Escape Naples’ dazzling pace of development for a day and spend a lazy afternoon exploring the history of nearby Everglades City. Once accessible only by boat, this remote frontier trading town took an ambitious new turn in 1923 as the hub of Barron Collier’s personal Southwest Florida real estate empire – with a population of fewer than twelve families. First opened in 1927 as a commercial laundry, today’s Museum of the Everglades dates back to a time when construction of the famous Tamiami Trail was well underway and the tiny settlement of Everglades served as the first County seat. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits provide visitors with an in-depth look at over 2,000 years of human history in the area and tell the story of those adventurous enough – and stubborn enough – to settle Southwest Florida’s lush “River of Grass.” Faithfully restored to its original, 1920s Collier-era appearance, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located 35 miles east of downtown Naples.
Everglades City, FL
Region(s):
Southwest
County:
Collier
Type(s):
History
The Nader Museum and its Permanent Collection of the most important modern and contemporary works from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the diaspora, presents Gary Nader’s vision for a dynamic cultural center in the United States. The Nader Museum comprises four exhibition rooms presenting comprehensive exhibitions of works in all media - painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, and video - in a space dedicated to showcasing the global importance of the art of Latin America.
MIAMI, FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Miami-Dade
Type(s):
Art
Park
Long hidden on the fringe of Florida’s Gulf Coast and overlooked by developers until well into the 1880s, Naples’ catalyst for settlement finally arrived forty years later when two rival railroads rolled into town within ten days of each other. Set in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the Naples Depot Museum welcomes visitors back to the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and explains how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast and seemingly impenetrable frontier. Seminole dugout canoes, a mule wagon, antique swamp buggy, restored rail cars and exciting interactive exhibits tell the story of how trade and travel transformed Naples from a napping village of 300 souls into today’s glittering Gulf Coast resort. The Naples Depot Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is conveniently located in downtown Naples.
Naples, FL
Region(s):
Southwest
County:
Collier
Type(s):
History
The New Smyrna Museum of History showcases the history of New Smyrna Beach, Florida's 3rd oldest city and former site of the largest British Settlement in North America. A large exhibit highlighting the history of the Turnbull Settlement of 1768 is supported by a timeline featuring objects, photos and exhibits from the local area dating from the prehistoric time period through modern day.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Region(s):
Central
County:
Volusia
Type(s):
History
The Museum’s permanent collection now consists of more than 7,600 works in five curatorial departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary and Photography. Since 1954, many distinguished additions have been made thanks to the endowment Mr. Norton created for the purchase of works of art. They include masterpieces such as Stuart Davis's New York Mural (acquired in 1964), and Jackson Pollock's Night Mist (acquired in 1971).
West Palm Beach , FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Palm Beach
Type(s):
Art
The FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center offers interpretive tours led by outreach scientists. The center's five research-themed exhibits include "Marine Biomedical & Biotechnology", "Marine Mammal Research & Conservation", ""Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement", "Marine Ecosystem Health", and "Ocean Engineering". This interactive tour provides and excellent overview of FAU Harbor Branch as well as an opportunity to learn about the research equipment and live aquaria displayed throughout the center.
Fort Pierce, FL
Region(s):
Central
Southeast
County:
St. Lucie
Type(s):
Science
Other
The Old Davie School Historical Museum invites visitors to experience South Florida’s agricultural past, and its economically diverse region. With artifacts, photographs, articles and maps, a visit to the museum takes visitors back in time to experience the vibrant history that shaped this community. The campus includes the old school, two Florida homes that depict life from the 1920-1960s, a replica 1909 pioneer home and a 1940s Citrus Packing House.
Davie, FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Broward
Type(s):
Historic Home
History
House
The purpose of the Orlando Museum of Art is to interpret and present the most compelling art for the public to experience, and to positively affect people’s lives with innovative and inspiring education programs that will endure as a cultural legacy in Central Florida. The mission of the Orlando Museum of Art is to inspire creativity, passion and intellectual curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas. Annually, the Museum presents 10-12 exhibitions on-site and 13 exhibitions off-site, award-winning art enrichment programs, unlimited gallery tours, teacher in-service training programs, video programs, distinguished lectures, art appreciation lectures, studio classes, lecture/luncheon programs and outreach services in its facility and throughout the community. The services benefit individuals, including visitors from all 67 counties in Florida, the other 49 states and numerous foreign countries. These programs are implemented by the Museum’s staff, its Board of Trustees and more than 700 volunteers, many of whom are part of its membership of 5,000 individuals. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is an international institution, regional asset, and a Blue Star Museum that serves the central Florida community. Funding for the Orlando Museum of Art is generated through earned income, the Board of Trustees, OMA Ambassadors, Council of 101, Acquisition Trust, Friends of American Art, and contributions from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. Additional funding is provided by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the City of Orlando, the Clive Foundation, A Friendsʼ Foundation Trust, Bank of America, the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation, Rita and Jeffrey Adler Foundation, Walt Disney World Company, the Chesley G. Magruder Foundation, United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts Campaign, Celebrity Cruises, UCF Foundation, Advent Health, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, CNL Charitable Foundation, Hunter Vision, PNC Foundation, Sam Flax Art & Design Supplies, Sun Trust Foundation, and anonymous donors.
Orlando, FL
Region(s):
Central
County:
Orange
Type(s):
Art
PBPC is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit visual arts organization dedicated to the enrichment of stunning exhibitions and academic learning that promotes the photographic arts.
West Palm Beach , FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Palm Beach
Type(s):
Art
Palmetto Historical Park includes a 1914 Carnegie Library, 1880 Post Office, 1920 School House,1900 Cottage, a replica Chapel and a Military Museum. Free tours are offered and many community events are held each year. For more information, please visit our website at palmettohistoricalpark.com
Palmetto, FL
Region(s):
Southwest
County:
Manatee
Type(s):
Historic Home
History