Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL

75 King StreetSt. Augustine, FL 32084
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Starting at
$19.00
Total Price: $19.38 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Located in the historic Hotel Alcazar, just steps from Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine, the Lightner Museum offers an immersive experience of architecture, art history, and design. Guests of all ages will enjoy the museum’s four and a half floors of beautiful, curious, and intriguing collections that are on display.

Good To Know

  • Located in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine, FL, about 20 minutes from I-95 and one hour from Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.
  • Free admission for children ages 11 and under.
  • Plan on spending about 1-2 hours to explore all the exhibits.
  • City-owned metered parking is available behind and across the museum.
  • Be prepared to check large bags at the front desk.
  • No food or drinks allowed. The only beverage permitted is water.
  • ADA-accessible museum with ramped entrance and elevator access, except for the historic pool.
  • Wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Description

The Lightner Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of visitors through their extraordinary collection, historic building, and dynamic exhibitions and programs. Founded in 1948 by Chicago publisher, collector, and professional hobbyist Otto C. Lightner, the museum offers an immersive experience of art, architecture, history, and design.

The museum occupies the former Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age resort hotel commissioned by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Completed in 1888, the magnificent Spanish Renaissance Revival building was designed by the prominent architecture firm of Carrère and Hastings.

At the heart of the museum’s offerings are its compelling collections. From lamps by Louis Comfort Tiffany and exquisite shells and geological specimens from around the world to porcelain produced at Sèvres and Victorian mechanical musical instruments, the Lightner Museum’s collections are rich, eclectic, and always engaging.

Steeped in history, the Lightner Museum is not simply about the past. Just as Otto Lightner connected with people across America who wanted to enrich their lives through collecting, the Lightner Museum today offers new perspectives through its exhibitions, events, and educational programs.

Lightner Museum Reviews

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sonnyp859
Wildwood, Cape May County, New Jersey
"Great museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 10, 2024
very well laid out interesting items on display. Very knowledgeable docents. Broad range of different types of items on display
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shopantiques
Central Florida, Florida
"Afternoon adventure"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 04, 2024
Wonderful venue and treasures. Loved the entire experience from top to bottom. Art work was amazing. Loved to diversity of the artist. Tiffany was amazing to see. Was amazed at the collection of glass. Showed to the best effect. Familiar with lots of the glass companies but still managed to entertain. The building was so different from what i expected from that era. Thank you for managing to keep the feel of the time period alive today.
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Sightseer12253288515
"Awesome museum!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 20, 2024
As a history buff this was a really nice unique museum. You should check it out! It is wild to think it used to be a hotel SO SO long ago!
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873JamieS
Springfield, Georgia
"Fantastic architecture and wonderful art!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 03, 2024
The Wexford Crystal and Tiffany glass collection is spectacular. This is 3 floors of beautiful art. There is a restaurant in the indoor pool (no water) that smelled delicious but we did not partake this go around. The building itself boasts some great architecture. A must visit!
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dvkremk
Venice, Florida
"Favorite part of our trip"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed August 27, 2024
We were here for nearly two hours enjoying the museum. The volunteer greeter where we came in was extremely friendly and helpful. Lots to see on all of their various floors. The architecture and history of the building was also very interesting. And nice air conditioning. We parked in the back using the St. Augustine parking app.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lightner Museum

How long does it take to go through the Lightner Museum St. Augustine?

This is a self-guided tour, so you can enjoy the museum at your own pace. However, you can plan to spend about 1-2 hours, as it is spread through four and a half floors.

Is there parking at Lightner Museum at St. Augustine, Florida?

The museum does not operate a parking lot. However, public metered parking lots are located directly behind the museum and across from the museum at Granada and Cedar Streets.

Are food and drink permitted inside the Lightner Museum in Florida?

Food and drink are not allowed inside the museum. Food and drink from Café Alcazar cannot be brought into the Museum but can be held at the admissions desk.

Are backpacks allowed in the museum?

No, luggage and larger backpacks must be checked at the admission desk. If you must have your backpack, you must wear it on your front or side, or carry it.

Does the museum have a gift shop?

Yes, the gift shop is accessible to the public and located on the museum's first floor.

Is the St. Augustine Lightner Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible. Ramp access is via Granada and Cordova streets. The museum also has a limited number of wheelchairs for visitors on a first come, first serve basis. The museum has an elevator that accesses each floor except the historic pool, which is accessed via Granada Street.

Are pets allowed in the museum?

Pets are not allowed inside the Museum. The Lightner Museum complies with all ADA requirements and accepts service animals in the museum as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Lightner Museum does not allow Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or Comfort Animals, as they are not service animals as defined under the ADA.

Can I take pictures inside the museum?

Photography, without flash, and video are permitted for personal use; however, photography may be prohibited in special exhibitions. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited for all indoor use.