provides a rotating museum-quality exhibition venue for emerging and well-established regional contemporary artists. Children are specifically targeted with special programs in history and art. Sprinkles' When I Grow Up Museum The Sprinkles' museum at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum offers interactive play for children up to age 7 in career-related theme areas, such as medical professions, performing arts and athletics. 101 W. 1st St. Phone: 632-2386 Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kingsley Plantation, part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is located on Fort George Island and includes the plantation house, a kitchen house, a barn, and the ruins of 25 of the original slave cabins. The plantation was named for one of several plantation owners, Zephaniah Kingsley, who operated the property from 1813-1839. Kingsley operated under a "task" system, which allowed slaves to work at a craft or tend their own gardens once the specified task for the day was completed. Proceeds from the sale of produce or craft items were usually kept by the slaves. Purchased as a slave, Kingsley's wife, Anna Madgigine Jai, was freed in 1811. She was active in plantation management and became a successful business woman owning her own property. As an American territory, Florida passed laws that discriminated against free blacks and placed harsh restrictions on African slaves. This prompted Kingsley to move his family, impacted by these laws, to Haiti, now the Dominican Republic, where descendants of Anna and Zephaniah live today. Kingsley Plantation is at the northern tip of Ft. George Island at the Ft. George inlet east of Jacksonville off Florida A1A. French Huguenots landed at this site in 1564 and established the first Protestant colony in North America. Today, the park encompasses 680 acres and includes a replica of the original fort, as well as a visitor center and a nature trail. 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, Located in the Timucuan Preserve 641-7155 .

The Jacksonville Fire Museum serves as an educational link between the past and the present. Through the years, thousands of school children have toured the museum, learning about fire safety and the history of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. At the Jacksonville Fire Museum, you will see more than 500 items.These artifacts represent the history of Firefighting in Jacksonville. Some of the artifacts are on loan from private individuals while other artifacts are property of the Jacksonville Fire Museum.

Jacksonville Historical Society Located on the Southbank Riverwalk, 904-396-6307, Trace Jacksonville's history from its days as home of the Timucuan Indians to its growth as a major port city on the United States Eastern Seaboard while at this historical center. 100B Wharfside Way, Jacksonville

Maritime Museum Next to the fountain in Friendship Park on the Southbank
Riverwalk. At the South End of the Main Street Bridge open daily 398-9011

Mandarin Museum The old Mandarin Store and Post Office evokes memories of small town and village general stores across America. It was the hub of village life from the time it opened in 1911 until it closed in 1964. It sold everything from canned goods from South America, to meat, animal feed, fish, cold soda and penny candy. It was a favorite stop for area children because the school bus stopped out front. The original proprietor and postmaster was Walter Jones. His daughter, Miss Aggie Jones, took over the positions when he died in 1928. Displays include some of the original furnishings and other memorabilia. The building, which is leased from the Mandarin Community Club, was restored by a grant from the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. The old Mandarin Store and Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Museum of Contemporary Art explores diverse cultural themes and fosters community spirit through art exhibitions, collections, and educational programs designed to enhance awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our contemporary world. The Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art is located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville on Hemming Plaza, the city's main square. The newly renovated historic building houses five galleries, including a forty foot high atrium gallery, an auditorium for film and lectures, studio classrooms, and the Art Emporium Loft family learning center. Hours Monday Closed, Tuesday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 5-9 Free, Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Family Free Day Admission Adults $6 Students, Children, Military, Seniors $4

Museum of Science & History The Museum of Science & History is the most visited museum in Jacksonville. Exhibits allow a visitor to delve into the prehistoric time of dinosaurs, the evolution of man and the rest of Earth's flora and fauna and the ends of the universe stretching to the beginning of time. Among other exhibits are artifacts from a sunken Civil War steamship and an interactive display of the history and memorabilia of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team. The Alexander Brest Planetarium, added to the museum in the early 1980s, offers late-night Cosmic Concerts as well as more traditional sky shows explaining the cosmos.

Museum of Southern History A locally operated, informative museum that is dedicated to preserving the lifestyle and culture of the Antebellum South through a variety of displays and artifacts such as memorabilia from the Civil War, as well as from everyday Southern life, politics, and fashion. 4303 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, 388-3574

