List of museums in Florida facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Florida is a sunny state in the U.S. that has many amazing museums! These places are perfect for exploring cool art, learning about history, discovering science, and seeing awesome animals. This article will tell you about some of the most exciting museums you can visit in Florida.

Awesome Museums to Explore
Museums That Are No Longer Open
Future Museums to Look Forward To
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Awesome Museums to Explore

Florida has tons of museums, each with something special to offer. Let's check out some of the coolest ones!

Art and Culture Museums

A. E. Backus Gallery & Museum in Fort Pierce: See beautiful landscape paintings by A. E. Backus and other Florida artists.
African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand: Discover the rich art and culture of African Americans and Caribbean Americans.
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park: Enjoy sculptures by Albin Polasek and others, plus changing art shows in lovely gardens.
Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala: This museum has sculptures, old paintings, and art from different parts of the world like Africa and Asia.
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood in Hollywood: See modern art and enjoy live performances.
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens in Key West: Step back in time to the 1830s in the home of artist John James Audubon. You can see his amazing bird art here!
Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach: Explore art from different time periods, including Renaissance paintings and modern art.
Boca Raton Museum of Art in Boca Raton: Find paintings, drawings, sculptures, and art from Europe, America, and Africa.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum in Winter Park: This museum at Rollins College has art and objects from ancient times to today.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville: See European and American paintings and beautiful porcelain.
Dunedin Fine Art Center in Dunedin: This art center has galleries and even a special art museum for children!
Flagler Museum in Palm Beach: Visit a huge, fancy mansion from the Gilded Age, also known as Whitehall. It has 55 rooms!
Foosaner Art Museum in Melbourne: Check out modern art, American designs, and art from Asia.
Gadsden Arts Center in Quincy: This museum is in a renovated hardware store and shows art from local and national artists.
Lowe Art Museum in Coral Gables: See ancient Greek and Roman art, European paintings, and modern art.
Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando: Enjoy American art, including unique folk art by Earl Cunningham.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach: Experience Japanese art and culture in beautiful gardens.
Morse Museum in Winter Park: Famous for its collection of Tiffany glass, including the stunning Tiffany Chapel.
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale: Discover modern art from Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach: This museum has a mix of art, science, American history, and even a children's museum.
Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in Jacksonville: See exciting modern art.
Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg: Collections include European, American, Greek, Roman, and Asian art.
Pérez Art Museum Miami in Miami: Explore contemporary art.
Pensacola Museum of Art in Pensacola: Features modern art, glass art, and African tribal art.
Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota: This huge museum has European paintings, ancient Cypriot artifacts, and a circus museum!
Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg: See amazing and surreal art by the famous artist Salvador Dalí.
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville: Part of the University of Florida, it has Asian, African, and modern art.
Vero Beach Museum of Art in Vero Beach: Enjoy art from the early 1900s to today, in many different styles.
Wolfsonian-FIU in Miami: Focuses on design from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville: Celebrates the work of artists of African descent, including Zora Neale Hurston.

