Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL

75 King StreetSt. Augustine, FL 32084
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$19.00
Total Price: $19.00 (USD)
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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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kimgR9109WG
Lake Worth, Florida
"Be sure to visit Lightner Museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed May 24, 2025 NEW
Lightner Museum is a definite must-see, especially if you’ve been to (or are planning to visit) Flagler College. It’s not a huge museum (60-90 minutes should be enough). It has an interesting mix of collectible art mixed with some different collections. Of course the history of the building and the area surrounding it are as interesting as the art within! It was previously the Alcazar hotel; a hotel for the wealthy who were visiting St Augustine but not staying long enough to stay at the Ponce de Leon hotel across the street (now Flagler college!)
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VacationerGuy
Goderich, Huron County, Ontario
"Unfortunately Underwhelming"
TripAdvisor user rating 3 out of 5
Reviewed May 22, 2025 NEW
I have a hard time reviewing this museum, because I would like to rate it higher, but found the experience to be right in the middle overall. The museum is beautiful, and it's worth visiting just to wander the interior of the building and see the architecture. There is also a partially preserved bath house from the buildings history as a luxury hotel which is neat to see. Many of the artefacts are beautiful to see, but the museum feels largely random and slightly incoherent. It is, after all, a collection of collections, meaning there was rarely enough of one subject on display to really do more than pique your interest but leave you wanting more. In many places, things seemed randomly placed together. Some collections were more interesting than others, but that will depend on the personal tastes of the visitor. My favorite part of the museum was the gilded age exhibit on the third floor. The pieces on display were some of the most beautiful in the museum, and the gallery was fairly large, giving a chance to actually have the time and space to really delve into the subject matter and gain a deeper appreciation of the pieces. Other galleries, like the bicycle, music, or stained glass galleries, offered just a small taste of the artefacts but failed to offer anything substantial. I saved this museum as the last stop on a four day visit to St. Augustine, as I was quite excited to visit, but left feeling somewhere underwhelmed. I would consider stopping by again on a future trip to give it another try.
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camillepC7801BO
Charlotte, North Carolina
"Perfect visit"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 13, 2025 NEW
We absolutely loved our visit to the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine! It’s a beautiful and fascinating place, but what truly made our experience special was the guided tour on the second floor, by the old pool area. A wonderful volunteer took the time to explain everything to us, sharing historical facts and fun anecdotes that brought the space to life. Thanks to her, we didn’t just see an old pool, we learned so much. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the tour at 11 a.m. on the second floor. You won’t regret it! Thank you
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cream78
Lima, Ohio
"Loved The Gilded Age Display"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 06, 2025
The Lightner Museum is a treasure of the beauty of a bygone age. We especially enjoyed the Gilded Age Exhibit and the history of Henry Flagler, and other wealthy people, who made St. Augustine their home.
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DeniseM495
Willow Spring, North Carolina
"Well maintained museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 02, 2025
Very interesting self guided tour of this beautiful hotel/spa. We did listen to one talk about the pool with was worth it. Admission price was worth the time spent.
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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.