Duval County Museums and Culture

Walk through spaces where over a century of African-American cultural achievement comes alive. The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum preserves the vibrant history of a neighborhood that earned comparison to Harlem itself, displaying everything from visual art and live music to theatrical performances and poetry. Winter visitors find the refurbished halls particularly inviting—the intimate setting and warm lighting create the perfect atmosphere to explore the stories and legends embedded in these walls. The institution bridges past, present, and future by honoring what LaVilla built while continuing to shape Jacksonville's cultural landscape.

A non-profit, educational association and collects books, documents, artifacts, and other historical objects significant to General Maritime History of Jacksonville and Florida's First Coast; preserves their historical value; and interprets their meaning to the public by means of museum displays, educational programs, lectures and publications. <BR> The founders of the JMMS have declared preserving the history of Jacksonville has laid the groundwork for establishing a rich collection of artifacts and manuscripts that relate to Jacksonville’s past, present, and future. The strength of the JMMS collection lies in its connections between artifacts and the people who owned, used, and learned from them.

With more than 6,000 objects in its permanent collection, The Cummer is the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. The museum is home to a highly regarded collection of European masters and American impressionists, a world-renowned collection of 18th century Meissen porcelain, and more than two-and-one half acres of historic gardens along the St. Johns River. Art Connections, the museum's nationally recognized education center, provides hands-on art experiences for visitors of all ages. The Cummer's unique blend of art, gardens, and education inspires imagination and excitement making the museum the premier cultural institution in the Southeast region

Established to maintain and perpetuate an educational facility for those who are interested in the history of the United States, its early problems and difficulties in becoming the Nation it is today. The museum is dedicated to historical accuracy in presenting the lifestyle and culture of the Antebellum South, a unique civilization, misunderstood by many, belittled and misrepresented by some, but deeply revered by the grateful descendants of the brave men and women whose sacrifices and dedication to a cause that created a chapter in our nation’s history that is unmatched. Special attention is given to the education of young people as groups of school children are given basic education in our nation’s history in the hope that they will better understand and perhaps develop an interest in learning more about their history.

Step inside where curiosity meets discovery across galleries that span everything from natural wonders to the stories that shaped our region. Winter afternoons here feel particularly special — the indoor warmth, natural light filtering through skylights, and quieter crowds make it an ideal time to linger over exhibits at your own pace. This institution thrives through a partnership of local, state, and national support, drawing funding from Jacksonville's city government and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville alongside state cultural agencies and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division of Historical Resources contributes through their grants program, while a dedicated community of donors and members ensures the doors stay open year-round for families and lifelong learners alike.

A venue to foster greater understanding, appreciation, enjoyment, and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of the lower St. Johns River basin through time. <br> To achieve this goal, the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society will research topics, collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit documents, objects, and oral histories that relate to the history of Mandarin within the context of regional, Florida, and national history.

One of the Southeast’s largest contemporary art institutions, dedicated to presenting innovative exhibitions by the finest international, national and regional artists. MOCA Jacksonville, which opened its doors on Hemming Plaza in 2003, is a cornerstone of downtown revitalization. The Museum is housed in the renovated historic Western Union Telegraph Building, a six floor building, which houses five changing exhibition galleries, permanent collection galleries, ArtExplorum Loft children’s interactive center, education studios, auditorium, Café Nola @ MOCA, Museum Shop, and our light filled Atrium Gallery. <br> MOCA Jacksonville is an inviting environment in which to learn about the art of our time. Stroll through our permanent collection galleries and view the works of Hans Hofmann, Joan Mitchell, James Rosenquist, Ed Paschke, and other contemporary masters. MOCA Jacksonville’s changing exhibitions feature the works of many contemporary artists working in a wide assortment of media from painting, sculpture, and video.

The Jacksonville Fire Museum serves as an educational Link between the past and the present. Through the years, thousands of school children have toured the museum, learning about fire safety and the rich history of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. <br> At the Jacksonville Fire Museum , you will see more than 500 items detailing the history of the fire service not only in Jacksonville, but the entire state of Florida. Some of the artifacts are on loan from private individuals while other artifacts are property of the Jacksonville Fire Museum .