I loved Lightner Museum and it was certainly the highland of my trip to St. Augustine. The architecture is so beautiful itself, but the collections are amazing! From antiques, musical instruments and glasswares to buttons, shells and toys. There is something for everyone to enjoy. I definitely reccomend to attend the instrument demonstration in the music room. People who work here are very nice and knowledgable. They have student and military discounts. This is a must visit place in St. Augustine. My husband and I took about 2 hours to see the place. If you are more interested in this place, it could take 3-4 hours perhaps. read more

Gorgeous museum. Extremely large so be prepared to spend a minimum of two hours there. My favorite floor was the 3rd floor. Gorgeous statues and furniture. All floors are amazing tho. Tons and tons of stuff to look at from tiny spoons to a giant stuffed lion. Gemstone collection. Typewriters, lots of crystal and beautiful Tiffany's lamps. There is an entire section of relic musical instruments. At 2:00 pm there is someone that comes in and demos how to use each one. Cool bath house to see. We had a wonderful time. I would say a must stop for your St. Augustine experience. read more

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This place could be so much more. From the outside architecture, one would expect to find a grand museum on the inside of this former hotel. Instead, it's a hodgepodge of bizarre little collections with little documentation, a kitschy gift shop, and surly staff. We were particularly underwhelmed after touring the (arguably kitschier) Villa Zorayda, which was a far more interactive and narrative experience. Unlike other yelpers, we experienced the museum in about 40 min, and found this to be plenty of time to consume the paltry material on display. Overall, Lightner was the low point of our visit to St. Augustine, and I stripped away a star for being so tempting on the outside, but so utterly lacking in taste on the inside... like a Dunkin' Donut! read more

My wife and I took advantage of the Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day today by visiting the Lightner Museum. We walked in at 2PM right as they were doing the "Music Box" demo. And what a awesome treat! The music box collection is easily the high point of the museum, and getting to see them all function was great. The eclectic collection of different things was fun to wander through. My other favorite part is the 2nd floor where the Turkish baths were located... there they highlighted what the hotel was like at the turn of the century. I would have loved to have seen one of the rooms restored. It's $10 bucks to get in, and well worth it. The gardens in the courtyard is very pretty with a little footbridge over a Koi pond. I agree with the other reviewer that this place is definitely not for kids. read more

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During our walking tour of St Augustine, we came across this place. It is absolutely gorgeous! We loved soaking in all the gardens in the courtyard and feeding the koi (a quarter for food). I can see why this place is a very popular wedding/event/pictoral spot. It even houses its own wedding attire shop and wedding officiant/marriage license offices. We did not take the actual museum tour, but just strolling around the outsides and lobbies was enough to make us appreciate this place. Definitely not for children. Will visit and take the museum tour when in town again! read more

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Located on the edge of Old Town. It's a lovely and very interesting museum.

Unique museum in an incredible building. Enjoyed the Dressing Downton exhibit which used the museums collection of period furnishings to high light the films costumes. read more

Lightner Museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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The Lightner Museum is such a unique place. It reminded me of a smaller, classier, better-curated House on the Rock. The staff there seemed to be primarily volunteers and were very sweet and eager to tell us about the place. The items inside were interesting but I was mostly there to see the building itself. It did not disappoint! It was so much fun to think about it once serving as the recreational portion of a grand hotel. My favorite part of our visit was the music room. The gentleman that did the demonstration of the various music machines was very friendly and informative. I'm not sure why exactly, but seeing those old machines in action made me absolutely giddy. Even if you don't want to go inside and pay the entrance fee, do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to sit in the stunning courtyard, it would be a great place to bring a picnic lunch. And be sure to at least peak your head inside to see the grand old lobby. read more

The museum is located right across from Flagler college while surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Excellent place for pictures. ***check Groupon for this place as they almost always have a deal. It was a nice place to walk around a look at Victorian era artifacts and architecture. I would not recommend this for small children as lots of glass and delicate things thought out and located low/within reach of tiny hands. Nice place to just walk and talk with friends. read more

Lightner Museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

I loved this museum with its eclectic collections. First the former hotel is quite scenic and well preserved. What's inside? Old furniture, lots of glass including Tiffany. Some rocks, old instruments, shells, and much more. It bears it's history as a bath house entertainingly. They also have daily concerts and a cafe. read more

This is not your typical museum. It is still great fun to walk all over this place. It is moldy so take some antihistamine before spending the day. My daughter and Wife lasted about 3 hrs before we had to leave due to there eyes burning. Overall the exhibit is a flash back to the gilded age. read more

Well this place is the coolest ! So much history. So beautiful ! An absolute must see when you're in St. Augustine read more

