The gardens include a historic 1903 oak tree known as the 'Cummer Oak,' which is one of the oldest in the region.
The collection features original works by masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Thomas Moran.
The museum was established by Ninah Cummer, whose estate and private art collection formed the basis for the institution.
Several of the outdoor garden structures and stone ornaments were imported directly from Europe in the early 20th century.
The museum grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 objects, spanning from 2100 B.C. to the modern era. Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, the site features three historic gardens restored to their original design. The museum's holdings include significant European and American paintings, as well as an extensive collection of Meissen porcelain. The Art Connections gallery provides an interactive space dedicated to art education and multi-sensory experiences. Visitors can explore the landscape design, which incorporates elements of the English, Italian, and Olmsted-inspired styles. The facility serves as a cultural anchor in the Riverside district of Jacksonville.
The central reflecting pool in the Italian Garden, framing the river and the museum's stone architecture.
Prioritize visiting the riverfront gardens during the cooler morning hours to enjoy the reflection of the St. Johns River.
Check the museum's digital calendar for rotating temporary exhibits that often occupy the central galleries.
Use the provided museum maps to locate specific plant species in the English and Italian gardens.
Do not attempt to walk through the gardens in footwear unsuitable for uneven gravel paths or grassy inclines.
Closed on Mondays.
Refrain from touching artwork or statues; outdoor photography is encouraged, but flash is prohibited inside galleries.
