Experience the Arts

Jacksonville locals and their appreciation for the arts forms a strong community foundation for a rapidly-developing arts scene.  World-renowned artistic geniuses meld with an explosion of local artists, creating a blend of museums, festivals and performing arts. 

There are many well-regarded art institutions in Jacksonville - the pillars of a diverse arts community.  The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville encompasses one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the Southeast housing almost 800 works in the permanent collection representing prominent national and international artists of the 20^th and 21^st century.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is located across the river from Downtown Jacksonville and houses over 5,000 works of art spanning more than 8,000 years and is well-known for its significant European and American paintings, beautiful formal gardens overlooking the St. Johns River and a renowned collection of Meissen porcelain. 

Celebration of the arts is woven into Jacksonville's neighborhoods with regular festivities.  On the first Wednesday of each month, head to Downtown Jacksonville for First Wednesday Art Walk, a free, monthly celebration of culture.  Hang with the locals at the city's museums, galleries, eateries and streets of the urban district.  With over 40 venues celebrating visual art, live music and free food and wine samples, this self-guided tour is a must-attend event for visitors and locals alike. 

Also, the first week of the month, the Five Points district in historic Riverside throws a block party, First Fridays in Five Points, which celebrates the funky, artistic vibe of the community.  Shops featuring vintage clothing or the latest designer clothing stay open late and draw visitors in with live music and local artwork on display.  A new, unique spot, the Underbelly is actually found behind a secret door disguised as a bookcase in the clothing boutique Anomaly.  During First Fridays the bar shows the works of one local artist and rocks out to midnight.  For a more laid back scene, stroll around the Beaches Town Center area during North Beaches Artwalk.  Enjoy great live music and support over 40 artists of all mediums.  There is also a children's art table for the kids.  The monthly Artwalk takes place every third Thursday of each month, from 5-9 p.m. 

For a weekly art festival, visit Riverside Arts Market, March through December on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tucked beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in Riverside.  The market is Jacksonville's high-energy, free weekly arts, farmers, crafts and foods market nestled along the St. Johns River.  Browse hundreds of local artistic creations including pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography, clothing and so much more. And, catch live performances on the riverfront amphitheater stage or discover roaming performers, like magicians, jugglers and fire breathers.

For an in-depth look at the arts scene exploding in neighborhoods around town, visit one of the city's top-tier intimate galleries.  Downtown Jacksonville is blooming with "Off the Grid" galleries.  Local artists are setting up boutique galleries in open urban locations.  Across the Intracoastal Waterway, Eclectic Galleries at the beach showcases the handcrafted works of more than 180 local, regional, national and internationally recognized artists' studios working in glass, ceramics, metals, textiles, wood and much more.

A night out in Jacksonville can encompass hip martini lounges or salty dive bars, but it can also include artistic entertainment.  Yes You Canvas! is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.  The art gallery pairs participants with a professional artist as guests create their own masterpiece.  Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments, including a bottle of wine to ignite the creative spirit. 

Many restaurants and bars feature local artwork.  The Burrito Gallery in Downtown selects local art to display.  The creativity overflows to the menu with selections such as the yellow curry chicken burrito.  Ocean 60 in Atlantic Beach has a fresh vibe with a menu that changes daily and includes items such as delectable vegetarian dishes or juniper-seared lamb rack.  The artwork is always local and there is live entertainment in the martini room Wednesday through Saturday. 

To grasp the depth of the love of arts and cultural enthusiasm of this destination, one must visit the many cultural institutions in Jacksonville, featuring the history of the area and its people.  The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is a favorite for kids seeking hands-on exploration, as well as an extensive look at the history of Jacksonville, ranging from the Timucuan Indians that first settled the area prior to 1562 to consolidation of county and city governments in the 1970s to present day.  The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum located in a neighborhood once known as "The Harlem of the South" features traveling shows from notable institutions and collections depicting the city's African-American heritage.  Take a walk along the simulated "Main Street" to absorb the history and artifacts of the city's past and end your tour browsing featured artwork. 

The budding visual arts community is inspiration for the highly-regarded performing arts community.  Downtown Jacksonville's Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts houses the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation's top ensembles which produces concerts of opera, gospel, big band, ballet and classical from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven.  The stages at the Times-Union Center are also home to traveling Broadway shows presented by the THE ARTIST SERIES, popular comedy shows and rock tours. 

History and music share the stage at the nearby historic Florida Theatre.  Built in 1927, The Florida Theatre is one of the last remaining examples of America's "Picture Palace" era and is one of only four remaining high-style movie palaces built in Florida during this period.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the site of vaudeville acts and concerts (Elvis performed his first indoor concert there).  Today, performances range from country, rock and classical music favorites, dance ensembles, classic rock album recreations and spoken word. 

Create your vibrant and artistic escape today, by calling (904) 798-9111 or log on to www.VisitJacksonville.com.

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Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.  Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region.  For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.visitjacksonville.com.

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