Museums FL USA - Attractions

Two women, one a philanthropist and the other a socialite, got together for an open house which resulted in the birth of the Art Guild of Boca Raton and later Boca Raton Museum of Art. In 2005 this museum was named as "The Official Fine Arts Museum for the City of Boca Raton." This museum holds a vast collection of contemporary art, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, decorative arts and an outdoor sculpture garden. The gift shop at this museum is known as the Best Gift Shop of Boca Raton for the unique gift ideas on offer and sells books, posters, art and crafts too. The museum boasts of an art school and annual events held include auctions, galas and outdoor art festivals.

The National Vietnam War Museum is a non-profit museum built as an ode to those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Educating the people about the strategies involved and the brutality that follows through various mementos and memorabilia remains the primary objective of the museum. Built in 2000, the museum aims to keep the memories of the most brutal post-World War battles fresh in the minds of one and all while sending a strong underlined message of peace. Due to current renovations, museum hours vary. Hence, calling before scheduling a visit is strongly advised. Entry is free.

This museum, which is one of two located here, is filled with information on the land forms of the region, the environment and how all its parts are interconnected, and the part that mankind has played, both positive and negative, on the fragile eco-system of the Keys. A shell exhibit is intriguing, and there are dioramas explaining how it all works together. This museum and the Florida Keys Children's Museum are part of a dual attraction called The Museums of Crane Point. Admission to the two museums is $7.50.

Designed by architect Charles Gwathney, the Museum of Contemporary Art at Goldman Warehouse covers 9000 square feet of gallery space. The museum has a permanent collection of 400 works, all contemporary art. Committed to art, the museum tries to make it available through lectures, programs, talks, films, docent programs, and art classes for children. The Museum of Contemporary Art at Goldman Warehouse gift shop has a great collection of art books, designer jewelry and exceptional merchandise like Warhol magnets, Buddha Bank, penguin lamp and seal pens, all with a modern and eclectic twist.

The National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. See the Blue Angels practice in the skies above the museum from March through October, or try your hand at flying in the Top Gun Simulator. Admission is free, which leaves you more money for airplane models, patches, or your very own bomber jacket from the museum's all-encompassing gift shop.

This museum provides a very colorful look at the people and events that shaped South Florida. Native Americans, European explorers and early pioneers all played a part in creating what we see today. This museum covers the entire fascinating heritage of the region, from the docks and cigar factories of old Key West to the glamor of the art deco era. Come February, the museum host the annual Miami International Map Fair.

Founded in September of 1991, the Florida Museum of Hispanic & Latin American Art is the first and only one of its type. In addition to the collection, 11 exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year featuring artists of Hispanic and Latin origin, Brazilian and Haitian descent. A permanent collection of 300 works of contemporary art is housed in the museum, located in the heart of Miami's design district. The collection includes but is not limited to paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Admission is free. The museum is closed in August.

Supported by both private and public funding, Miami Art Museum is recognized as a "Major Cultural Institution" by the state of Florida. The museum features exhibits of contemporary works, primarily from the 1940s to the present, as well as collections of art from other historical periods. The museum also offers lectures, hands-on workshops and cultural studies courses. There are ongoing displays of new collections and exhibits of international art. Call for the exhibition schedule.

This museum is housed in an Orlando mansion, once a private residence, converted in 1998 to show off the work of a single artist, Earl Cunningham (1893-1977). His work is considered "primitive genius." Cunningham, who was a St. Augustine native, attempted to capture the haunting landscapes of the Sunshine State. The Everglades proved a favorite subject. The museum's permanent 50-piece Cunningham collection was a bequest to the City of Orlando by collectors Marilyn and Michael Mennello. In addition to showing Cunningham's work, the museum plans a series of rotating exhibits. Call ahead for admission price and other details.

The Hall of Fame and Museum at IGFA is your perfect guide to fishing. The museum holds various exhibitions, educational classes and fishing demonstrations for all those interested in knowing more about the art and business of fishing. Walk into the grand 60,000 square foot area and get introduced to around more than 200 different species of fish. Take a look at the ‘Great White Shark', which is the largest catch of the museum. Children under three are admitted free. The hall can also be booked for fund-raising events as well as birthday parties.

If you have a fetish for contemporary art, this place is worth visiting. One of South Florida's major cultural attractions, it has been attracting over one million visitors. Located in the downtown entertainment district, Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Art hosts a number of exhibits and cultural activities for all people; its exhibitions on themes as varied as Tutankhamen and the Pharaohs, for example, are much renowned. Under the Studio Arts Program, visitors can take part in the educational art classes where one can learn painting, drawing, design, music, exercise, new media and more from professional artists. Permanent exhibitions such as Diana, a Celebration, black and white photography of Ansel Adams and contemporary paintings by Stephen Scott Young are few of the most popular collections within the Museum. The Museum has 21,000 square feet of space available for exhibitions and 2,800 square feet available for sculpture installations, as well a collection of over 6,000 internationally viable works which capture the essence of the local culture. All-in-all, truly a striking showcase of the cultures of South Florida and the Caribbean, in all their shades. This art haven is a must-visit for art lovers.

Miami Science Museum is a great learning place for children. Those interested in galaxies, stars, planets and the intricate workings of the universe can quench their thirst for knowledge here. The museum has several educational programs for children, and school groups frequently attend the exhibits and information sessions. The museum also has a wildlife center.

This cultural and educational museum was built in 1924 and originally served as the first school in Fort Lauderdale for African-Americans. The Old Dillard Cultural Arts Museum has now been restored as a community historic landmark. Today, it contains African-related artifacts including art, jewelry and tribal masks. The museum also features a live storyteller, who shares his tales of Africa from inside a thatched hut. School tours are welcome.

This museum serves as an educational organization, a repository of police artifacts, and a memorial to 6,000 officers from around the country who lost their lives in the line of duty. An enormous Italian marble block stands in the center of the museum. On its wall are carved the names of fallen officers, along with their rank, state, and city. The museum sponsors a number of educational and outreach programs. A nondenominational chapel is located on the premises, as is a display of futuristic police equipment.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has the most extensive collection of Charles Morse in an enormous 11,000 square feet of space. The brain behind it was Jeannette McKean, the granddaughter of Charles Hosmer Morse. The most important collection here is the Louis Comfort Tiffany which includes leaded glass windows to glass buttons, pottery, jewelery, enamels, mosaics, lamps, furniture and furnishings. Other collections include decorative art, paintings and graphic works. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art also shows films, holds concerts and sponsors the famous 'Christmas in the Park'. The museum shop sells books, glass works and interesting gift articles.