Lightner Museum

We spent an enjoyable hour and a half strolling though a marvelous collection of collections. Taking time to read the well written descriptions next to the items allowed you to be fully engaged with the visual aspects of the displays. The building that housed all of this was just as interesting as what it contained. At one time it was a vibrant entertainment hotel for upper class guests with upscale amenities that I found extraordinary for the time. Take a morning to explore all the Lightner has to offer, has some lunch, and visit the shops!

DO NOT bother visiting right now. We've been there many times between 2018 and 2024; took lots of pictures and loved it. So, it was disappointing on our recent July 2026 visit to find the museum a shell of it's former self. The top floor gallery was missing close to half the exhibits it had previously. A Volunteer tried to gaslight me into believing nothing had changed. So, when I went home I compared pictures from previous visits to confirm that it has changed and NOT for the better. Several parts of the second floor were closed off and what was there barely filled the rooms. Another nice Volunteer was apologetic explaining how a number of exhibits had been shipped to another museum in Chicago because they were "on loan". Well those exhibits must have been "on loan" for at least half a decade because they were always there previously. The gift shop was moved across the courtyard. The place seems to be transitioning, or at least struggling with it's identity at the moment. So, save your money and go to one of the other dozen museums in St. Augustine. They took my money...they don't have to get yours.

On purpose I’m not gonna post that many pictures of this museum because you have to come here not just the collectibles the history the antiques, but they used to be a pool on the ground floor of this building. What a fun explore around the grounds plus that AC is real nice you can enjoy all the antiquities! I love that they have Winston Churchill Lion on the first level and all the Exquisite Original Tiffany Lamps and the Spa. The price is not bad for the size of this place, very memorable! We will be back!

Beautiful museum full of light, art, and history where you can also purchase paintings from local artists. Even the kids enjoyed it. Everyone inside the museum was quite nice and super helpful. The attitude with the clerks inside the souvenir shop, however, was subpar. The greeting we received was one of annoyance. I would have given 5 stars if it was not for the snubbed noses and comments, with giggles, that were directed my way as I was leaving, which they quickly realized I heard. Please talk to them on behavior as it does not reflect well upon the rest of the establishment. Besides the shop encounter, we are grateful to be able to experience this museum. Thank you.