Science and Nature Museums

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston: Learn about the Seminole Tribe of Florida, their artifacts, culture, and life in the swamps.
Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base: See Air Force planes, bombs, missiles, and other military weapons.
Air Force Space and Missile Museum in Cape Canaveral: Discover artifacts from early space programs and a cool outdoor rocket garden with vintage missiles and rockets.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum in Sanibel: Explore the amazing world of shells and mollusks.
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science in Cocoa: Learn about natural history, science, and local history.
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek: Walk among live butterflies, insects, and birds in beautiful gardens. There's also a museum with mounted butterflies.
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville: Get hands-on with science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities. Learn about inventors and their cool creations!
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers: See live animals, enjoy nature programs, and explore the stars in the planetarium.
Children's Science Explorium in Boca Raton: This museum in Sugar Sand Park offers interactive science fun for kids.
Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach: Explore themes like human senses, energy, light, and animals with hands-on exhibits.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West: Learn about the plants and animals that live in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville: Located at the University of Florida, this museum showcases Florida's plants, animals, fossils, and ancient peoples.
FPL Energy Encounter on Hutchinson Island: Learn about electricity and how energy is made with interactive exhibits.
Gillespie Museum in DeLand: A geology museum at Stetson University, focusing on Earth sciences.
Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex in Boca Raton: A nature center where you can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center in Fort Pierce: See marine creatures and learn about ocean research.
IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers: Enjoy hands-on science and history, plus aquariums with live animals.
Jacksonville University Life Sciences Museum in Jacksonville: See collections of shells, fossils, bird mounts, and animal skins.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach: This center rescues and educates people about sea turtles.
Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet: Features aquariums, touch tanks, and helps rehabilitate seabirds and sea turtles.
Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures in Cocoa Beach: See dinosaur displays, fossils, and dioramas of ancient Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica.
Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale: A fun science museum with lots of interactive exhibits.
Museum of Science & History in Jacksonville: Explore science, natural history, and the history of Northeast Florida, plus a planetarium.
Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa: Hands-on exhibits about science, weather, and health.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami: Learn about science and natural history.
Polk County Nature Discovery Center in Lakeland: Discover Polk County's water, wilderness, and wildlife with hands-on exhibits and aquariums.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples: Learn about the natural and cultural history of this important coastal area.
Science Center of Pinellas County in St. Petersburg: Explore science, natural history, and even a replica Native American village. It also has an observatory and planetarium.
Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida in Panama City: Hands-on science and natural history exhibits, great for kids!
Skeletons: Museum of Osteology in Orlando: See over 450 animal skeletons posed creatively in dioramas.
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach: Features a planetarium and aquarium.
Tree Hill Nature Center in Jacksonville: A wildlife sanctuary with live animals and nature trails.
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center in St. Petersburg: Learn about Native Americans, natural history, and local art.
WonderWorks in Orlando and Panama City: These upside-down buildings offer interactive, hands-on science exhibits.

