If you’re on a budget, but still enjoy fine art, there is no shortage of opportunity in Jacksonville. Be sure to mark your calendar and fit in the right day to visit these museums.
+Cummer Museum, 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
A museum on the smaller side, though it does have 5,000 works in its permanent collection, is perfect for an hour or two of browsing. The range of artwork here is huge from 2100 BC to the 21st century. There is a great wealth of Early Meissen Porcelain, which is the first European hard-paste porcelain from the 1700s.
I was happy to see a piece from one of my favorite artists, Norman Rockwell. It was called Second Holiday and accompanied a short story that made me tear up.
The Yeamans, an elderly couple whose doctor told them to travel to the Mayo Clinic – treated this trip like an extravagant vacation, instead of succumbing to the terrible news of the wife’s condition. Nightfall at the Hangar is a piece from the 1930s that seemed alien to me, but would have been a contemporary scene.
Painted the same year as the Hindenburg disaster, but it is a mystery of whether before or after. Dreamlike June Morning, from the end of WWII.
A unique Double Self Portrait which shows Duke Ellington inside the reflection of the artists glasses.
I instantly recognized the distinct work of Florida native Rattner, from the time I visited his museum on the Gulf Coast.
My favorite piece was an eclectic contemporary work on grainy wood with old radios piled beneath it called Pago Pago.
I really welcomed all of the history and tidbits I got from the posted descriptions here – adding to my experience of enjoying the art.
Once finished with the few wings I went outside to enjoy one of the loveliest gardens, which is listed on the national historic register.
I was impressed by the Cummer oak arms spreading over to shade the garden. It is approximately 200 years old and 80 feet tall with a 21’ circumference.
An English, Italian, and Olmstead garden each with its own charm.
At a quiet time I couldn’t imagine a lovelier location.
The breeze from the St. Johns River is perfect, cools you down even on a hot day.
It is such a shame that the recent Hurricane Irma has thoroughly devastated the garden. Although there is no reopen date set as of now, I am truly hoping it is restored to its former glory. No matter what your budget is, there are many opportunities to visit the museum for free. Free admission Tuesdays from 4-9 and first Saturday of the month from 10-4.
+Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
A very small collection, so I would recommending heading out on free day such as the first Wednesday of each month from 5-9, or for college students Tuesday-Friday 1:30-5. I really appreciated the stone books that take antique to whole new level
A piece from a sculptor I’ve seen elsewhere, including the Pepsico Sculpture Park in Westchester, NY.
A wispy gator almost made me imagine I was in a dream.
Outside the museum is rifle with art as well. Learn about your tastebuds and walk through the chompers of a larger than life mouth.
Find birds on the buildings
and painted on the walls.
Murals are prevalent in this neighborhood,
be sure to walk up and down some side streets.
+Jacksonville Lighthouse,W Union St. and N Pearl St. intersection
Attached to a parking garage not anywhere near the water this is a fun and random bit of art in the city to take a quick drive by.
That sounds right up my alley, will get there next time 🙂 ! Thanks for the tip.
Another in the Jacksonville area , a little south: Veterans Memorial Sculpture Garden/Lakeside Park, on A1A I think. Small, charming, if you are driving past, stop.
Gators are everywhere!!
Lots of great stuff here, including Pago Pago, the whispy gator and the oak tree. But those chompers !!