The Best Art Museums and Galleries in Jacksonville, Florida
Located alongside the picturesque St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, stands as a dynamic hub of culture and heritage, inviting exploration into its diverse artistic landscape.
Jacksonville is home to a number of high-quality art museums and galleries, that showcase an extensive range of collections from antiquities to contemporary American art. Beyond these esteemed institutions, the city is also a haven for artistic expression, with a thriving art community centered in the vibrant CoRK Arts District, complemented by a tapestry of colorful street art adorning its urban spaces.
Within this article, I explore the best art museums and galleries in Jacksonville. These cultural destinations provide visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in captivating exhibitions.
For further information about art exhibitions and events across Florida, please see my articles about Orlando, Miami, Tampa and St Petersburg.
1. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA)
CC Image courtesy of Michel Curi, Flickr
Entrance Fee: Adults $10, Children (6-17) $6
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am - 5pm
Located downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville) is the leading museum devoted to innovative contemporary art in Northeast Florida.
MOCA forms part of the cultural institute of the University of North Florida.
With a collection spanning 900 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more by renowned international and regional artists, MOCA showcases cutting-edge contemporary works across a variety of styles and media. With elevated galleries bathed in natural light, MOCA offers an inspiring setting to engage with contemporary art.
The museum also has art classes for all skill levels in various mediums and offers programs to introduce children to art and encourage creativity.
2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Address: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Entrance Fee: Adults $20, Children (6-17) $15
Opening Hours: Tuesday, 11am - 9pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 11am - 4pm; Friday, 11am - 9pm; Saturday, 10am - 4pm; Sunday, 12pm - 4pm
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is one of Jacksonville’s premier art museum and horticultural destinations. Located along the St. Johns River, this cultural institution offers the best of visual arts and natural beauty.
The Art Collection
The Cummer Museum has a diverse permanent art collection spanning over 5,000 works from 2100 BC to the present day. The collection includes American, European, Asian, Ancient Egyptian and African art. The museum mounts rotating exhibitions showcasing works from its collection as well as loans from other institutions.
The collection also includes 7 special collections such as the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain, Eugene-Louis Charvot Collection and Japanese Prints Collection.
The museum has upcoming rotating exhibitions planned on subjects like Tattoos in Japanese Prints, Sporting Fashion, and Buddha & Shiva sculptures.
Past exhibitions have covered a diverse range including Armor, American Folk Art, Cheyenne Warrior Artists, Impressionism, Global 20th Century Art, African American Artists, and more.
The Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida has nationally significant gardens designed by renowned landscape architects like the Olmsted Brothers, Ossian Cole Simonds, and Ellen Biddle Shipman. The gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to their historical significance.
Key gardens include the Olmsted Garden, English Garden with wisteria pergola, Italian Garden inspired by Italian villas, and Sculpture Garden.
The gardens contain rare plants, trees, reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculptures.
Notable features are the semicircular cypress-beamed pergola, two long reflecting pools framing a gloriette in the Italian Garden, and the Community Sculpture Garden.
Cafe at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida has a café onsite that serves food and drinks. The café offers dining options for visitors, Friday night picnics in the garden, virtual cooking classes, and catering for groups.
3. Museum of Science and History, Jacksonville
CC Image courtesy of PicoOrdinalo, Wiki Commons
Address: Museum of Science and History, 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Entrance Fee: Adults $19.95, Children (3-12) $16.95
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 10am - 5pm; Saturday, 10am - 6pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm
For a family-friendly museum experience, head to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in Jacksonville. With hands-on exhibits and fascinating relics, it brings science, art, nature, and regional history to life.
Core Exhibits at MOSH
The core exhibits at MOSH include:
Health in Motion which explores human body systems and factors impacting health.
The Atlantic Tails exhibit brings coastal marine life to the museum through sculptures, touch tanks, and hands-on activities.
PowerPlay allows visitors to explore energy sources and sustainability.
The JEA Science Theater features experiments and STEM activities conducted by MOSH educators.
The Florida Naturalist’s Center contains live animals and environments found in Northeast Florida.
Currents of Time takes visitors through 12,000 years of regional history from Native American tribes to the 1960s.
The Hixon Native Plant Courtyard is an outdoor exhibit focused on native flora.
The Space Science Gallery links science and history related to space exploration.
KidSpace offers hands-on science and history explorations for children under 5.