History and Heritage Museums

A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center in Gainesville: Visit the former home of A. Quinn Jones, an important historical figure.
ACCORD Civil Rights Museum in St. Augustine: Learn about the St. Augustine Movement and civil rights history.
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale: A library branch that also features Haitian art.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee: Explore beautiful ornamental gardens and a 1920s-1940s period house.
Amelia Island Museum of History in Fernandina Beach: Learn about local history in a building that used to be a jail!
American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami: Discover the history and culture of Cuban Americans.
American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville: See police weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and learn about law enforcement.
American Victory Ship and Museum in Tampa: Explore a real World War II cargo ship!
Anna Maria Island Museum and Historical Park in Anna Maria Island: Learn about the local history of Anna Maria Island.
Arch Creek Park in North Miami Beach: An 8-acre park with a museum showing Native American and pioneer artifacts.
Archer Historical Society Museum in Archer: This museum is housed in an old railroad depot.
Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove: Visit a 19th-century home and boathouse of a yacht designer.
Beaches Museum and History Park in Jacksonville: Learn about the history and culture of the Jacksonville Beaches area.
Black Heritage Museum in Middleburg and New Smyrna Beach: These museums focus on African American heritage.
Blanchard House Museum in Charlotte Harbor: Explore area African American history and culture.
Boca Express Train Museum in Boca Raton: See restored rail cars and a steam engine.
Boca Raton History Museum in Boca Raton: Located in the former Town Hall, it tells the story of Boca Raton.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales: Visit a 1930s mansion, a carillon (a musical instrument with bells), and botanical gardens.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale: A 20th-century estate with art and beautiful gardens.
Bronson-Mulholland House in Palatka: A mid-19th-century mansion.
Brooksville Railroad Depot Museum in Brooksville: Learn about local history and railroads.
Browning Railroad Museum in Palatka: Located in the Palatka Railroad Depot, it has a model train layout.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park in Flagler Beach: Explore the ruins of an old plantation and learn about its history.
Burroughs Home in Fort Myers: A turn-of-the-20th-century house with living history tours.
Butler House Museum in Deerfield Beach: Operated by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society.
Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park in Starke: Learn about military history.
Camp Gordon Johnston Museum in Carrabelle: Discover the history of Camp Gordon Johnston, a WWII training base, with artifacts and vehicles.
Cape Coral Historical Museum in Cape Coral: Learn about the history of Cape Coral.
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park: A beautiful 1930s Spanish-style estate.
Carrabelle History Museum in Carrabelle: Explore the history and culture of Carrabelle, including Native American artifacts and the World's Smallest Police Station.
Cason Cottage in Delray Beach: See what Florida life was like from 1915 to 1935.
Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine: A Spanish fort and museum with living history re-enactments.
Cedar Key Historical Museum in Cedar Key: Learn about the local history of Cedar Key.
Cedar Key Museum State Park in Cedar Key: A 1920s house with collections of shells and Native American artifacts.
Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden: All about railroads in Central Florida.
Charlotte County Historical Center in Charlotte Harbor: Discover the history and culture of Charlotte County.
Clay County Historical Society Museum in Green Cove Springs: Located in an old depot, it also has railroad memorabilia.
Clewiston Museum in Clewiston: Highlights the local area, including the cattle industry, fishing, and Seminole Indians.
Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in Cocoa Beach: Learn about the history of surfing.
Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine: Experience what life was like for Spanish soldiers and their families in 1740.
Conrad Center in DeLand: Part of a complex that includes the Henry A. DeLand House Museum.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park in Port St. Joe: See life-size figures telling the story of Florida's first Constitution Convention.
Coral Gables Merrick House in Coral Gables: The 1925 home of the founder of Coral Gables.
Cracker Country in Tampa: A recreated late 19th-century rural village.
Cracker Trail Museum in Zolfo Springs: Learn about Florida pioneer history.
Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center in Sarasota: Includes a museum of pioneer history, a cabin, blacksmith shop, and nature trails.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell: The site of an 1835 battlefield from the Second Seminole War.
De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton: Commemorates the landing of Hernando de Soto in 1539.
DeBary Hall Historic Site in DeBary: A late 19th-century estate with historic buildings.
Deering Estate at Cutler in Miami: A historic house with art exhibits and nature tours.
DeLand House Museum in DeLand: A Victorian-era house with artifacts.
DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum in DeLand: Exhibits include a 1920s operating room, military items, and toys.
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum in DeLand: See military aircraft and artifacts.
Depot Museum in Avon Park: Housed in a 1926 railroad depot, it tells local history.
Destin History & Fishing Museum in Destin: Learn about maritime and local history.
Dixie Cultural Center in Old Town: Focuses on local history.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum in St. Petersburg: Explores African American history and culture.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park in Newberry: A working farm showing Florida's agricultural past from the 1850s to the 1940s.
Dundee Depot Museum in Dundee: Located in an old depot, with railroad memorabilia.
