Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens | Jacksonville

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier cultural destination that combines world-class art with beautifully designed gardens. Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River, the museum offers a unique experience that integrates both visual art and horticultural beauty, attracting art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families alike.

History and Background:

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens was established in 1961 through the bequest of Ninah Cummer, a philanthropist, art collector, and gardening enthusiast. She left her extensive art collection and the lush gardens she had developed at her estate along the St. Johns River to the city of Jacksonville. The museum, initially a part of her private estate, opened its doors to the public as a way to share her passion for art and nature with the wider community.

The museum's focus is on fine arts and gardens, and it plays a critical role in Jacksonville’s cultural scene. The combination of the museum’s rich collection and the surrounding gardens offers visitors a peaceful and enriching experience, whether they are exploring the art exhibitions or strolling through the picturesque grounds.

Museum Highlights:

The Cummer Museum’s collection spans over 5,000 works of art, featuring a diverse range of periods, styles, and cultures. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and Meissen porcelain, showcasing some of the finest examples of Western art history.

1. Permanent Collection:

European Paintings: The museum is home to significant European paintings, including works by masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Winslow Homer, and Norman Rockwell. These works span from the 15th to the 20th centuries, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of European art.

Meissen Porcelain: The Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain is one of the highlights of the museum's collection. This collection is one of the largest and most significant of its kind in the world, with over 700 pieces of tableware, figurines, and other decorative objects dating from the early 18th century. The collection includes works by renowned Meissen artists such as Johann Joachim Kändler and Franz Xaver Herold.

American Art: The museum has a notable collection of American art, including works by Romare Bearden, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Thomas Hart Benton. This section highlights the evolution of American art from the 19th century through the mid-20th century, with a particular emphasis on modernism and postmodernism.

Art of the Americas: This part of the collection includes Native American art as well as modern and contemporary works from Latin America and the Caribbean.

2. Special Exhibitions:

The Cummer Museum also hosts a rotating schedule of special exhibitions, bringing in works from other museums and private collections. These exhibitions allow visitors to experience new art forms, contemporary pieces, and traveling collections, making each visit to the museum unique. These temporary exhibitions are often thematically linked to the museum’s permanent collection, providing deeper context and understanding of various artistic movements and time periods.

Historic Gardens:

The Cummer Gardens are a central feature of the museum and a beautiful example of how art and nature can coexist harmoniously. The gardens, covering 2.5 acres, are divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique atmosphere and design.

1. Olmsted Garden:

Designed in the 1920s by the Olmsted Brothers, the sons of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this garden blends formal and naturalistic elements. It includes terraced lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and pathways that lead visitors through lush greenery. The Olmsted Garden is one of the most beloved spaces on the property, offering a serene setting that highlights the importance of thoughtful landscape design.

2. English Garden:

The English Garden, created in 1910 by Thomas Meehan & Sons, is a more informal garden that features meandering paths, flower-filled borders, and various decorative elements. This garden captures the essence of classic English garden design, focusing on blending flowers, shrubs, and trees in a relaxed yet beautiful manner.

3. Italian Garden:

Designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman in 1931, the Italian Garden showcases classical Italian design principles. It features symmetrical layout, reflecting pools, statuary, and a pergola that provide a tranquil and picturesque setting. The Italian Garden is a wonderful example of how European garden styles have influenced landscape architecture in the United States.

Cummer Oak:

A standout feature in the gardens is the Cummer Oak, a majestic live oak that is believed to be 400 to 450 years old. With its sprawling canopy that extends over 150 feet, it is one of the oldest and most iconic trees in Jacksonville. The oak is a symbol of the strength and longevity of the natural beauty that the museum aims to preserve.

Educational Programs:

The Cummer Museum is deeply committed to providing educational experiences for visitors of all ages. It offers a wide variety of programs designed to engage and inspire.

Art Connections: This educational center is dedicated to providing hands-on, interactive experiences for children and adults alike. It includes various installations and exhibits designed to foster creativity and understanding of art, making the museum more accessible to young audiences and families.

Very Special Arts Festival: This annual event is a celebration of artistic expression among students with disabilities. It provides a platform for students to showcase their creative work, participate in art-making activities, and engage with other artists in the community.

School Programs: The museum offers specialized programs for school groups, providing in-depth lessons on art, history, and horticulture. These programs are tailored to different age groups and curriculums, making the museum an excellent resource for educators.

Visitor Information:

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Closed on Mondays and major holidays

Admission:

Adults: $20

Seniors (62+), Military, Educators, and Students (6–17): $15

Children (5 and under): Free

College Students: Free Tuesday–Friday with valid ID; $15 on weekends

Free Admission Days:

First Saturday of each month (except for ticketed events)

First full weekend of each month for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders (Museums on Us)

Third Tuesday of each month (except for ticketed events)

Every Wednesday throughout 2025 for active-duty military, veterans, and families

Parking: Free parking is available across the street from the museum.

Amenities:

Cummer Café: A lovely café that offers light meals, snacks, and beverages. The café provides a relaxing space for visitors to enjoy a meal during their visit.

Cummer Shop: The museum shop offers a range of art-inspired gifts, books, and home décor items. It's a great place to purchase a keepsake or gift related to the museum’s collections and gardens.

Conclusion:

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a cultural gem in Jacksonville, offering an enriching experience that blends world-class art with stunning gardens. Whether you’re interested in exploring the museum’s diverse collections, strolling through the tranquil gardens, or participating in educational programs, the Cummer Museum provides a unique opportunity to connect with both art and nature.