Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
A riverside oasis blending 5,000+ art pieces with breathtaking Italian and English gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful art viewing
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful art viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A riverside oasis blending 5,000+ art pieces with breathtaking Italian and English gardens.
"The real hidden gem? The garden out back. Felt like the ultimate way to spend a relaxing afternoon."
📸 Photo Permit Info
A photo permit is required for professional shoots like engagement photos. Check current fees.
🚶♀️ Garden First Approach
Many love starting with the gardens; they're a 'hidden gem' with river views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Italian Garden
Outdoor Gardens
Step into a European oasis with symmetrical designs, fountains, and classical sculptures. Feels like Italy!
Riverfront Views
Outdoor Gardens
Enjoy serene vistas of the St. Johns River, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll or quiet contemplation.
Diverse Art Collections
Museum Interior
Explore over 5,000 works spanning ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, including impressive photography exhibits.
Children's Interactive Area
Museum Interior
An engaging space with hands-on displays, making it a hit for families and young visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gardens First
Check for Free Admission Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Permit Info
A photo permit is required for professional shoots like engagement photos. Check current fees.
🚶♀️ Garden First Approach
Many love starting with the gardens; they're a 'hidden gem' with river views.
📅 Check Free Days
Look for monthly free admission days to save on your visit.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious lunch options at the cafe, especially nice when dining outdoors.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Permit Info
A photo permit is required for professional shoots like engagement photos. Check current fees.
🚶♀️ Garden First Approach
Many love starting with the gardens; they're a 'hidden gem' with river views.
📅 Check Free Days
Look for monthly free admission days to save on your visit.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious lunch options at the cafe, especially nice when dining outdoors.
🚗 Easy Parking
Parking is conveniently located just across the street from the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cummer Museum for its stunning, well-maintained gardens and serene riverfront views, often calling them a 'hidden gem.' The diverse art collections are also appreciated, with many enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds. Some visitors wish they had more time to explore everything.
"Beautiful gardens great for weddings photos, compromise and other events. Galleries are beautiful and I was excited to see all the antique furniture, ceramic, tea sets and more. Photographs exhibitions are so beautiful and a delight to see them.
We didn't have time to see it all, planning to go back."
Enny Enid Cosme
"This museum is a nice little gem. It was easy to find and parking is just across the street. The highlight of my visit was the garden. The azaleas were blooming, which gave the garden such nice color and promise of Spring. The museum was nice with unusual art displays. The children's section of the museum was impressive with hands on displays. I can't wait to bring grandkids here."
Kelly Morris
"This is a lovely museum, with many interesting and notable artifacts. They also have 3 absolutely amazing gardens, which back up to the St. Johns River. Hard to believe it is in the middle of downtown Jacksonville."
Steve Kelliher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cummer Museum is located at 829 Riverside Ave. in Jacksonville, FL. It's situated in the Riverside neighborhood, a short distance from downtown. Parking is available across the street.
Yes, parking is available and conveniently located just across the street from the museum entrance.
Information on public transport routes to the museum can be found on the Jacksonville transportation authority's website.
The museum is located just a few minutes from downtown Jacksonville, making it easily accessible.
The museum is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Cummer Museum is typically open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
General admission is around $20, but prices can vary. The museum also offers free admission days periodically, so it's worth checking their website.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak times or special events.
Yes, the Cummer Museum offers various membership levels that provide benefits like free admission, discounts, and exclusive event access.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions. Check the Cummer Museum's official website for current and upcoming exhibits like 'Anila Quayyum Agha: Flight Patterns'.
📸 📸 Photography & Filming
Personal photography is generally allowed in the galleries for non-commercial use, but flash photography is usually prohibited. Special permits are required for professional photo shoots.
Yes, a photo permit is required for professional photography sessions, such as engagement or wedding photos, in the gardens. The fee is typically around $225 plus tax.
Filming for commercial purposes or media production usually requires prior approval and may involve specific fees or agreements. Contact the museum for details.
The Italian Garden, the riverfront area with the live oak tree, and various art installations offer beautiful backdrops for photos. +2
Drone usage is typically not permitted on museum grounds due to safety and privacy concerns. Please adhere to all posted regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Cummer Museum has a cafe that offers delicious food options, and visitors often enjoy dining outdoors with garden views.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, the cafe provides a convenient dining option.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and other light fare, suitable for a pleasant lunch break during your visit.
The museum is located in the Riverside neighborhood, which has a variety of restaurants and cafes nearby if you prefer to dine outside the museum.
The Cummer Museum is a popular venue for events and weddings, and catering services are available for private functions. +1
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The museum features over 5,000 works of art from various periods and cultures, alongside three distinct gardens: the English, Italian, and Olmsted gardens, all overlooking the St. Johns River.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the art collections and gardens. If you plan to have lunch or attend an event, allocate more time.
Yes, the museum has an impressive children's section with hands-on displays that kids enjoy. The gardens are also a great space for them to explore.
The museum was established in 1958, founded by Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her art collection and home to create a public art museum.
Information on guided tours, if available, can be found on the museum's official website or by inquiring at the visitor services desk upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The riverfront views, especially with the iconic live oak tree, provide a serene and picturesque setting. ❤️ Couples & Romantics
💰 Budget Travelers
Even without free admission, the museum offers a rich experience for its ticket price, especially considering the extensive art collections and expansive gardens. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Gardens of the Cummer
The English Garden offers a more naturalistic and flowing design, while the Olmsted Garden provides serene riverfront views. These gardens are not only beautiful but also historically significant, with a magnificent 200-year-old live oak tree as a centerpiece.
The gardens are a popular spot for relaxation, contemplation, and even special events like weddings and engagement photoshoots. During events like Tropical Storm Nicole, the gardens' resilience was highlighted, with measures like the Tiger Dam protecting the historically significant grounds.
This shows the care and dedication put into preserving these beautiful outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. A Journey Through Art History
Visitors often praise the impressive exhibitions, noting the variety of mediums and time periods represented. Recent highlights have included installations like 'Anila Quayyum Agha: Flight Patterns,' showcasing the museum's commitment to diverse and thought-provoking art.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the museum also showcases antique furniture, ceramics, and tea sets, offering a glimpse into different eras and artistic styles. The photography exhibitions are also frequently mentioned as a delight to see.
The Cummer as a Venue
Couples often describe the gardens as feeling like a dream wedding venue, with options for ceremonies surrounded by century-old oaks and vibrant flora.
For those looking to capture memorable moments, the gardens are a popular choice for engagement photoshoots.
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