Dunedin History Museum in Dunedin: Covers local and state history and culture.
Eden Gardens State Park in Freeport: Includes the Wesley House with 18th-century furniture and beautiful gardens.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers: Visit the winter homes of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, see their inventions, and explore a botanical garden.
Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island: Features American antiques, baseball memorabilia, vintage cars, and technology.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West: The 1930s home of the famous author Ernest Hemingway.
Eugene L. Matthews Bradford County Historical Museum in Starke: Focuses on local history.
Eustis Historical Museum in Eustis: Each room has a different theme with antiques, plus a Citrus Museum.
Excelsior Museum and Cultural Center in St. Augustine: Located in St. Augustine's first black public high school, it tells the story of area African American history.
Explorations V Children's Museum in Lakeland: Interactive exhibits on local history, science, agriculture, and art.
Family Heritage House Museum in Bradenton: A gallery and resource center for African-American achievements.
Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum in St. Augustine: Learn about the Catholic heritage of St. Augustine.
Flagler Beach Historical Museum in Flagler Beach: Photos, documents, prehistoric bones, and Native American artifacts.
Flamingo Gardens in Davie: Botanical gardens and a wildlife park with a 1930s period home.
Floral City Heritage Hall Museum in Floral City: Operated by the Floral City Heritage Council.
Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast: Includes a restored 1890s pioneer homestead and a 1930s citrus operation.
Florida Carriage Museum & Resort in Weirsdale: A collection of 160 carriages and horse-related artifacts.
Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum in Sebring: Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps activities in Florida.
Historic Train Depot Museum in Tarpon Springs: A former railroad depot with exhibits on local history.
Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg: A museum dedicated to remembering the Holocaust.
Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez in Cortez: Features a shell collection, ship models, and historic boats.
Florida Pioneer Museum in Florida City: Learn about local pioneer history.
Florida Postal Museum in Orange City: Explores the history of postal items and services.
Florida Sports Hall of Fame in Auburndale: Memorabilia of famous Florida athletes.
Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish: Take a ride on a heritage railroad!
Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee: Learn about Florida's legislative history.
Forest Capital State Museum in Perry: A museum about the forest industry and an 1864 historic home.
Fort Barrancas in Pensacola: A restored mid-19th-century fort.
Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville: Operated by the U.S. National Park Service, it tells the story of this historic fort.
Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach: See Civil War living history demonstrations.
Fort Christmas Historical Park in Christmas: Includes a restored fort and historic houses, with exhibits on military, Seminole, and pioneer life.
Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde: A park with a museum about a late 19th-century fort.
Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens in Key West: Local history, art, and military memorabilia.
Fort Foster Historic Site in Zephyrhills: A restored early 19th-century Seminole War fort.
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum in Fort Lauderdale: Features 22 Packards and other automobile memorabilia.
Fort Lauderdale History Center in Fort Lauderdale: Includes a main museum, a historic house, and a schoolhouse.
Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine: A 1740 Spanish fort.
Fort Meade Historical Museum in Fort Meade: Located in the Old Fort Meade School House.
Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine: A park and museum at the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the U.S.
Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center in Fort Walton Beach: Includes the Indian Temple Mound Museum, a schoolhouse museum, and Civil War exhibits.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West: A Civil War fort.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine: The site of Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth, with native and colonial artifacts.
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park in Ellenton: An antebellum plantation mansion.
Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa: A fun, interactive museum for children.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami: See historic railroad cars, equipment, and model trains.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples in Naples: Another great children's museum with interactive exhibits.
Goodwood Museum and Gardens in Tallahassee: A World War I period house and gardens.
Government House Museum in St. Augustine: Learn about the city's history from its founding.
Grant Historical House in Grant: Focuses on local history.
Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg: A children's museum with interactive play.
Groveland Historical Museum in Groveland: Operated by the Groveland Historical Society.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in St. Pete Beach: Learn about the history of Pinellas County's barrier islands.
Halifax Historical Museum in Daytona Beach: Focuses on local history.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park: Explores the history, heritage, and art of West Winter Park's African American community.
Hamilton County Historical Museum in Jasper: A former county jail with displays of local history.
Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando: Botanical gardens that include the Leu House Museum, a turn-of-the-20th-century period house.
Hawthorne Historical Museum & Cultural Center in Hawthorne: Focuses on local history.
Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa: A turn-of-the-20th-century Victorian hotel with period rooms.
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso: Learn about the history and culture of Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
