The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a blend of art, historic gardens and waterfront views along the St. Johns River. This guide helps first-time visitors plan your trip, including how to get there, opening hours, ticket pricing, accessibility, the best times to visit and nearby sights.
Background and overview of the Cummer Museum
The Cummer Museum traces its origins to philanthropist and art enthusiast Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her Riverside Avenue home, garden and collection to the city. Pretty generous, huh?
Over time, the institution expanded its art holdings, acquired neighboring properties like an an unstoppable force with the munchies, and developed the gardens and museum campus. Today it houses over 5,000 works of art spanning a wide chronology of Western and American art.
The museum was formally established in 1961. If you’re American, the Western art is probably going to be of most interest. For European visitors, focus on the American art, which you can’t get nearly of much of at home.
The gardens are a major draw in themselves (and probably the biggest draw for the casual visitor). They include Italian, English and historic-era landscaped zones, fountains, reflecting pools, mature oak trees and river views. The gardens sit at the heart of the visitor experience, so many patrons mix both indoor galleries and outdoor strolls in one visit.
The museum’s collection includes European paintings, American works, and contemporary art. Rotating temporary exhibitions bring in regional and national artists and thematic shows. Through its educational programs and public events, the Cummer aims to be both a cultural anchor and a community gathering space.
Because of its riverside location and garden setting, the Cummer offers an art plus nature contrast that many larger urban museums don’t: the chance to move from galleries to sunlit gardens in minutes, making for a more relaxed, layered experience.
How to get to the Cummer Museum
The museum address is 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida. It lies in the Riverside / Avondale area along the St. Johns River. If you use public transit, local bus lines serve Riverside Avenue and nearby corridors. The museum is walkable from many downtown or adjacent neighborhoods.
By car, the museum offers complimentary parking across Riverside Avenue from the main entrance, and in the lot at Riverside Avenue and Post Street. Accessible parking is available in those lots, as well as at the Art Connections entrance between the museum and Red Cross building.
Driving directions from Interstate 95 are straightforward: from I-95 South, take exit 352 / 352A to Forest Street, and turn right onto Riverside Avenue; from I-95 North, take exit 351A to Park Street, continue via Riverside Park Place, then onto Riverside Avenue. The museum will be on your left.
Opening hours and ticket prices for the Cummer Museum
The museum is open daily except Mondays. Standard hours are:
- Tuesday: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
- Wednesday through Friday: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Saturday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Sunday: 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm
The first Saturday of each month from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm is free to all (unless there’s a special ticketed event). Similarly, on the third Tuesday of each month from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm the museum offers free admission. (Check the museum calendar for these promotions.) If you don’t like sharing your space with lots of other people, then trust me, these are not the times to rock up.
General admission rates are:
- Adults: US $20
- Seniors (age 62+): US $15
- Students (ages 6–17) & educators / military: US $15
- Children 5 and under: free
- College students may have free admission Tuesday through Friday with valid ID
The admission price gives access to all galleries, special exhibitions and the gardens (when open). Memberships also include free general admission. (The museum reserves the right to limit capacity during busy periods.)
Best times to visit and how long to spend
For a calmer experience, go early in the day, ideally shortly after opening. Wednesday through Friday mid-morning to early afternoon tends to be less crowded than weekend blocks. Evening hours on Tuesdays (to 8.00 pm) can offer more flexibility and a quieter ambiance in galleries and gardens.
A typical visit combining galleries and a garden walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you like to linger – photograph garden scenes, read labels, take breaks, use the café – you could stretch to 2.5 to 3 hours. If a temporary exhibition is especially large or ambitious, plan extra time accordingly.
What else to see nearby to combine with your visit
The museum sits in a district rich with culture, dining and urban charm. Some nearby options you can combine in the same day:
- Stroll through the Riverside / Avondale historic neighborhoods to admire bungalow architecture, street murals and coffee shops.
- Walk along the St. Johns River waterfront. There are parks and riverwalk sections not far from the gardens.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) downtown; it’s a short drive or ride away.
- Explore Memorial Park or Riverside Park near the museum for green space and views.
- Stop at local cafés or brunch spots in the Riverside district before or after your museum visit.
Tips for a smoother visit to the Cummer Museum
- Check the museum calendar in advance to see if free admission or late-night events are scheduled.
- Arrive about 10 minutes before opening to secure parking and enter early before midday crowds.
- Start with the outdoor gardens while light is soft, then move into galleries when interior spaces warm up.
- Bring a camera—garden areas and river views make for satisfying photo stops (respect museum rules about flash, tripods, etc.).
- Wear comfortable shoes—garden paths may be uneven or wet, especially after rain.
- If visiting as a group, consider booking a guided tour in advance to get deeper insights.
- Note that **outside food and drinks are not permitted in the gardens**, and there is no picnic area on site. However, the Cummer Café serves refreshments and the shop is open during museum hours.
Frequently asked questions about the Cummer Museum
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Cummer Museum wheelchair accessible? | Yes. The museum states it is committed to accessibility and offers accommodations. The galleries and paths are designed to allow access for visitors with differing abilities. |
| Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? | Yes. Accessible parking is available in the Riverside Avenue lot across from the museum and at the Art Connections entrance between the museum and adjacent buildings. |
| Are there free admission times? | Yes. Free admission is available first Saturday of each month, third Tuesday from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, and for certain groups (children under 5, college students during certain hours, SNAP/EBT cardholders). Check the calendar for details. |
| Can I bring food or drinks into the gardens? | No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the gardens. The museum café offers consumables, but no picnic spaces are available on site. |
| Is photography allowed? | Yes. Visitors may take photographs, but flash, tripods, or professional setups may be restricted. Check museum policies on the Requests & Policies page. |
| Are there activities for children? | Yes. The museum includes “Art Connections,” a hands-on engagement area for children, and rotating programs and events suitable for families. |
| How far should I plan to arrive before closing? | Plan to finish your tour and leave galleries at least 15 minutes before museum closing time, as galleries are cleared prior to closing. |
| Can I pay for admission in advance? | No. The museum currently does not offer advance ticket purchases. Admission is handled at the front desk upon arrival. |
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The best stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive.
- 5 reasons to visit Miami on a round-the-world trip.
- Exploring the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
- What’s so special about Dry Tortugas National Park?
- Guide to the St Andrews State Park to Shell Island ferry.
