The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel in St. Augustine.

Lightner Museum

Enjoy an immersive experience of art and history in an iconic St. Augustine building.

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

Hours of Operation

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

  • The Lightner Museum offers visitors an immersive experience of art, architecture, and history.

    Founded by Chicago Publisher Otto Lightner in 1948, today the museum presents Lightner's unique collection of Americana, fine and decorative art, and natural history specimens, alongside compelling exhibitions and programs.

    The museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. Built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the Alcazar was the railroad magnate’s second grand hotel in St. Augustine. Designed by the firm of Carrère and Hastings, the Spanish Renaissance Revival hotel hosted thousands of guests who enjoyed its remarkable recreation facilities — including the world's largest swimming pool, Turkish and Russian steam baths, tennis courts, and a gymnasium. The Alcazar closed during the Depression and the former Gilded Age resort hotel was transformed into an eclectic museum of art and artifacts by Otto Lightner.

    Today, the heart of the Lightner Museum is its diverse and extraordinary collection, including lamps by Louis Comfort Tiffany, American and European paintings, geological specimens and shells collected from all over the globe, and mechanical musical instruments of the Victorian era.

    In addition to its permanent collection, the Lightner Museum presents an active schedule of exhibitions, events, and educational programs for the enjoyment of visitors and the local community.

    The Lightner Museum is located at 75 King Street in the historic downtown district of St. Augustine, just across from Flagler College.

    The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:00 p.m. The Ballroom Gallery closes at 4:30 p.m. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.


    Upcoming Events

    Musician / Event Title Date Time
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Sat, Oct. 1st 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Sun, Oct. 2nd 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Mon, Oct. 3rd 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Tue, Oct. 4th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Wed, Oct. 5th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Thu, Oct. 6th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Fri, Oct. 7th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Sat, Oct. 8th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Sun, Oct. 9th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Lightner Museum Art Exhibit: Bouke de Vries War and Pieces Mon, Oct. 10th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  • Comments or Questions?

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

    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.

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

    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!!!

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

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

    Anonymous on June 7, 2013 - 1:05pm

    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.

    Anonymous on April 1, 2013 - 3:19pm

    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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Restaurants Near Lightner Museum

Cafe Alcazar
within 1 block
The Bantam Chef restaurant in a restored Victorian building in St. Augustine.
Bantam Chef
within 1 block
Old City House Restaurant
within 1 block
Reflections Bistro in the courtyard of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL.
Reflections Bistro
0.1 miles away

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