Heritage Village in Largo: A 21-acre site with a school, church, railroad depot, historic houses, and displays about agriculture and coastal living.
Hernando Heritage Museum in Brooksville: Focuses on local history.
Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa: Includes a replica of Fort Foster, an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War.
Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation in Gainesville: A mid-19th-century cotton plantation homestead.
Historic Homestead Townhall Museum in Homestead: Focuses on local history.
Historic Pensacola Village in Pensacola: Includes several historic house museums, a museum of commerce, and a museum of industry.
Historic Rossetter House Museum in Melbourne: A Victorian period house.
Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee: A historic general store with original goods and fixtures.
Historic Spanish Point in Osprey: A 30-acre site with prehistoric mounds, a pioneer house museum, and gardens.
HistoryMiami in Miami: Covers 12,000 years of history for southeastern Florida, including Miami, the Florida Keys, and the Everglades.
Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach in Miami Beach: An outdoor sculpture garden remembering the Holocaust.
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida in Maitland: An educational center about the Holocaust.
Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida in Naples: Another museum dedicated to remembering the Holocaust.
Homeland Heritage Park in Bartow: An open-air park with a school, church, log cabin, and 1880s residence.
House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar on Hutchinson Island: A former shipwreck life-saving station with turn-of-the-20th-century furnishings.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale: The Terramar Visitor Center has exhibits on the park's natural and local history.
Immokalee Pioneer Museum in Immokalee: Learn about the pioneering and ranching days of Collier County.
Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach: Discover the history of the citrus industry in Indian River County.
Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum in Indian Rocks Beach: Operated by the Indian Rocks Historical Society.
Jacksonville Fire Museum in Jacksonville: Located in a historic firehouse, it tells the story of firefighting.
Jewish Museum of Florida in Miami Beach: Explores Jewish history in Florida.
John G. Riley House & Museum in Tallahassee: Highlights the contributions of African Americans to Florida's history.
John Gorrie State Museum in Apalachicola: Local history and the story of inventor John Gorrie.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound: The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center has exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history.
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in West Palm Beach: Learn about the history of Palm Beach County.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum in Jupiter: Climb the lighthouse and explore the museum.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville: One of nine facilities in the U.S. dedicated to original manuscripts.
Kester Cottages in Pompano Beach: Historic houses that show local history and life in the late 1930s.
Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage in Key West: A historic house museum.
Key West Light House and Keeper's Quarters Museum in Key West: Climb the lighthouse and explore the keeper's quarters.
Key West Museum of Art & History in Key West: Art and local history.
Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum in Key West: Combines actors, films, and artifacts from a shipwreck.
Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville: Remains of an early 19th-century plantation with slave houses.
Knott House Museum in Tallahassee: A mid-19th-century house with Victorian furnishings.
Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero: Remaining buildings of a 20th-century religious settlement.
LaBelle Heritage Museum in LaBelle: Focuses on local history.
Lady Lake Historical Society Museum in Lady Lake: Exhibits include the citrus industry, a miniature railroad, and antiques.
Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum in Lake City: Focuses on local history.
Lake County Historical Museum in Tavares: Focuses on local history.
Lake Kissimmee State Park - Cow Camp in Lake Wales: Experience an 1876 period cow camp on weekends.
Lake Mary Historical Museum in Lake Mary: Focuses on local history.
Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center in Lake Wales: Located in a depot, it includes a model railroad layout.
Lake Worth Historical Museum in Lake Worth: Includes historic photos, maps, and items from area ethnic cultures.
LaVilla Museum in Jacksonville: Focuses on African American history.
Leesburg Heritage Museum in Leesburg: Focuses on local history.
Lewis and Lucretia Taylor House Museum of African-American History and Culture in Tallahassee: Explores the history of the black community in Tallahassee and civil rights.
Liberty Bell Memorial Museum in Melbourne: Houses military war exhibits, copies of important U.S. documents, and a replica of the Liberty Bell.
Lightner Museum in St. Augustine: A diverse museum with Victorian decorative arts, natural history, antique engines, and paintings.
Lyons Maritime Museum in St. Augustine: Features diving equipment and diving history.
Maitland Historical Museum in Maitland: Learn about area pioneers.
Maitland Telephone Museum in Maitland: Explores the history of the telephone company and technology in Maitland.
Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City: Discover the history of underwater diving.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum in Palmetto: Part of Palmetto Historical Park, it focuses on agriculture.
Manatee Village Historical Park in Bradenton: An open-air park with a general store, boatworks, pioneer farmhouse, and a steam engine.
Mandarin Museum in Jacksonville: Located in Walter Jones Historical Park, it's a turn-of-the-20th-century period farmhouse.
Marco Island Historical Museum in Marco Island, Florida: Learn about the Calusa Indians and the development of Marco Island.
Marion County Museum of History in Ocala: Focuses on local history.
