I love love museums, and have been to the Appleton Museum about three times now. This last time I decided to go during their first Saturday of the month free admission, and so happy I did. The art at the museum is beautiful with a great collection. However, the only thing I wish is of this museum were bigger. While it's easy to spend 1-2 hours here, the museum does feel small compared to others I've been to. Other than that though, the collection is wonderful! read more

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Awesome place!!! I even made a video about it so check it out here: https://youtu.be/F9YeIQpfNLU read more

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Beautiful pinecone quilt exhibition with artist present. Open spaces with friend docents who were able to point out hidden Easter eggs in art. read more

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I like to write reviews while my experience is still in the recent past as my memories are a lot crisper and more vivid. Sometimes life gets in the way of my endless unpaid internship for the Yelp company which only rewards me with elite benefits I never cash in anyway. So regrettably I've slept on this review for half a year and my command of details isn't as exacting as it might have been. I do have the benefit of photos, some of which I've posted months ago on here and of not one but two visits... two visits to the same museum in just a three week stay in the Sunshine State. What does that tell you there? The first visit was solo and the second was looking for something to do with my sister, brother-in-law and dad but we probably could have found something else. A return visit to let it all soak in more sounded great, though. And we happened pop in on free admission Saturday so that's a happy surprise! My previous experience with Florida art museums has been underwhelming, from mid to bad. Jacksonville is decent, only cause of the gardens, Tampa is tepid and Orlando is dreadful. I'm reasonably certain Miami has to have a world class art museum but in the short time I was in town I wandered through the massive temporary art museum of Art Basel - another review headed for 404 page not found in my fading memory banks, just a few sentences tapped out in my drafts - and checked out the Museum of Graffiti, Art of Hip Hop Museum and Wynwood Walls. So I kinda got museumed out in Miami. Is that enough self indulgent prologue for you? Should I finally get to the Appleton Museum? I saw this museum is well regarded but my expectations still weren't too high. The AMA easily exceeded them. Two floors, galleries of all genres and styles, wrapping around a central courtyard and a workshop space for the young 'uns and creative adults not afraid of looking like young 'uns to ply their craft... what's not to love? The staff were especially gracious and friendly as well. I even bought an Andy Warhol coloring book in the gift shop that I meant to do drawing and maybe collaging on top of but that's only gathered dust. Circling back in the future reviews collection is a nice little kick in the ass for me to actually do that. It was right before Christmas when I/we visited and there were a few awesome/cheesy themed artsy Christmas trees scattered throughout the galleries - the Willy Wonka one and the flamingo one were standouts- as well as a humongous collection of nutcrackers, a sprawling miniature light up Christmas village and an assortment of fun, exaggerated Christmas themed characters by an artist by the named of Patience Brewster. There was an art deco room, a wall of pieces by beatnik scoundrel William S. Burroughs, who I thought was the coolest guy ever when I was an impressionable teenager and a giant photographic piece called David Then and Now by a Canadian artist named Micah Lexier with pictures of 75 guys named David taken ten years apart. Some had died and some couldn't be tracked down however. I wandered if it was inspired by The Kids in the Hall song/sketch The Daves I Know as he's even Canadian but the chronology doesn't work out. Lots of classical art, Americana type of stuff, Asian, African and South American art. There were a few Nasca pieces, a civilization I'd only been put up on recently by a friend. They had Mayan, Incan and Aztec, too and I knew all of those but it was cool to see Nasca in the mix as well and be like I know these guys, too. The Egyptian gallery had a whole timeline on the wall as well. They about have their bases covered for a tour through time and space of art. This museum has a nice auditorium but it wasn't in use during either of my visits. I don't know if I'll ever make it back to Ocala again but maybe something will be happening in there during a third visit, which I won't rule out. read more

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So, I'm not a big art person, but I had heard a lot of great things about this museum, so when I FINALLY went, I was kind of disappointed. It's $8 admission if you have one of the applicable discounts (I had AAA) but it wasn't as big as it appears on the outside. I liked the temporary exhibits but I wouldn't come back. The Harn Museum in Gainesville is larger, has more exhibits and it free admission so I was definitely surprised by this. I'm giving it 3 stars, because the area is nice, friendly staff, nice parking and it's on a beautiful property, I just had higher expectations. If it weren't for those things listed it would probably be 2 stars. read more

