A Day Full of Refinement and Sophistication in Downtown Jacksonville

Crummer Museum of Art and Gardens, photo by Theme Park Mom

The inhabitants of northeast Florida never have to look far for fine art, thanks to Jacksonville’s bustling downtown. Jacksonville itself is home to more than just a handful of museums; from a maritime museum to a collection of ancient manuscripts, the town has it all. But for world-class fare the discerning art critic need not look any farther these four of Jacksonville’s best museums.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a public museum that sits on the shore of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville’s geographic center. Established in 1961 on the estate of Arthur and Ninah Cummer. Their original collection has since grown to contain over six thousand works of art that date as far back as 2100 BC. In addition to their permanent collection, the Cummer enjoys frequent guest exhibitions from artists and fellow collections around the country. Beautiful artwork aside, the Cummer also has four separate gardens nestled against the shore of the St. Johns. Each of the gardens has their own theme including an English and Italian style.

Just a quick jaunt northward to Laura Street will get you to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) which houses works from the 1960s onward. Its permanent collection includes over 800 pieces, from internationally known artists like Hans Hoffman, Alex Katz, and Joan Mitchell.

A short drive across downtown will take you from the MOCA to the Ritz LaVilla theater and museum. The theatre has a rich history as a centerpiece of African American culture beginning in 1929. Throughout its early days, the LaVilla built up an unofficial reputation as the ‘Harlem of the South.’ The LaVilla museum boasts an impressive permanent collection of African American art from the last century, and is host to numerous guest collections throughout the year.

If you’d prefer doing more than just looking at the art, then our last stop is the perfect place to round out the day. Across the Main Street bridge near the San Marco theater is Stellers Gallery. This venue offers not only a lovely exhibition and a permanent collection of working artists, but allows for its visitors to provide these deserving artisans with patronage. The gallery also offers numerous services, from framing to self-portraiture.

If you’re looking for a day or an evening full of class and culture in North Florida, Jacksonville’s downtown can deliver it to you. For the class of Jacksonville Ford stores, visit the Good Guys at Mike Davidson Ford in Jacksonville for all of your vehicle needs for your day on the town.