Maritime & Yachting Museum in Stuart: Includes antique boats, engines, model ships, and navigation equipment.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek: Visit the working farm of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.
Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science in Tallahassee: Combines science and art, with collections of American folk art and photography.
Mary McLeod Bethune Home in Daytona Beach: The home of Mary McLeod Bethune, an important educator and civil rights leader.
Matheson Museum in Gainesville: Includes a local history museum, the historic Matheson House, and a tool museum.
McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach: Exhibits about the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum in Key West: Explore shipwreck finds.
Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum in Sebastian: More shipwreck finds!
Merrill House Museum in Jacksonville: A Victorian-era house.
Miami Children's Museum in Miami: A hands-on museum for children.
Miami-Dade Military Museum in Miami: Focuses on military history.
Micanopy Historical Society Museum in Micanopy: Focuses on local history.
Middleburg Historical Museum in Middleburg: Focuses on local history.
Military Heritage & Aviation Museum in Punta Gorda: Focuses on military history.
Military Museum of North Florida in Green Cove Springs: Includes ship models, military vehicles, uniforms, and weapons.
Military Sea Services Museum in Sebring: Focuses on military history.
Mission San Luis in Tallahassee: A recreated Colonial Spanish mission village.
Monticello Old Jail Museum in Monticello: A former jail with prison cells and local history displays.
Morningside Nature Center in Gainesville: Offers weekend living history programs and a working farm.
Mote-Morris House in Leesburg: A Victorian house open for tours twice a month.
Mound House in Fort Myers Beach: Tours of an ancient Calusa Indian Mound and exhibits on archaeology and natural history.
Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora: Contains vintage artifacts housed in the Old City Jail.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum in Mulberry: Includes fossils, area memorabilia, and exhibits about the phosphate industry.
Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee: The official history museum of the State of Florida.
Museum of Geneva History in Geneva: Operated by the Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society.
Museum of Local History in Milton: Focuses on local history.
Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame in Lake Worth: Learn about the history of polo.
Museum of Southern History in Jacksonville: Explores the lifestyle and culture of the antebellum American South.
Museum of the Apopkans in Apopka: Focuses on local history.
Museum of the City of Lake Worth in Lake Worth: Focuses on local history.
Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City: Dedicated to the building of the Tamiami Trail and the founding of Everglades City.
Museum of the Glades in Belle Glade: Includes artifacts of the Belle Glade culture and pioneer history.
Museum of the Islands in Pine Island Center: Exhibits include shells, dolls, and fishing artifacts.
My Jewish Discovery Place Children's Museum in Plantation: Hands-on, interactive museum of Jewish culture, history, and values.
Naples Depot Museum in Naples: Explains how technology and transportation helped found Naples.
National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum in Dunedin: Focuses on law enforcement.
National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola: Learn about the history of naval aviation.
National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce: History of the Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) Teams.
New Smyrna Museum of History in New Smyrna Beach: Focuses on local history.
Norman Studios Silent Film Museum in Jacksonville: A historic film studio that made films starring African-American actors.
North Brevard Historical Museum in Titusville: Focuses on local history.
North Pinellas Historical Museum in Palm Harbor: History of Palm Harbor and nearby communities.
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness: Focuses on local history.
Old Davie School Museum in Davie: Focuses on local history.
Old Deerfield School in Deerfield Beach: Focuses on local history.
Old Dillard Museum in Fort Lauderdale: Focuses on African American history.
Old Florida Museum in St. Augustine: Hands-on programs about daily life from pre-European times to the 20th century.
Old Jail Museum in St. Augustine: Also known as Florida Heritage Museum.
Old Town Hall History Center in Melbourne Beach: Focuses on local history.
Oldest House Museum in Key West: An 1829 house with original furnishings and maritime artifacts.
Oldest House Museum Complex in St. Augustine: Includes the Gonzalez-Alvarez House and a local history museum.
Oldest Store Museum in St. Augustine: A historic general store with early 20th-century items and re-enactors.
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in St. Augustine: An 1807 period schoolhouse.
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Olustee: An American Civil War battlefield and visitor center museum.
Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando: Focuses on local history.
Orlando Fire Museum in Orlando: Located in a historic firehouse, it tells the story of firefighting.
Orman House in Apalachicola: An 1838 antebellum home.
Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum in Kissimmee: Includes local history exhibits and a Pioneer Village with historic buildings.
Palm Beach Maritime Museum in Riviera Beach: Includes tours of a historic Coast Guard facility.
Palm Cottage in Naples: An early 20th-century period house and gardens.
Palmetto Historical Park in Palmetto: Includes a local history museum, agriculture museum, and historic buildings.
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement in Blountstown: Recreates an early agricultural community with a pioneer settlement and farmstead.
Paynes Creek Historic State Park in Bowling Green: Site of a frontier trading post, with exhibits about Seminoles and pioneers.
Pena-Peck House in St. Augustine: An 18th-century Spanish Colonial house.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum in Pensacola: A lighthouse and museum.
Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City: An open-air museum with historic houses, a schoolhouse, church, and train engine.