Appleton Museum of Art - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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Fantastic Art and being surrounded in beauty lifts the spirit!!!! Could walk and walk and walk just in awe !!! read more

I was surprised to learn that Ocala not only had an art museum but that it was free admission on the first Saturday of the month. I had to check it out and went with a friend for the free admission day. There's a surprisingly large collection from nearly every continent going back centuries (makes you wonder a little bit how exactly Mr. Appleton came across all these ancient artifacts...). There are also modern exhibits that include local Florida artists. Budget at least a couple hours to really see everything. The fountains out front are peaceful and sometimes food trucks part on site so you can grab lunch after building up an appetite inside. Overall I was quite impressed. read more

Went on a Saturday , first Saturday of the month to be exact which is free. They have new exhibitions seasonally and so we saw some similar stuff but they had a contemporary art exhibition throughout the museum. It's not too big or too small for a museum , I think it's just right for a quick walk around. You can also take your time to take in the art since it's so calm inside and every time we go every guest is considerate and friendly . We have talked with a couple of guests as well that come like us every few months to see the new displays. The people who work at the museum are so helpful and willing to recommend things you should check out as well and not miss out on. Every now and then they have a food truck parked outside which I think is on the free admission Saturdays. Lovely place for a slow afternoon. read more

Appleton Museum of Art - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Celebrating #museumday in Ocala. A beautiful museum and much larger than expected. Great exhibits of African, Asian, European, and Pre-Colombian art. Special exhibit called Finding Beauty showing drawings and costumes from the Beauty and the Beast production at the Ocala Civic Theatre. Worth a visit!! read more

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A varied collection worth seeing. Well curated. Modern, pleasant surroundings. Worth visiting. read more

Appleton Museum of Art - You know you've found the place when you see this sign. - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Wow. I have been to Museums in big cities. Beautiful Museum. Clean. Manicured. Interesting. 2 levels. Indian exhibit. Asian exhibit, water exhibit......staff professional... Great for all ages. A must see in Ocala. Thank you. read more

A nice trip with 2 floors of at to look at. Had a great time. Not sure if it is something you want to do more than once a year.

What a resource to have in our community. Variety of exhibitions and extra events is supurb. Info from their website below: Enjoy a wide choice of scheduled programs including films series, lectures and workshops. Educational films on the visual arts are shown Sundays at 1:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium. For a complete listing, visit the Appleton's Web site Events/Programs page or call the Appleton Museum at 352-291-4455. read more

Appleton Museum of Art - Appleton Museum of Art College of Central Florida - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Exceptional art and antiquities museum in Ocala, Florida. I can't believe what a terrific collection of Pre-columbian and African arts as well as a strong collection of European paintings and sculptures. Many of these paintings I have never seen in reproductions. I absolutely love this! Most of the works in major museums such as the Met in NY have been reproduced hundreds of times over. These were largely new to be with the exception of the Pierre August Cot painting-- Spring (two lovers sitting on a swing). I am infatuated with this museum. $8 general admission, $6 for seniors. read more

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I have been to this particular museum several times as I grew up in Ocala. Everything is so beautiful and in pristine condition. The artwork takes you back in time and the sculptures allow you to actually feel like you are a part of a different culture. On this visit I came with my family to see a display of some of the countries finest high school artists and my little brother happened to be one! The staff showed us exactly where to go as we arrived a little before closing but they were happy to accommodate us. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Appleton because of all the memories I have there. read more

Appleton Museum of Art - Brother's artwork! - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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No one would expect to find such an extraordinary art collection in a sleepy town like Ocala. The quality and scope, were it in Tampa, would make this a premier gallery destination. Just wonderful! read more