We came to St. Augustine on what ended up being the most rainiest day of the trip! So, we decided to pop into the Lightner Museum to get out of the wet weather for a bit. This place is... well, hard to explain! When I think of a museum I think of a building separated by theme, time period, etc. I really felt like I was walking through an antiques shop, or something to that effect. We started on the top floor as recommended and worked our way down to the first by the entrance. There were some items that fascinated me, but that I never would have thought I would see - a button collection, cigar label art, a shrunken head?! I think it is definitely worth a visit, or more! The building itself, the previous Hotel Alcazar, is quite beautiful and the space that used to be the pool is beautiful (with quite the fascinating history). I feel like even though it is not a big museum, you can't see everything in one visit! Even if just a rainy-day excursion, the Lightner Museum is something to check out while in the City. read more

Lightner Museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Excellent collection of odds and ends literally poached by Mr. Lightner when the market crashed from his well-to-do friends, housed in a beautiful building. South Floridians can liken this to the Wolfsonian crossed with the (sadly gone) collection of curiosities from the old Miami Science Museum. Definitely gonna come back, new rooms were being remodeled and I'd love to see what they put in there. read more

Lightner was a collector of others' collections. This unique museum, housed in one of America's great architectural treasures, is therefore a "meta-collection." Especially fascinating is the Victorian style "cabinet of curiosities" room full of oddities of nature, science and culture. It's easy to miss the most spectacular space in the building--The third floor ballroom. Don't. read more

Rushed to get to the museum before closing time at 5pm. All of their signage said that last entry was 4:30 & so did their website. Got there at 4:19pm & was told that the museum "was closed"... Frustrating because we'd cut lunch short and rushed across town to get there before 4:30. Very disappointed. read more

I am a fan of museums. Though we have been to St A. so many times we have never really stopped in here. The grounds are beautiful and the exhibits are unique. There are some themes though it just seems like various collections scattered about the old hotel. Downstairs in the back was the cafe. We did not eat there but perhaps that would be something to consider on our next trip. The collections did fill the space quite well. In some places it was narrow to walk though which was unnerving since I a guessing to have been walking by fine china. They do not allow large bags though, most likely because of the narrow walking space in some spots. There are elevators for those who have difficulty with stairs. Overall, we are glad we stopped in. I would put his high on the list of things to do in St Augustine. read more

A Collection that consists of a little bit of everything, from musical instruments, to Indian artifacts, French furniture, crystal, blown glass, toys, all housed in what used to be a hotel. The ballroom was above the swimming pool, and had a roof that opened to the stars. It now contains a pricey restaurant. You can look down on the restaurant from 4 floors up. read more

Don't underestimate this place. Great collection of art (favorite was the science section with several wildlife taxidermy pieces and a rhino leather shield!) and best of all, this place is gorgeous! The courtyard, the ballroom, the front entrance garden... All beautiful and worth a visit read more

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A Jewel for Disorganized Wanderers. Ever wondered what happened to expensive little decor items that wealthy people in the early 1900's got rid of? Me neither, but here's where quite a few ended up. In another century, this was the Alcazar Hotel, one of the vacation residences for People Who Owned a Least One Train Car. This is a lovely break from the WORLD'S OLDEST or THE STRANGEST IN THE UNIVERSE that batter tourists everywhere else in St. Augustine. Unless you just want to hang out on the beach. Now there's a thought. But see the Lightner Museum first. read more

I might as well have lived in the Lightner from 1988 to 1990 while I attended Flagler. The music room, featuring instruments as diverse as the Regina Orchestral Corona and a deceptively small Western Electric player piano were always the main attractions for me --- until I later discovered their massive collection of Tiffany glass. The massive swimming pool originally built for the hotel, when last I was in St Auggie, housed an antique mall. Try to imagine hard-of-hearing tycoon Henry Flagler listening to Sousa's band performing on the upper floors when you visit. read more

Lightner Museum is housed in the entertainment building of the former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888. Evidently in the thirties it shut down and fell into serious disrepair until bought by Mr. Lightner, turned into a museum, and gifted to the town. General adult admission $10, mostly staffed by volunteers. Enjoyable displays, some of the more interesting personal collections include a toasters collection and a button collection. The Victorian hair jewelry (first floor exhibit, behind the antique musical instruments) is the most intricate I've ever seen. Overall an eclectic mix of displays, and you can wander all around the 4 floors (1F, 2F, 3F and 3R if I remember right so it's a little confusing). The stories and photos showing the original room uses are great. Don't miss the antique music demonstration in the music room at 11 AM and 2 PM. Tip: Great combination for a rainy day, tour here and across King street see the Ponce de Leon Hotel, now part of Flagler College. read more

Lightner Museum - Koi pond near the museum entrance - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Wow! Incredible building, a must see if you're in the area. The courtyard is gorgeous, you need a permit to get married there! There's a museum that we didn't get to see unfortunately, and there are several shops and galleries inside. But the inside is just beautiful! read more

Lightner Museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

I moved away from FL two years ago. Now I come here every year with my hubby just to hang around and check out every nook and cranny. Even though it hasn't changed in the 13 or so years I've been visiting, we still have a great time, it never gets old. read more

Lightner Museum - The pack rat in me is squealing. I can't ever get enough of this place. - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

