Lightner Museum

Vacationers in St. Augustine can step back in time and marvel at the historic collection in this old hotel turned museum.

Across from Flagler College.
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084
  • (904) 824-2874
5

Hours of Operation

Come In, We're Open!
Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, which was built in 1888. Henry M. Flagler commissioned architects Carrere and Hastings to construct this architectural masterpiece. The Alcazar closed during the Depression, and in 1947 the building was purchased by Otto Lightner as the perfect place to house his Victorian-era collection of antiques. He opened it as a museum two years later and turned the building over to the City of St. Augustine. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and today is home to both the Lightner Museum and City government offices.

    Otto Lightner was fascinated by what other people collected -- a hobby that became his trademark and his passion, which is clearly reflected in the diverse and eccentric collection of 19th-century artifacts on display at the museum. There are three floors to the museum, all of which are filled with interesting and beautiful artifacts from over a century ago. Costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and other items transport you to the heyday of the Alcazar Hotel and its wealthy visitors. Exquisite Victorian art glass and stained glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany are around every corner. Paintings from around the world are also on display. Each room is restored to its original beauty so guests can feel like they are walking back in time.

    The Lightner Museum is located in the historic downtown district of St. Augustine across from Flagler College.

  • Reviews

    Margarita Ibbot... on November 15, 2017 - 11:44pm

    5
    I was visiting the Lightner Museum in the fall of 2017 to see the Dressing Downton exhibition. This exhibit was curated from the beautiful decorative arts from the Lightner Museum and the original fashion from the popular PBS show Downton Abbey. I absolutely love the exhibition because their use of furniture, decorative accessories, china, crystal and ceramics was exceptional. You can just imagine the characters in the show sitting down for tea, attending a party or watching over their babes in a period pram. The attention to detail was exceptional and the information boards were very helpful in placing the pieces into context within the show. It was easy to imagine the glory of it all at the beginning of the 20th century. If you have time, be sure and have lunch or high tea at the Cafe Alcazar you will not regret it. Even if the exhibition is no longer there (until Jan.7, 2018) don't hesitate in visiting the museum as it is beautiful inside and out.

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    Donna Smith Baker on March 20, 2014 - 8:49pm

    5
    The Lightner Museum is absolutely breathtaking. The elegance of this building and it's furnishings can't be expressed in words or pictures. You have to go see it yourself! The music room and the Tiffany lamps were among my favorites. If you only have time to see one thing in Saint Augustine, this is it!!!! It's a large three story museum, so bring your walking shoes. Loved it!!!

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    J.Philip on November 11, 2013 - 7:33pm

    5
    Amazing view of the past and how very wealthy people spent their fortunes....beautiful objects.

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    Anonymous on June 7, 2013 - 1:05pm

    3
    It's no Chicago Field Museum, but as far as local museums, it's probably the best. You won't find any insanely unique pieces associated with extremely famous people - but it is quirky and a lot of the artifacts are at least really REALLY beautiful to look at. There's several different areas, and some of the items really caught my eye. Not the best of the best, but it was definitely worth the visit.

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    Anonymous on April 1, 2013 - 3:19pm

    5
    I never thought the Lightner would be as incredible as it was. I have walked past that building a million times, but when I finally went in and looked around I could not believe what I was seeing. Their collections are incredible - beautiful antiques, paintings, and exhibits. The architecture of the building is unbelievable, and it's been renovated/maintained so well. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

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