Pioneer Heritage Museums in Plant City: Focuses on local history.
Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville: Features late 19th and early 20th-century buildings and trades.
Plantation Historical Museum in Plantation: Focuses on local history.
Plumb House Museum in Clearwater: Focuses on local history.
Polk County Historical Museum in Bartow: Located in the Old Polk County Courthouse.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Light in Ponce Inlet: A lighthouse and museum.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum in Boca Grande: An active lighthouse and museum about local and natural history.
Punta Gorda Historical Museum in Punta Gorda: Operated by the Punta Gorda Historical Society.
Putnam Historic Museum in Palatka: Focuses on local history.
Railroad Museum of South Florida in Fort Myers: Located in Lakes Regional Park, it's all about railroads.
Raney House Museum in Apalachicola: A 19th-century period house.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine: See Robert Ripley's personal collections in a historic mansion.
Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center in Safety Harbor: Focuses on city and regional history.
Safford House Museum in Tarpon Springs: A late 19th-century Victorian house.
Samuel Baker House in Holiday: A late 19th-century house.
San Carlos Institute in Key West: Explores Cuba's history and the Cuban-American community in Florida.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park in St. Marks: Learn about the history of a 17th-century fort.
Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray Beach: Exhibits include a large shell collection, local natural and cultural history, and live animals.
Sanford Museum in Sanford: Focuses on local history.
Sebastian Fishing Museum in Melbourne Beach: Part of Sebastian Inlet State Park, it focuses on the area's fishing industry.
Seminole County Public Schools Student Museum in Sanford: Focuses on local history.
Silver River Museum and Environmental Center in Ocala: Explores area natural and cultural history, with a late 19th-century pioneer village.
Spongeorama in Tarpon Springs: Learn about sponge diving and harvesting in the Gulf of Mexico.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum in St. Augustine: Climb the 1876 lighthouse tower and explore the maritime museum with shipwreck artifacts.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum in St. Augustine: See pirate artifacts and learn about pirate history.
St. Cloud Heritage Museum in St. Cloud: Photos, documents, and artifacts of local history.
St. Lucie County Regional History Center in Fort Pierce: Focuses on local history.
St. Petersburg Museum of History in St. Petersburg: Focuses on local history.
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine: The site of the first Greek settlement in America.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs: A museum about composer Stephen Foster and a carillon tower that plays his songs.
Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale: A 1913 period house.
Stuart Heritage Museum in Stuart: Housed in a former feed supply store.
Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center in Tampa: Focuses on local history.
Suwannee County Historical Museum in Live Oak: Housed in a former railroad depot.
Pensacola Museum of History in Pensacola: Part of Historic Pensacola Village, it includes historic artifacts and West Florida history.
Tallahassee Museum in Tallahassee: Includes an open-air section with an 1890s school, a 1937 church, and buildings from a mid-19th-century plantation.
Tampa Baseball Museum in Tampa: Honors professional baseball players, located in the former home of Al López.
Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa: Covers 12,000 years of Florida history, focusing on Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast.
Tampa Firefighters Museum in Tampa: Learn about firefighting history.
Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum in Tarpon Springs: Learn about sponge diving, Native Americans, Greek immigrants, and local history.
Thomas Center in Gainesville: Features changing art exhibits, local history, and 1920s period hotel rooms.
Titanic The Experience in Orlando: See re-creations of rooms from the ship RMS Titanic and artifacts.
Torreya State Park - Gregory House in Bristol: An 1840s plantation house.
Treasures of Madison County in Madison: Focuses on area history and culture.
Truman Little White House in Key West: The winter White House for President Harry S. Truman.
Umatilla Historical Museum in Umatilla: Located in the Paul W. Bryan Historic Schoolhouse.
Villa Zorayda in St. Augustine: A scaled-down version of the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Spain.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami: A 70-room estate with 15th through early 19th-century furnishings and botanical gardens.
Walton County Heritage Museum in DeFuniak Springs: Focuses on local history.
Washington County Historical Museum in Chipley: Operated by the Washington County Historical Society in a former train depot.
Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop Museums in Maitland: A Victorian-era family home and carpentry shop.
Wells'Built Museum in Orlando: Focuses on African American history.
West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton: See railroad cars and memorabilia.
West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library in New Port Richey: Exhibits include Native American artifacts, clothing, and historic photographs.
Winter Garden Heritage Museum in Winter Garden: Exhibits include local citrus labels, Native American artifacts, and railroad memorabilia.
Winter Park History Museum in Winter Park: Operated by the Winter Park Historical Association.
Ximenez-Fatio House in St. Augustine: Learn about 19th-century life during Florida's territorial and early statehood periods.
Ybor City Museum State Park in Tampa: Learn about the local cigar industry and immigrant communities from the 1880s to the 1930s.
Yesteryear Village in West Palm Beach: A heritage park with a school, farm, blacksmith shop, general store, and historic houses.
Zephyrhills Depot Museum in Zephyrhills: Includes local history and railroad history.
Zephyrhills Museum of Military History in Zephyrhills: World War II memorabilia, located in a former barracks building.