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum Opened in 1999, the LaVilla Museum displays a permanent collection of African-American history, with changing art exhibits in the gallery. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum celebrates the rich legacy of the African American community that thrived in LaVilla for more than 100 years. The theatre and museum are revered as the premiere cultural institution in Jacksonville showcasing art, music, drama, poetry, and African American history. The stories and legends of LaVilla, known as the "Harlem of the South," live on within the walls of the refurbished museum and theatre. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum is committed to reclaiming the past, celebrating the present and embracing the future. The LaVilla Museum is a living legacy that connects us to our past through images, objects and information that has been carefully handed down through many generations. It is a work-in-progress – growing and thriving from the care and nurturing people who cherish the past and have faith in the future. It is a labor of love – constructed piece by piece by hands that used and saved and donated every item on display or in our inventory for use later. It is as humble as a patchwork quilt made from bits and pieces of our lives and as elegant as the finest tapestry woven from costly thread. The museum houses a permanent exhibit of the history of African Americans in northeast Florida. It replicates scenes of everyday life, documents the past with photographs and artifacts and features a special presentation on native sons James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson called Lift Every Voice and Sing. The gallery is spacious and features a wide variety of exhibits, including fine art collections, folk art, local art, and history exhibitions throughout the year. As well as educations programs for children and schools. Museum Hours & Admission Tuesday- Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Museum Admission: Adults - $6.00 Children & Seniors - $3.00

Jacksonville Silent Film Museum The Jacksonville Silent Film Museum at Norman Studios is an Old Arlington, Inc. project to document the silent film history in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Southeast. The only known remaining silent film studio complex* left standing is the Norman Studios on Arlington Road, in Arlington, Jacksonville. There could be no better home for this new institution. We are in the process of refurbishing the Norman Studios back to its grander days to be ready in 2008 for a unique showing of the only remaining film that was shot here. The "Flying Ace" is currently in the Library of Congress Archives, awaiting our show time.

Tree Hill Nature Center is a 50 acre urban wilderness area that contains a hardwood forest, four nature trails, a natural history museum, a beautiful garden, a live animal exhibit, science laboratory, guided tours, and gift shop. Educational programs and workshops are also available and special events are held here throughout the year. 7152 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, 724-4646

Museums in St. Augustine

Lightner Museum Relics of America's Gilded Age are elegantly exhibited on the museum's three floors. Costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and other artifacts give you a glimpse into 19th century daily life. The Lightner collection includes beautiful examples of cut glass, Victorian art glass and the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Old Florida Museum In 1821 the United States bought Florida from Spain. Homesteading was encouraged by the government to develop the newly acquired territory. The rugged pioneers that settled the area were called "Florida Crackers". It is believed that they got this nickname because of the cracking sound their whips made as they herded cattle. In 1845 Florida became the 27th state of the Union. Students will learn to appreciate these modern times when participating in daily living activities from the pioneer area.The natives of North Florida were known as the Timucua Indians and their settlement in this area was called the Village of Seloy. These Native Americans were said to be a handsome people with most achieving an average height of 6 feet or more. They were hunters, gatherers, and farmers. The women took care of the home, children, and cooking while the men provided food and protection for the family. These Indians developed a way of life that enabled them to live and prosper in the world they lived in. Students experience pre-European life in old Florida. The Spanish settled St. Augustine on September 8, 1565. It was a military outpost that included three standing fortifications by the 1740’s. They were the Castillo de San Marcos on the east, Fort Matanzas to the south and Fort Mose to the north. Word of freedom spread to the Afro-American slaves of the English colony of Carolina. The Spanish had decreed that freedom would be granted to any slave that reached the Spanish colony if they would convert to the Catholic religion. In 1738, Governor Manuel de Montiano established the new town Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, also known as Fort Mose, the first free black settlement in the Americas. These new soldiers posed a fierce line of defense as they would fight to the death to protect their freedom.

Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine features over 160 wax figures. Authors, Artists, Inventors, Scientists and Explorers. From the Founding Fathers to recent events and celebrities. It's a chance to learn about world history face to face with those who lived it. Our 12 minute theater show challenges you to strive for greatness.!

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum offers fun for all ages. Experience the thrill of adventure while you explore more than 800 exhibits at the Original Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in historic St. Augustine, Florida. You'll laugh one moment and gasp the next! You will be amazed and wonder why ... is it real or is it a fake? See the unusual, the unorthodox, and the exotic, collected from the far corners of the world. Join us for a journey from the past to the present...or is it the future?

The St. Augustine Historical Society is the oldest continuously operating museum and historical society in Florida. Beginning in 1881 as an informal group that met in private homes to discuss topics of historical and scientific interest, the society formally organized on New Year's Day 1883. The earliest programs were varied: historical, literary, and scientific. In 1899 the society purchased a colonial house and its contents, known as the Vedder Museum, but these holdings were lost in a disastrous fire in 1914. Undaunted, the society struck a deal with the U.S. War Department to manage the abandoned Fort Marion, a tenure which lasted until 1935, when the fort became the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and lobbied successfully for federal restoration of the 18th-century blockhouse Fort Matanzas.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is dedicated to discovering, preserving, presenting and keeping alive the story of nation's oldest port.

Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island Museums

The Amelia Island Museum of History is bursting with fascinating stories that are just waiting to be shared with eager visitors and residents. From the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, from the lawless spirit of pirates to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, AmeliaIsland has been home to diverse cultures that have left an exciting heritage.