Museums might not be the first thing you think of when you think about Jacksonville. The beaches and warm sunshine are probably the first thing that comes to your mind, or maybe it’s world-class fishing. If it’s not those then it’s the incredible food! But the museums in Jacksonville, FL are nothing to sleep on! We’ve got everything from classic race cars to celebrations of Black History to an in-depth look at the impact of European settlers. Let’s explore seven of the best museums in Jax to visit.
1. Fort Caroline National Memorial – Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve
First on our list is the Fort Caroline National Memorial. If you want to learn about the native history of Jacksonville and the surrounding area, this is where you want to visit. The ecological and historical preserve covers over 46,000 acres and includes some of the last unspoiled wetlands on the Atlantic Coast! You can experience pristine coastal dunes, marshlands, and more.
Fort Caroline is free to visit and has major exhibits about the Timucua Indians and European settlers. We recommend you start your visit here, then branch out and explore other parts of the preserve like the Theodore Roosevelt Area and the Ribault Monument. They’re open from 9 am – 4:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday and you can check the website for upcoming events!
You’ll find the Fort Caroline National Memorial at 12713 Fort Caroline Rd. in Jacksonville, FL 32225.
2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
If you’ve never been to the Cummer Museum, you’re missing out on one of the most popular museums in Jacksonville. They started small in 1961 but now have a collection of over 6,000 works of art spanning nearly 10,000 years of history. And you can’t forget the gardens! They are full of rare flowers, reflecting pools, arbors, and sculptures. If you want to relax and soak in some true beauty, the gardens are the perfect spot.
The museum is open from 11 am – 4 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 11 am – 9 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, and from 12 pm – 4 pm on Sundays. Admission for adults is $15 and for children and seniors is $10. However, they also have many sponsored free days — check out the website for more information!
You’ll find the Cummer Museum at 829 Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville, FL 32204.
3. Museum of Science & History
We know outdoor adventures are a big part of the entertainment scene in Jacksonville and the Museum of Science & History brings the outdoors to you! It doesn’t matter if you’re five or 50, there’s something you’ll love at any age. Check out the Hixon Native Plant Courtyard to learn all about the region’s native species, or head over to the Atlantic Tails event to get up close and personal with some of the creatures of the First Coast.
Tickets are $15.95 for adults and $12.95 for children and should be reserved in advance. However, they occasionally offer sponsored free ticket days. Sign up on their website to get notified when they have one!
You’ll find MOSH at 1025 Museum Circle in Jacksonville, FL, 32207.
4. The Brumos Collection
Cars. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that they’ve shaped our history and culture. The Brumos Collection, one of the most unique museums in Jacksonville, is passionate about cars. Especially racing ones! They have over 300 years of vehicular history on display, and an extensive collection of Porsches to check out. The tour is self-guided and is clearly full of love for these eye-catching automobiles.
Tickets are available for visits from 9 am – 3 pm Thursdays through Saturdays and cost $24.99 for adults, $14.99 for children, and $19.99 for seniors and the military. Plus, they constantly rotate vehicles in and out based on their attendance at collectors’ events, so there’s always something new to see.
You’ll find The Brumos Collection at 5159 San Pablo Road S, in Jacksonville, FL 32224.
5. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Do you love history and literature? Do you enjoy the idea of spending time around some really old documents? The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is the place for you. It holds the world’s largest collection of original historical manuscripts! They actually have so many that they rotate manuscripts every 4 months based on a different theme.
They also have regional artist exhibits! One such exhibit, “A Convergence of Cryptyck Antiquities,” had art related to local cryptid myths and legends! They’re open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am – 3 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm and are completely free to the public.
You’ll find the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum at 101 West 1st Street in Jacksonville, FL 32206.
6. MOCA Jacksonville
We all know that the MOCA is one of the best museums in Jacksonville, and a great place to spend the afternoon. Whether you’re looking to marvel in some fresh art or get some creative inspiration yourself, this spot is where to immerse yourself. If you’ve been before, visit again – they’ve got six exhibits that are changing all the time. Their permanent collection is also extensive and not to be missed!
The museum is open from 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12 pm – 5 pm on Sundays. Adult tickets are only $8, while students, children, military, and seniors can get in for just $5!
You’ll find the MOCA at 333 N Laura St. in Jacksonville, FL 32202.
7. Ritz Museum
The historic Ritz Theatre and Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jacksonville’s rich African American heritage. Their permanent collection, Lift Ev’ry Voice, connects visitors to the history of African Americans, their triumphs and tribulations, and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
The Ritz is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. Ticket prices vary, so call or check ahead of time to see how much admission will cost! Learn about La Villa, the “Harlem of the South,” or enjoy one of their many cultural performances!
You’ll find the Ritz Museum at 829 North Davis St. in Jacksonville, FL 32202.
No matter what kind of museum or exhibit you’re after, there’s something for everyone and these 7 museums hold a variety of treasures. Even if you’ve been to every museum on this list, go again – there’s always something new to see!