The first time I visited this museum was in 2017. It was awe and there's so much to see here and…read morenew things to learn about. This facility also includes a butterfly garden, which is very interesting. I have managed to visit every year. There plenty of parking at this facility, to include a parking garage as well. If you love museums and live in Florida, I highly recommend visiting this museum.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is absolutely amazing! They have different seasonal exhibits…read morewhich are always pretty interesting. The exhibits are beautifully curated, educational, and captivating. The butterfly rainforest is a must-see and well worth the extra charge- it's magical walking among so many vibrant butterflies. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole experience was both fun and inspiring. Great to bring kids and my niece who is 4 years old loved the area for kids , she didn't want to leave . It was engaging and creative of them to have a little area dedicated for kids. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a great day out, this place won't disappoint.

We were back in Gainesville, and since it was a cold, rainy day, we decided to h go again using our…read moreNorth American Reciprocal museum membership. In exactly one year, they had changed and updated practically the whole museum except the Cade/Gatorade section which was partly updated. I was impressed. This is a great museum for kids of all ages ,and adults too, especially if they are interested in STEM, creativity and inventing. Plenty of fun, hands-on learning and inspiration for future careers.

This museum for creativity and invention established in 2018 and located in a corner of Depot Park…read morein Gainesville inspires future inventors, entrepreneurs and visionaries. Open four days a week Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Admission $15 for adults, 5-17 $10, college students snd seniors $12.50 and under 5 is free. Established and named after Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, reflects his view of combining science and art in a manner of purposeful creativity. There are exhibits on inventions and technology that came from University of Florida. The museum caters to people of all ages and young children. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) workshops are available where attendants can meet living inventors. A little gift shop located at the front lobby. Parking is free.

While visiting Gainesville today we stopped by the Harn Museum of Art. This is a FREE admission…read moremuseum which we love. This place is great and they have so many great pieces. Didn't take many photos because I was involved in the moment with my wife and friends and amazed at all the nice art work they have. We stopped and asked the security officer a few questions. One was how long do these art pieces stay out for viewing and also do they transfer them to other museums around the country. He said they rotate out art work about every few years so it keeps things fresh and no they don't transfer pieces. All pieces stay in house. If you are ever in the area you must stop by the Harn Museum of Art! Also next the year Florida Museum of Natural History will reopen after a full renovation and you also must see that!!! Definitely recommend you visit this!

The Harn Museum of Art is one of my favorite places in Gainesville when I want something calming,…read morebeautiful, and grounding. The galleries are thoughtfully curated, the space feels open and inviting, and there's always a good mix of contemporary pieces, cultural exhibits, and rotating collections that keep things interesting. Their Art After Dark events on Thursday nights are such a nice bonus, the museum feels even more alive, and it's a great way to enjoy art in a relaxed, social setting without it feeling overwhelming. Perfect for a solo night, a date, or something different to do after work. I also love the outdoor garden area; it adds to the peaceful vibe and makes the whole experience feel refreshing. I always leave feeling inspired and reset.

I love love museums, and have been to the Appleton Museum about three times now. This last time I…read moredecided 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!

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

Atlas Obscura needs to know about this most excellent place in Gainesville, Florida! Equal parts…read moremuseum, theatre, and local music venue, Theatre of Memory is an absolute must if you are looking for something fun to do (and a little bit different!) in Gainesville. Bill, the docent/curator/museum director, greeted us as we arrived and the tour began almost immediately. He exuded theatricality and really brought the place alive. From the wheel room, to the Beatles exhibit, through the platform shoe and tea collections, Bill had fun stories to tell about everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our late afternoon tour and returned later that evening for a music performance put on by an incredibly talented musician from Maine who played piano music and told stories inspired by nature and place to a sold out audience. This is a really cool place full of food for the thought. We have not stopped talking about things we saw or heard during our visit. A visit to Theatre of Memory is definitely recommended during your visit to the Gainesville area.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! This is a place I go for inspo and refreshment. I mention it in my little…read morepodcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q-7dXGM1wc https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AVDzYG9l9OUJzVAxF1e0t?si=1m6pyudZTC6FPpriw7ojwA

This is a great hour long stop to see some fantastic civil war memorabilia and learn some really…read moreinteresting local lore. The museum is small and it won't take long to go through, but it is well organized and staffed by very friendly volunteers. There is a good sized parking lot behind the museum and the bathrooms were very tidy. There is no admission fee but they do have a donation jar. Please bring a little cash and consider donating if you visit. I bet they have a shoe string budget and can use every dollar received.

Family went over memorial weekend. There were quite a few interactive exhibits that didn't work…read more The 3rd floor was closed down and the 2nd floor near the planetarium didn't make sense. You can tell the museum is closing down. The shows in the planetarium were great. They were very educational and entertaining. Other than that my other favorite part was the "Currents of Time." Seeing the evolution of the Jacksonville area. I definitely will check out the new location once it's done.

