Whether you’re inspired by the work of world-renowned masters or you prefer to marvel at contemporary art, the art museums in Florida are sure to get the creative juices flowing. Local and visiting art lovers of all ages can appreciate the masterpieces of Salvador Dali or the famous graffiti artists who tagged Miami’s Wynwood Walls. Florida’s art appeal goes beyond the museum environment, so prepare to admire both local and international pieces of work at the best in Florida for art lovers.
Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg
The Salvador Dali Museum is a gallery where visitors of all ages can appreciate art. It houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist painter’s works outside of Europe, with more than 2,000 works of art that include oils, watercolors, sketches, sculptures and other objects. Of the 18 “Masterworks” Dalí produced, eight are located here. Let your imagination run wild as you learn about Surrealism, while the kids can participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt.
Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota is a Renaissance-style museum that features 21 galleries that showcase some of John Ringling’s most impressive art collection. You can meander through the complex to see sculptures, European antiques and world-class masterpieces from notable artists such as Peter Paul Rubens. You can spend an entire day at this attraction, as it’s also home to the original Circus Museum and Ringling Art Library.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park
Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art to see one of the world’s most impressive collections of famed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, who later became part of Tiffany & Co. Located in the heart of Winter Park, it houses a Byzantine-inspired interior of the Tiffany Chapel installation. Marvel at the designer’s jewelry, pottery, art glass and glass lamps, then browse the 19th and 20th-century paintings.
Perez Art Museum Miami, Miami
Located in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park, Perez Art Museum Miami sits alongside Biscayne Bay. A modern and contemporary museum, it is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Spend an afternoon walking through the fascinating exhibits and enjoy the waterfront views that are paired with elaborate hanging gardens. The facility also offers interactive programs for families that include hands-on, art-inspired activities, music and theatrical performances.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville
Home to one of the finest art collections in the Southeast, the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens in Jacksonville is home to nearly 5,000 objects in its permanent collection. There are interactive features that the kids will enjoy, while history enthusiasts will be impressed with the American and European paintings on display that date back to 2100 BC. Step outside to discover a collection of beautifully manicured gardens with reflecting pools and ornate fountains.
Wynwood Walls, Miami
While Miami’s Ocean Drive and Art Deco buildings serve as a postcard image of the city, its Wynwood Walls that takes the cake as the most popular place to admire colorful art. This local favorite is decked out with striking graffiti art that spans the entire arts district of Wynwood. Admire the murals and masterpieces created by artists from around the world, then visit nearby Panther Coffee for craft coffee and latte art.
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to admire masterpieces of art from renowned artists like Monet and O’Keefe, then explore the on-site sculpture garden and Steuben glass gallery. Dedicated to inspiring and educating, the museum is known for its excellent permanent collection and variety of rotating and traveling exhibitions, where you can browse 14,000 objects that include decorative arts and pre-Columbian artifacts.
Vero Beach Museum of Art, Vero Beach
If you’re looking for a dose of culture in Vero Beach, visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art. You’ll find regional, state and national art exhibitions in addition to a sculpture garden, studio art and a state-of-the-art auditorium. Admire full-size sculptures, art glass, paintings and other genres with a focus on American art and Florida artists, while seven studio classrooms and an art library host classes and workshops.
The Harn Museum, Gainesville
Visit the Harn Museum in Gainesville to see one of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the United States. You can browse through a permanent collection that features African, Asian, modern and contemporary art and photography, then stop to admire Claude Monet’s “Champ d’avoine (Oat Field)”. They even have a Museum Nights event, an interactive after-hours experience with art-making activities, performances and guest lecturers.
The Lightner Museum, St. Augustine
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel that dates back to 1888, the Lightner Museum showcases an impressive collection of art that includes Tiffany & Co. glass and Victorian-era antiques. It is home to one of the best collections of fine and decorative 19th-century art in the country and also features unconventional items such as shrunken heads, salt and pepper shakers and cigar labels. Admire costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and paintings from around the world.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Winter Park
One of the gems found on the beautiful Rollins College campus, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum combines art and history with more than 500 paintings in addition to a range of fascinating artifacts and archaeological fragments. You’ll find work from notable artists such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Thomas Moran and impressive works that range from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. An ancient sarcophagus, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, American abstraction, modern sculpture and 21st-century art all are part of their collection.
Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
Known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami brings the best of contemporary art to Florida, highlighting work from both famous and emerging artists. You can see colorful pieces of work from newly discovered artists, then learn about the area’s culture through permanent and rotating exhibits. The museum presents off-beat videos and installations in addition to eight to ten exhibitions throughout the year. It also hosts an array of events, from informative lectures to jazz nights.