Cool Car and Aviation Museums

Airport Museum in Melbourne: Displays about Naval Air Station Melbourne and Melbourne International Airport.
American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne: See amazing muscle cars (not usually open to the public, but hosts charity events).
Collection on Palmetto in Clearwater: A museum of antique automobiles and engines.
Daytona 500 Experience in Daytona Beach: All about the famous Daytona 500 race.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala: Learn about the history of drag racing.
Fantasy of Flight in Polk City: See many different types of airplanes.
Florida Air Museum in Lakeland: Includes unique designs, classic planes, and warbirds.
Kissimmee Air Museum in Kissimmee: Features military aircraft.
Mount Dora Museum of Speed in Mount Dora: Includes muscle cars, automobile memorabilia, and vintage road signs.
Museum at Ragtops Motorcars in Palm Beach: Vintage automobiles and memorabilia.
Orlando Auto Museum (Dezerland Park Orlando) in Orlando: A huge museum with over 2,000 vehicles!
Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Sarasota: See classic cars.
Tallahassee Automobile Museum in Tallahassee: Historic cars, toy cars, antique boating items, and much more.
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park: Historic automobiles from the 20th century.
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville: Military aircraft from World War I to today.
Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum in Starke: Located at Keystone Heights Airport.
Wings Over Miami Museum in Miami: See historic flying aircraft.

Other Unique Museums

American Water Ski Educational Foundation Hall of Fame and Museum in Polk City: Also known as the Water Ski Hall of Fame, it features water ski and boating memorabilia.
Coral Castle in Homestead: A unique stone sculpture castle and garden.
Corporal Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum in Orlando: Vietnam War artifacts, equipment, and photos.
Electrotherapy Museum in West Palm Beach: A private collection of old medical machines that used electricity.
Genova Museum in Boynton Beach: Features Star Wars, Elvis, and Titanic memorabilia.
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach: Learn about the history of recreational fishing.
International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale: Celebrates the history of swimming.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island: Take tours, visit the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and see the Apollo-Saturn V Center.
Madame Tussauds Orlando in Orlando: See lifelike wax figures of famous people.
Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History in Palm Beach: Exhibits on fashion, Barbie dolls, and design.
Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine: Over 160 wax sculptures of real and fictional figures.
Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont: Wax figures of U.S. presidents and miniature replicas of White House rooms.
Randall Knife Museum in Orlando: Displays custom-made knives.
Retro Gaming Museum, LLC in Cocoa: Over 72 interactive exhibits, photos, and art related to retro gaming.
Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame in St. Petersburg: Located in Tropicana Field, it's all about baseball and Ted Williams.
USCGC INGHAM Maritime Museum in Key West: Explore a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and a memorial to guardians.
USS Mohawk CGC Memorial Museum in Key West: A World War II U.S. Coast Guard cutter museum ship.
Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral: Features a large collection of over 3,000 Wizard of Oz artifacts and memorabilia, including the first published copy of the original book.
World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine: Celebrates the history of golf.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Some museums in Florida have closed over the years. These include:

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, which closed in 2017.
The Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum in Jupiter.
The Children's Science Center in N. Ft. Myers, which closed in 2005.
The Dow Museum of Historic Houses in St. Augustine, which closed in 2014.
The Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg, which closed in 2010.
The Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum in Kissimmee, which closed in 2004.
The Fred Bear Museum in Gainesville, which closed in 2003.
The Jacksonville Maritime Museum, which had large models of ships.
The Museum of Weapons & Early American History in St. Augustine.
The Teddy Bear Museum of Naples, which closed in 2005.

Future Museums to Look Forward To

There are also some exciting new museums being planned for Florida:

The Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami.
The Holocaust Documentation & Education Center in Dania Beach.
The Pulse Memorial and Museum in Orlando.