Since 2014 I have been able to enjoy walking the beautiful an peaceful grounds that surround the Appleton Museum and Ocala Civic Theater as have many of my neighbors who live close by. I have always felt safe there But that changed as of yesterday morning when my neighbor and I were harassed and threatened by the Appleton's security guard. He pulled into the parking lot as we were crossing the parking lot with my small dog that had just walked across a small portion of the medians by the parking blocks.. In a very terse voice he bellowed that we could not cross here. We apologized and redirected ourselves to the blacktop and continued walking. The security guard started to follow us in his car literally cutting us off and then jumped from his car to stand less than 3 ft from me to berate us, yelling that we were to go to the sidewalk that we could not walk there.. I told the security guard that I had been walking this parking lot for more than 7 yrs and had never had a problem. He informed me very rudly that I could contact the Appletons office to complain but while he was there we could not walk there.. I moved away from him because he was very irrate and was scaring my dog so I headed for the sidewalk while my neighbor tried to speak with the guard explaining that we weren't trying to make him feel disrespected but to follow his request .. I made it to the sidewalk by the fountains and looked back to make sure my neighbor was alright when I noticed the security guard driving recklessly through the parking got and once again jumping from his car to cut me off towering over me he continued yelling that I needed to go to the side walk. I explained I was trying to leave by the sidewalk that I was standing on and that he was harassing us and that he needed to step away from me that I was trying to get to the sidewalk that led back to the Civic theater .. at this point he started pointing towards HWY 40 and saying no that sidewalk .. I informed him I do not walk on silver springs blvd as it is not safe with all the cars and exhaust and with my small dog I didn't want anything to happen and that I was going back to my the way I came as he had told me to do .. at this point there was a worker there as well that had stepped from the side of the building where there are 2 machines close to the building to work on the tiles in the building. I walked towards him trying to get away from the guard. He continued to follow us demanding my ID .. and my name. I once again asked him to stop harassing us that we were leaving.I WILL NEVER AGAIN VISIT THE MUSEUM AND I FIND THIS VERY SAD AS I AM LITERALLY A 5 MIN WALK FROM THERE. And I hope that all of my neighbors realize that this sort of treatment from the security is unacceptable and will no longer visit the museum either. And may I add as well there are NO "no trespassing or dog walking " SIGNS SAYING THAT WE ARE NOT TO WALK ON THE GROUNDS and no signs about dogs being with you either.. and as a responsible dog owner I always carry bags with me as well. read more

One of my favorite places in Ocala. I love the bended stick structure outside...be sure to walk through it to get a good appreciation of it! Inside, there is always something new going on, and Artspace is super cool for the kids. read more

What a sweet way to spend a rainy day. Mr. Appelton, I applaud your philanthropy! For $25 you can become a member and listen to great music on the first Thursday of the month. It's still Ocala, but that's okay. You can "come as you are". read more

Don't trust your GPS, take the directions off the website. This is an amazing collection of antiquities and art in an unexpected place. The Asian and European art brings you face to face with the past. We had the opportunity to visit during the Norman Rockwell exhibition. In the past I had visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in MA, this exhibition was a behind the easel of the artist. Visit the manicured grounds, the crystal clear fountains and be greeted by one of Rodin's Thinkers. read more

My girlfriend took me here because they were having the exhibit on Princess Diane dresses. Of course first we went through all the Mayan crafts that they had first then went through all the very high class dresses. read more

I had the opportunity to attend the advance opening of "Art of the Chopper" this last Wednesday evening at The Appleton Museum, here in Ocala. This exhibition tops the Diana tour that was held here several years ago. It really doesn't matter if you are a motorcycle enthusiast or not, this one of a kind presentation is for all ages. For those of us over "50" - memories of Peter Fonda & Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider will come to mind. For the "younger" generation - there are 30 sculptures that will be the topic of conversation for quite some time. Originally exhibited at the Clinton Library in Arkansas - Tom Zimberoff has brought more culture to Ocala (thank you, Tom). Biketoberfest (Daytona Beach) starts next weekend and timing is perfect. Many of us that ride will be sharing our experience with others - but again, even if you have never thought of motorcycles as art - this is a must see! read more

Appleton Museum of Art - Art of the Chopper Oct 10 through Jan 10, 2010 - Museums Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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What a pleasant surprise! With rain in the forecast, we were looking for something indoors to do on our trip to Orlando and came across the Appleton. The robot exhibit was amazing. read more

The other day,I spent a fine,enriching day at this art museum.I appeciated its fine panoply of 19th Century paintings,primarily by French and German Realistic and Naturalistic painters.Painters well-represented included;William Adolphe Bougereau("Young Sheperdess"),Jules Dupre("Reflections"),Pierre August Cot("All Soul's Day,Pisa")Jean Leon Gerome("Odalisque")Charles Jacque,Adolph Schreyer,John Herring,and American Edwin Weeks("Market Day"),among othersI I also enjoyed its small collection of Old Master paintings,including excellent paintings by Nicolas Maes and Paulus Potter("Cows in Pasture").I found this art museum to be very aesthetically charming.Considering Ocala is a small city,this art museum was a pleasant surprise read more