First stop on our visit to St. Augustine. Was told it was a MUST VISIT museum. They had a lot of interesting collections and pieces spread out over 3 floors. The courtyards were beautiful and a great spot for pictures. You can overlook a beautiful restaurant and see areas were weddings can occur. The walk through can take about an hour and discounts are available in most sightseeing guides for the area. read more

Lightner Museum - Outside of the Lightner museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Our visit was ruined by an employee, Nicole, who singled out our party for one person not having a mask on for a moment to catch her breath as she is 6 months pregnant and asthmatic. And by singled out I mean there were at least 2 other parties of 6 plus people not wearing masks and she strode right past them, never saying a word but chided our party very loudly while waving her finger and telling me not to look at her like that. Very disappointing as we had 2 children with us as well. If I could give zero stars I would. read more

Set in the most historical city. Great museum with floors of amazing items from days gone by. Stunning architecture. The Hotel had the 1st indoor pool (not used as pool today but renovated into a dining area) very cool to see. Take the private tour. They have great stories & information regarding the history read more

We decided to visit the Lightner Museum while touring St Augustine. This turned out to be a very good place to visit. We especially enjoyed the presentation on the musical instruments. The building is very interesting and the history of the construction of the building is a story itself. You can easily spend several hours in this place and it was a very worthwhile tour for me. read more

Great museum for the price. I do think they should offer a military discount to retirees also, not just active duty members. The architecture is amazing, to think the had an indoor pool back then. Very interesting collections inside. The volunteers were very friendly and talkative. read more

The museum is great but the building that it's in is what impressed me the most. We couldn't stay for the entire visit but we will be going back to finish our tour. Definitely a must stop if you have never seen before. read more

Lightner Museum - Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Went to the museum for the Downton Abbey exhibit. This is an awesome museum of Victorian era antiques. Downton Abbey exhibit was amazing and very well done. Fun if you were a history buff. read more

Beautiful museum! Very clean and well maintained. Reasonable price to get in and you can definitely see everything within an hour or so.

It may have been great when it was the Hotel Alcazar, but I don't think the museum is great! It must be me, because I don't understand all the great reviews the Lightner Museum has received. I live in the greater NYC area and have access to many great museums. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them. Perhaps it's worth the admission price if you're interested in antique glass, but beyond that, there's no rhyme or reason to what's on display. You go from a Tiffany Dragonfly lamp to a shrunken head. The prettiest room you'll see is the one you pass through on your way to the ticket counter. Perhaps the ballroom is prettier but we didn't get to see it. Many of the positive reviews talk about the impressive ballroom. However, we were not able to see the ballroom because they were setting up for a private wedding. I thought it was extremely unfair that they did not tell us the ballroom was unavailable until AFTER we bought our tickets. My advice is to skip this place and the $15 admission fee. What you get to see is not worth the ticket price. The garden is beautiful and the pool area is interesting, but you can see both of those without paying the $15 admission price. The garden is in the courtyard just past the St. Augustine City Hall offices, and the swimming pool has been converted to a restaurant which you can access from the back of the building. read more

This was a bit overpriced at $21 per person to enter. But We wanted to see the music box demo so we paid the fee. Music room was smaller than I expected and the guide kept calling Flagner and Lightner "dude". Kind of disrespectful one would think. The rest of the museum focused on the Downton Abbey clothing collection which we could only view one time through. It was a self guided tour which I felt was not worth the cost. read more

An odd museum in the beautiful downtown St. Augustine. The original owner was a collector of things. This museum houses 4 stories of artifacts, trinkets, and other oddities from around the world. It's like a building containing snapshots of time. Definitely worth the visit. block out a few hours for this gem of a visit. read more

We were amazed about the antique collections as well as the buildings themselves. This museum used to be a hotel with a swimming pool occupying the first floor. There are three floors of collections with many rooms to go through. We were most impressed about the antique furniture and marble statues. If you like antique glassware, Tiffany, tables and chairs, don't miss this museum. read more

We were not sure what to expect here. Who wants to spend valuable vacation time inside a museum? This one is incredible and deserves your time. The building itself is incredible. And the treasures inside are so amazing. So much to see, there is something for everyone. We probably only spent a couple hours here, we arrived a little too close to closing time and had to rush a bit. Even still, we were able to view most of the displays. read more

The Dressing Downton exhibition is not to be missed! The way the museum set up the costumes with pieces in their collection is just fantastic. Everything fits together in vignettes that really tell the story of Downton Abbey and it's time period. Amazing that the museum had so much in its collection to use! read more

Was a wonderful experience. Strange and Beautiful exhibits, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I visited this museum. I did a lot of research and felt somewhat disappointed. I truly enjoyed trying to go back in time to when it was a hotel. The whole pool thing is fascinating. The highlight of my visit was in the music room with the very entertaining lady telling us about each of the items. She was so funny! If you go, I really hope you get the chance to hear her tell her stories. read more