Art & Culture in Jacksonville

The Mandarin area boasts gorgeous greenery, the beautiful St. Johns River, and a wide array of tasty eating and fantastic shopping. When you move a little closer to the downtown area of Jacksonville, you'll be pleased with the rich arts and culture scene of our city. From amazing concerts and live theater to cutting-edge art exhibitions, Jacksonville is home to an incredibly vibrant arts scene. Check it out for yourself.

Performing Arts Venues

The Florida Theater

Hosting more than 200 entertainment and cultural events every year, this beautiful and historic theater has been a beloved institution for generations of Jacksonville arts lovers. From contemporary rock, pop, jazz, country and blues to opera and ballet, The Florida Theater offers something amazing for every taste and budget.

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts

This state-of-the-art performing arts center, home to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, hosts a wide spectrum of entertainment, including everything from musicians like Yanni to Broadway shows and wonderful dance performances from professional touring groups.

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

At the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, there's definitely some fun entertainment for everyone. From fantastic performances from famed artists like Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban to family events like Disney on Ice to Cirque Du Soleil and comedy acts, this diverse venue always pleases.

The Florida Ballet

Since 1979, Jacksonville's first and only professional dance company has brought the city beautiful, graceful and emotionally charged performances from both cutting-edge and classic pieces created by emerging and established choreographers.

Museums

The Ritz Theater and Museum

This beautiful and historically significant theater in Jacksonville's La Villa community opened its doors in 1929 as a movie house and has stridently served to, according the theater and museum's website, "research, record and preserve the material and artistic culture of African American life in North East Florida...and present in an educational or entertaining format, the many facets that make up the historical and cultural legacy of this community." Performances include jazz, blues, dance, spoken word, theater and internationally renowned musical performers.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer is the largest museum in North East Florida, featuring a diverse selection of fine and famed art in its permanent collection, especially its Old Master and American paintings. And when you step outside, the beauty continues with the amazing Cummer gardens.

Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art

JMOMA opened in 2003, bringing an amazing new facet of visual art and culture to the city of Jacksonville. A work of art itself, JMOMA features 14,000 square feet of gallery space complete with an ever-growing and already impressive permanent collection of the world's most renowned modern artists as well as an incredible roster of visiting exhibitions you won't want to miss.

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

Fun for kids and adults alike, MOSH has delighted and educated generations of Jacksonvillians since 1969. MOSH offers every visitor a wide array of fantastic "core" exhibits to love, learn from and enjoy, including: The Body Within; Water Worlds; Currents of Time; Atlantic Tails; Aqua Expo; The Loft Gallery; and Florida Naturalist's Center. Oh, and the newly opening Bryan Gooding Planetarium!