AE Backus Museum & Gallery
Discover Florida's art legacy: A.E. Backus's landscapes & the influential Florida Highwaymen artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
AE Backus Museum & Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Florida's art legacy: A.E. Backus's landscapes & the influential Florida Highwaymen artists.
"A must-do for understanding Florida's art history, with affordable entry and friendly staff."
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A.E. Backus Originals
See the vibrant Florida landscapes that defined a generation of art and inspired countless artists.
The Florida Highwaymen
Discover the unique, colorful works of this influential group of African-American artists.
Contemporary Juried Exhibitions
Experience award-winning pieces from current artists in rotating 'Best of the Best' shows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Art Scene
Plan Your Visit Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Respect copyright; leave your camera off in the galleries.
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum store features unique crafts and prints by local artists.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Respect copyright; leave your camera off in the galleries.
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum store features unique crafts and prints by local artists.
🎶 Enjoy the Ambiance
Jazz music often plays, enhancing the viewing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the AE Backus Museum & Gallery for its significant contribution to local art history, particularly its focus on A.E. Backus and the Florida Highwaymen. The affordable admission and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some negative feedback has emerged regarding the handling of artwork during juried exhibitions.
"Fine small town art scene. This museum does a great service for all of St Lucie County. Thru Bean Backus efforts the Highwaymen continue to be an important segment of Ft. Pierce's art history. Always visit this museum when your in town."
David Bjork
"This was an excellent and endearing museum situated along the Indian River. Despite its quaint size, this museum packs a punch in terms of history, culture, and information. There was another art exhibit on display in tandem with the Backus gallery and the Highwaymen collective. Backus was referred to as the Dean of Florida Landscape Painting and was the catalyst for inspiration and training of the many members of the Highwaymen. This story hinges on confronting racial boundaries and embracing kindness, love, and inspiration. I’d say this is a must-do if you’re visiting Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Notes:
➡️ Parking onsite is free in the nearby marina lot
➡️ No public restrooms are available. You must buy gallery/museum tickets to access the restroom.
➡️ Admission is $5 with $2 off admission discounts for AARP, AAA, Veterans with ID and those over 65. Free Admission for Current Members, Students with ID, Active Duty Military Personnel and Children under 18.
➡️ Lisa at the front desk was incredibly friendly and informative. She helped to make our experience at the museum special and added context to some of the questions we had as well."
Zak Myers
"The museum is very small but does an excellent job highlighting the artwork displayed. The experience is enhanced by the jazz music playing in the background. Photography is not permitted in the galleries to protect copyright. Admission was $5 for adults, but a variety of discounts are offered for vets, seniors, aarp, etc. There's plenty of parking, and the Manatee Center is on the other side of the lot. The museum store offered a good variety of handcrafted items, prints of Backus' most popular paintings, books, cards, ornaments, et al. You can also walk along the waterfront in a park with a number of metal sculptures."
Kat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, right off A1A near the Indian River inlet. It's easily accessible by car.
Yes, there is free parking available in the nearby marina lot.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transit schedules for Fort Pierce.
The museum is described as small but well-laid-out. Specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check the official AE Backus Museum & Gallery website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $5 for adults. Discounts are available for AARP, AAA, Veterans, and seniors (over 65). Children under 18, students with ID, and active military personnel get in free.
Yes, discounts are offered for AARP, AAA, Veterans with ID, and those over 65. Students with ID and active military personnel also receive free admission.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required for regular visits, but it's always a good idea to check for special events or exhibitions.
Public restrooms are available, but you must purchase museum tickets to access them.
Yes, current members of the AE Backus Museum & Gallery receive free admission.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features original paintings by A.E. Backus, known for his Florida landscapes, and works by the Florida Highwaymen artists. It also hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
No, photography is not permitted in the galleries to protect copyright.
The museum is described as small and quaint, but it is well-laid-out and packs a lot of history and culture.
A.E. Backus is considered the 'Dean of Florida Landscape Painting' and was instrumental in mentoring and inspiring the Florida Highwaymen artists.
They are known for their unique, brightly colored, and often untouched Florida landscapes painted between the 1950s and 1980s.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, the museum has a store that offers a variety of handcrafted items, prints of Backus's paintings, books, and ornaments.
The museum is located near the Indian River inlet and waterfront, suggesting there are likely dining options in the vicinity. Specific recommendations would require local knowledge.
Yes, the museum store typically offers prints of Backus's most popular paintings.
There is no mention of a cafe serving food. The focus is on the art and the museum store.
The store features handcrafted items, prints of Backus's work, books, cards, and ornaments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1 The intimate setting allows for close appreciation of the artwork, and the knowledgeable staff can offer valuable context. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of A.E. Backus and the Highwaymen
Crucially, Backus mentored and inspired a group of African-American artists who would become known as the Florida Highwaymen. Facing significant racial barriers in the segregated South, these artists found a way to create and sell their art, often painting on affordable materials like Upson board and selling their work directly to tourists along Florida's highways. Their distinctive style, characterized by bright colors and idyllic Florida scenes, has gained significant recognition and appreciation over the years, with the AE Backus Museum serving as a primary venue to showcase their contributions.
Exhibitions at the museum often highlight the connection between Backus and the Highwaymen, illustrating how his guidance and the shared passion for capturing Florida's essence fueled a significant movement in American art. Visitors can explore original Backus pieces alongside the diverse and colorful works of the Highwaymen, gaining a comprehensive understanding of this important chapter in Florida's cultural heritage.
Experiencing Contemporary Art at the Museum
+1These exhibitions are a testament to the museum's commitment to showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent and styles. Visitors can expect to see a variety of mediums and themes, reflecting current artistic trends and innovations. The 'Best of the Best' shows are highly anticipated events, drawing attention from artists and art enthusiasts alike, and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Fort Pierce.
+1Attending one of these exhibitions offers a chance to discover new artists and perspectives, and perhaps even witness the next generation of influential figures in the art world. The museum's dedication to both historical preservation and contemporary curation makes it a dynamic destination for art lovers.
+1Visitor Insights and Practicalities
While the museum is described as small, its layout is efficient, and the inclusion of background jazz music adds a pleasant ambiance to the viewing of both historical and contemporary art.
Some visitors have shared negative experiences regarding the handling of submitted artwork during juried shows, citing instances of damage and a lack of accountability from museum staff.
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