The museum’s Local Art program integrates a series of artworks into its exhibits to connect with visitors.
The 2023 Artist in Residence is sculptor Caelen Proctor, whose work Reef Seed is on display in the Atlantic Tails exhibit.
With immersive science exhibits and insights into Jacksonville’s history, MOSH offers entertaining education for all ages.
4. CoRK Art District, Jacksonville
If you’re an art enthusiast seeking a unique and inspiring destination, look no further than CoRK Arts District.
CoRK Arts District is a haven for creativity and collaboration, housed within a massive 80,000 square feet warehouse space. Here, art comes to life, and artists from various disciplines converge to create a dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry of expression.
The expansive warehouse space houses a diverse array of artist studios and galleries, each buzzing with its own unique energy and style. From painters and sculptors to photographers and performance artists, you will find an eclectic mix of talent that’s bound to captivate your imagination. CoRK is home to over 35 art studios and galleries all clustered together in historic, repurposed buildings.
Unlike traditional galleries, CoRK provides a behind-the-scenes look at how art evolves from concept to creation. You might witness a canvas transforming, a sculpture taking shape, or a performance being rehearsed – an intimate encounter with the journey of artistic expression.
While CoRK isn’t open to the public on a daily basis, the district comes alive for visitors during publicly advertised events.
These events offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere, interact with artists, and gain insights into their processes. Keep an eye on their event calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on these vibrant gatherings.
5. Art Galleries in Jacksonville
Jacksonville boasts a thriving local art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing a diverse range of styles, media, and artists. When visiting Jacksonville for the art, be sure to check out these standout local galleries:
Stellers Gallery, operating since 1985 in Historic San Marco Square, offers art consultation services and exhibits conservative to abstract styles. Address: 1990 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Southlight Gallery downtown provides exhibit space with limited fees to support local talent in realism, abstract and impressionist works. Address: 1 Independent Dr #113, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Zsa Zsa Lapree shines a light on emerging black artists in the area and their multimedia works. Address: 233 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Florida Mining Gallery in Mandarin brings Southern contemporary art to life through various mediums and styles. Address: 5300 Shad Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
This sampling of Jacksonville’s diverse art galleries provides a glimpse into the city’s thriving creative community.
6. Riverside Arts Market (RAM)
Address: Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Open Hours: Saturday from 10am - 3pm
Located along the beautiful St. Johns River, the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a beloved Jacksonville destination for local art, food, and community.
At its heart, RAM provides a space for local creators to sell their artworks every Saturday from underneath the scenic Fuller Warren Bridge. With over 100 weekly vendors, you will discover:
Paintings, photography, and jewelry
Handmade crafts
Upcycled and vintage finds
Fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared food
It’s the perfect place to buy unique art and gifts while supporting the area’s talented makers.
In addition to shopping, RAM offers lively entertainment. The ambiance at RAM is laid-back, cheerful, and family-friendly.
7. The Beyond King Tut exhibition in Jacksonville
Event Duration: June 9 to October 22, 2023
Get ready for an immersive journey into ancient Egypt at the new Beyond King Tut exhibition in Jacksonville. This multi-sensory experience brings the famed pharaoh’s story to life through nine fascinating galleries.
Beyond King Tut goes beyond artifacts, using cinema projections, soundscapes, and interactive elements to fully immerse you in King Tut’s world. Key highlights include:
Exploring King Tut’s tomb virtually, guided by archaeologist Howard Carter
Learning about mummification and other burial rituals
Admiring ancient Egyptian artwork and artifacts up-close
8. Jacksonville's Vibrant Street Art Scene
CC Image courtesy of David Wilson, Flickr
Beyond museums, Jacksonville boasts an energetic street art culture waiting to be explored. Treat your eyes to creative murals, graffiti tags, and more throughout the city.
The best murals in different neighborhoods of Jacksonville, including Downtown, Riverside, Springfield, and San Marco. It showcases the city’s vibrant public art scene.
The murals showcase a range of bright, lively designs from local artists. Popular subjects include abstract shapes, figures, animals, and scenic landscapes.
Soak up Jacksonville’s dynamic public art and thriving local talent. Keep an eye out around every corner!
I hope you have found this information about art museums and galleries in Jacksonville useful. If you have visited any of these exhibitions, I would love to hear your thoughts, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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