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Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida
If you're planning a trip to northeast Florida, you'll want to check out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens inside Jacksonville. Established in 1961, the Cummer was named after Ninah Cummer, who left her personal art collection and gardens to the museum. During her lifetime, she collected several hundred works of art and gave them away. Since then, it's been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located on the southeastern side of Jacksonville, the museum features many paintings, sculptures, and other works by local artists. Visitors are welcome to spend the entire day exploring the museum and enjoying its many exhibits.
The museum was once a residence, but a building designed by architect Harold Saxelbye was added in 1991. The building is now home to more than 5,000 works of art and includes an adjunct building housing the art education center Art Connections. The Cummer Museum and Gardens is one of the best art museums in the Southeast, welcoming nearly 150,000 visitors each year. It is located at the historic Cummer Estate, an island on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is an excellent choice for a family holiday in the area. The gardens are 100-year-old and have a beautiful array of fountains, sculptures, and arbors. The gardens are beautiful, and the interactive exhibits are fantastic for kids. You can also find artwork from William-Adolphe Bouguereau in the 19th century, and bronze sculptures by Augusta Savage, who is part of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Cummer Museum's galleries are not suitable for young children due to strict rules regarding touching the artwork, but there are areas that are kid-friendly for parents and kids alike. The Art Connections center is an excellent place for children to feel and learn about art, with replicas of main galleries. In addition to the galleries, the Cummer also has a beautiful outdoor area along the river. And the museum's 3 distinct gardens are an impressive addition to the beautiful Jacksonville scenery.
While the Cummer Museum of Art's permanent collection is diverse, it's worth noting the work of Peter Paul Rubens and the American Impressionists. There are works by Thomas Hart Benton, Norman Rockwell, and Whitfield Lovell, among others. The Cummer is also home to a museum dedicated to local artists such as Augusta Savage. Savage was born into a poor family, and her father violently opposed her artistic career.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is recognized nationally for its accessibility efforts. A national VSA Arts office has given the Cummer Museum a distinction, as has Art Education for the Blind, the Jacksonville Cultural Council, and the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. The museum's programs and services are designed to cater to people of all abilities. It also offers art workshops, lectures, and concerts. There are also programs aimed at the blind and visually impaired, as well as adult education classes. While this beautiful museum is in the southeast part of Jacksonville, the FSCJ North campus is located Northeast of the city and farther away from Downtown.
