Great small museum. We learned a lot about Bean Backus and The Highwaymen. We also learned about the impact he had on the local area and beyond with his art and his open door policy with anyone and everyone. We spent a solid two hours there and it was enough to see everything this time of year. The only thing is they didn't have a "special"/rotating art exhibit so that may have shortened our time there some. If you're in the area then I recommend coming here. It's worth the money and the stop. read more

This gallery is named for A. E. Backus (1906-1990). He was a self taught artist who was well known for his Florida landscape paintings. Later on he went on to teach art and a student of his and 25 other African American male artists and one woman influenced by his style became known as the highwaymen. They were a group of artists around the Fort Pierce area who quickly created Florida folk art featuring landscapes from oil paints on Uppson board used as roof sheeting. From 1950-1980 they would anonymously sell the art out of the trunks of their cars on A1A and US 1 from Daytona to Miami. The museum and gallery was established by Backus in 1960. In addition to housing the art of A.E. Backus the gallery contains the only permanent multi media exhibition of Highwaymen art. Art by Backus and the Highwaymen are available for purchase in the gallery. The museum also has four wings that display charging artist exhibits. During the year the museum hosts many events like lectures, brunch, and bingo. The outside of the building is covered in murals inspired by the Highway Men landscapes. Behind the the museum are sculptures in the park that runs along the Indian River Lagoon. Admission is $5. Students and service members with ID are free, and the first Sunday of the month is family day and it's free. A Highwaymen painting in 1950 sold for $25, now they are in demand by collectors and can command $5,000. If you can't afford to purchase one coming here to view the museums collection is the next best thing. read more

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Thus is a beautiful museum worth visiting. Live nearby and will return many more times.

I had the displeasure of entering this gallery with my family on Feb 14. As I thought this is a walk-in gallery, I walked passed the woman at the front desk which was busy with another person. The woman yelled across the gallery, "hey you, you can't just walk in here like that, get back here", and EVERYONE at that gallery turned around in dead silence and gave her a disgusted look. I stood in shock and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know" to where she answered most vulgarly, "I don't care." I simply told my family to turn around and left with them. I do not think she is fit for dealing with polite society, creating such a vulgar spectacle at a fine establishment. read more

Really enjoyed this museum and the history it brings to the area. Reading about Backus was awesome. What a lovely man, and is like to have met him. The area featuring the highwaymen was cool. I had never heard of them till coming down here. And see now, their style mimicked throughout the area. The modern art was also awesome. And we enjoyed wandering around becoming engrossed in the art. read more

I was so tickled to pick up a numbered print for half off when we visited the museum in early Jan 2010. The staff at the gallery are very knowledgeable and gave us some great insight into the paintings. I learned so much about the highwaymen painters and the history of our area. read more

A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery - A. E. Backus Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Pierce, Florida

Wonderful museum! Lovely history of Florida's highway men art and their tutor. Worth the visit!

Wonderful exhibition with Michael Gladwin Enns at the museum. Humorous, intriguing as well as whimsical and classic. Enjoyed the works immensely. It was a beautiful and uplifting opening! read more

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As a multigenerational Florida Native, I love the history, style and colors of the art of AE Backus and the Florida Highwaymen. My friend and I chose to visit the museum & Gallery last Sunday on a gorgeous cool day. The museum is very well organized and art of the Highwaymen was very well represented and displayed. I enjoyed the short historical film on Backus, the lifestyle in Ft Pierce and the movement he started in the Jim Crow South. Some pieces are for sale. The gift shop has a nice variety of affordable selections. I purchased several items and now want to return for holiday gifts. Afterwards, we found a good tapas restaurant along the waterfront to enjoy delicious cold sangria and tasty small plates to share. Go. You will enjoy the visit. There are entry fee discounts. read more

I attended the reception event "The Eye of the Camera: Juried Photography Show" last Friday evening and I was impressed. For a smaller venue, this place packs a punch. "The Eye of the Camera: Juried Photography Show" had a wonderful selection of photographs from local and amateur photographers. There were several photos that took my breath away and I became acquainted with the work of some fabulous local artists whom I had never heard of before. I also enjoyed getting up close and personal to the vintage cameras that were placed throughout the gallery as part of the decor for the event. The permanent collection of the gallery features over 30 paintings by A. E. "Bean" Backus (1906-1990). Seems he's the quintessential painter of Florida landscapes and Indian River scenery. If you live south of the Gallery, I highly recommend taking the scenic route home by driving south on Indian River Drive, which hugs the river. It brings the paintings of the permanent collection to life, and you'll see for yourself the real-life Florida landscape that inspired his and so many other artists' work. read more

Excellent museum on the original Florida Highwayman. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The museum is compact, but well organized. It is in a beautiful building and setting. read more

Wonderful learning experience. Both historical and modern in a small but full space! Beautiful artwork from a prolific career.

I visited this hidden gem in March 2016. The special exhibit, art made from Crayons, was delightful. The Highwaymen art was extensive, each piece more wonderful then the previous. I look forward to returning. read more