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11 Museums in Florida You Must See in Your Lifetime

From art to science to kid-friendly fun, there are a variety of museums in Florida. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or something unique to entertain the kids, there are a handful of undeniably cool museums that provide fun educational experiences for museum-goers of all ages. Discover the top museums in Florida that are worth a visit.

The Dali Museum, Saint Petersburg The Dali Museum
Credit: The Dali Museum by The Dali Museum

The Dali Museum, Saint Petersburg

Art lovers of all ages can appreciate the beautiful uniqueness that is Salvador Dali. With an impressive and comprehensive collection of work, let your imagination run wild as you learn all about Surrealism at this top attraction in Saint Petersburg.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota The Ringling
Credit: The Ringling by The Ringling

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota

Variety is the spice of life, and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art knows this all too well. With a circus museum, art museum, railroad car, and lush garden, at this art-filled attraction you’ll find a full day worth of activities.

WonderWorks, Orlando WonderWorks Orlando
Credit: WonderWorks Orlando by WonderWorks Orlando

WonderWorks, Orlando

Zany and kitschy, WonderWorks in Orlando has over 100 educational and interactive exhibits focusing on math, physics, and space. If that doesn’t impress you, they also hold comedy shows and laser tag adventures. The kids will love this attraction.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Credit: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park

Boasting the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (who later became part of Tiffany & Co.), The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a must-see. Design enthusiasts will be impressed by the late 19th century and early 20th-century jewelry, pottery, paintings, and art glass showcased at this museum.

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
Credit: St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum by St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine

Boasting the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts, the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a creative museum that takes a hand’s on approach to education. Within the themed vignettes, you’ll learn how pirates sailed, lived, and died on Florida’s shores through fascinating tales and up-close interaction with 400-year-old treasures.

Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach
Credit: Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach by thebass.org

Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach

The Bass Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of the Miami art scene. Their mission is to “expand the interpretation of contemporary art,” and they do so by featuring cultural influences such as fashion and architecture into their programs. The Bass also holds educational programs in high regard.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Multiple Locations Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Credit: Ripley's Believe It or Not! by Ripley's Believe It or Not! (Orlando, FL)

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Multiple Locations

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is another attraction that’s perfect for a trip with the kids, as it entertains visitors with weird and quirky interactive displays and oddities. With an interesting combination of science and strange, you will be amazed at all the unique items you encounter.

Orlando Science Center, Orlando Orlando Science Center
Credit: Orlando Science Center by Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center, Orlando

Fun for science lovers of all ages, spend a day getting familiar with Orlando’s Science Center, where the focus is on experience-based opportunities. Learn about science and technology on a fun, hands-on day of learning and discovery.

Ernest Hemingway Museum, Key West Ernest Hemingway House, Key West
Credit: Ernest Hemingway House, Key West by bigstockphoto.com

Ernest Hemingway Museum, Key West

Located in Key West, this museum offers literary enthusiasts the chance to explore the residence where Hemingway lived in 1931 and later died in 8 years later. As a bonus, observe the descendants of his former cats that still roam the area.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami
Credit: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami by Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami

History and nature lovers alike will appreciate the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami. Explore the stunning waterfront architectural mansion grounds and stroll through the lush manicured gardens for a unique day trip to one of Florida’s historic landmarks.

The Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando The Orlando Museum of Art
Credit: The Orlando Museum of Art by Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando

At The Orlando Museum of Art, the permanent exhibitions on African art are simply breathtaking while the lifeblood of the museum is a modern design and contemporary art. The OMA takes pride in its educational efforts, offering programs on art education for all ages. They are always rotating series of temporary exhibitions, so pay attention to what’s coming up soon!