What a happy celebration day for the museum as they transition to a bigger and modern caliber for…read morethe city. I learned that the museum of science is expanding to a new home and it will take some years for the official move and space. Throughout my travels , looking for staples in the community that offer hands on learning, family friendly spaces, and a budgeted treat truly takes time to explore. Today I walked through showcases filled with history from the Victorian era; some relics were plants and photos from the 1970! I hadn't been inside a planetarium in a few years and you still appreciate the wonder when you hear children awe at the science and story telling in front of their eyes. All the staff were incredible , helping answer and questions they had- a major shout out to Vystar credit union as a volunteer partner making the day impactful for the masses. Go visit your museum- science centers- arts locations as we are continuously evolving in science and expanding our living history. Today was special!

If you're a history lover and in the area, you can't miss the Amelia Island Museum of History -…read morewhich is housed in the old historic jail building. THe museum itself isn't the largest but you'll be very surprised at just how much has gone down on this small island on the edge of the Georgia/Florida state line. If it's any indication of just how tumultuous this area was - 7 distinct flags have flown over the island throughout written history. From natives to pirates to Spaniards and Confederates and everyone in between - there's a lot more to Amelia Island than just million dollar beach homes and waterside dining. Admission is $10 for adults. Make sure that you arrive with enough time to enjoy one of the complimentary docent tours. It's included with your museum admission so to not take advantage is a big missed opportunity. The tour we had lasted over 1 hour and in that time our guide covered essentially most things you would learn from reading the exhibit displays but with added insight. As an added bonus, there is a parking lot attached to the museum and plenty of street parking as well. I'd recommend starting your Amelia Island vacation with a trip to the museum so you can appreciate the historical footsteps you're walking in while on the island.

Worth a stop if you want to learn the history of beautiful Amelia island !…read more The Amelia Island Museum of History offers a well done look at the island's past, from the Timucua Indians to Spanish and French explorers and even pirates. The exhibits are interesting and well presented, with videos and displays that make the history come to life ! There is a docent led tour, which is included with admission. Tours run Monday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., and they add great context and storytelling to the exhibits. Fun extras: there's a pressed penny machine for collectors and a passport stamps if you're tracking your travels. There's also a nicely stocked gift shop . Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here, though history lovers could easily stay longer depending on how much reading you want to do. Plenty of parking makes the visit even easier.

The museum was having a plant market right in front of the museum a few weeks ago and that's what…read moredrew me into coming here. The vendor I bought from told me that it was free that day to go into the museum and Gardens so my family and I decided to look at the beautiful garden to welcome spring. Sadly, we didn't have time to explore the inside of the museum, but that will be for next time. The garden is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with a plethora of colors and the river in the back it's just so pretty. I loved how you could just walk around and see the different parts of the garden and then stand by the river as well. They had super unique flowers. I especially loved the ones that looked like little red lanterns and I loved all the beautiful trees. I was so happy to come here and I loved that they had a little plant market that drew you in to come and actually check out the garden. I can't wait to go back and explore the museum and make a whole day out of it. You definitely need to add this to your list if you haven't gone yet.

Another museum on us weekend as a BOA cardholder, and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to check…read moreout Cummer Museum. I stopped by Saturday around 12p and parking was pretty much non existent due to the Farmer's Market nearby. I highly suggest the earlier you get to the museum the better. I did find parking at the River and Post lot. This museum is known for it's beautiful garden and that was the first thing I hit. Now since it was a lovely day, there were a lot of people here visiting. I was amazed by the beautiful courtyard but even more breathtaking garden. I see why this is a hot spot for wedding/engagement photos. The garden has the backdrop of the St. John's River and the beauty of the botanical garden is so peaceful. I would've hung out a bit longer if it was not so hot outside. Inside, there are some great exhibits on display like the feature Art in Bloom, Norman Studios (black movie posters collection) Italian to Egyptian art and artifacts, to the Tudor Room. This room is a chance to learn more about the Cummer family and their art collection. The museum also has a cafe and offer a children's learning area. I look forward to coming back for an event day at the museum but I highly recommend stopping by to this museum.

Add the Lightner Museum as a stop when visiting St. Augustine! The museum is located in the heart…read moreof the city in what use to be the Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age Resort. The building architecture and the gardens are beautiful. There were many collections to peruse, which were housed on 3 levels. It took us about two hours to make our way through, but you could easily spend 3 if you take your time and read everything. The floors all have a front and rear. The best suggestion we were given is to start on the 3rd floor an make our way down. The staff on hand were friendly and readily available to answer any of your questions. You can make a reservation for lunch at the Cafe, which is located on the lower level of what was once a pool.

Love coming here! The history of the museum is fascinating and the exhibits are amazing! If you…read morelove art this is a place you'll not want to miss! You might even want to continue to support them by becoming a member. TIP: You can become a member of the museum for as little as $50. per year. Membership supports everything they do at the museum, from exciting new exhibitions and engaging programs, to the preservation of their historic building and collections. According to their website, every membership to the Lightner Museum includes: * Unlimited free admission to the museum's permanent galleries and exhibitions for a full year * Invitations to Members-only previews of special exhibitions * Discounts on select events and programs There are many more perks and additional levels of membership. For additional information and to purchase memberships online, go to lightnermuseum.org Support your local arts.