The Cummer Art Gallery

Looking for a little European appeal in the heart of America? Located in Jacksonville’s historic Five Points area, the Cummer Art Gallery is a great place to spend a rainy day, or any day for that matter. The Cummer is known not only for it’s beautiful artwork but also for it’s well maintained gardens. The Cummer pride’s itself on the upkeep of their grounds. A winding path amongst sculptures and rosebushes leads you to an astounding view of the St. John’s River. There were iron tables and chairs set up on the lawn overlooking the river where local artists had set up their tools and were busy painting their hearts away. The Garden is separated into four parts, the Upper Tier, the Lower Tier, the Italian Gardens and the English Gardens. Within the gardens you’ll find beautiful lilies, camellias, dogwood trees, hydrangeas, pear trees, holly, Japanese maples and countless other species of plants.

The gallery features a good-sized collection of paintings, sculptures, Greek antiques, Meissen porcelain, and even furniture. Although you won’t find any huge names in the gallery, you just might find you recognize a few of them.

The collections comprise of pieces from the following categories: European, American, Meissen Porcelain and Antiquities. Some of my favorite pieces included a Greek terracotta vase from around 500 B.C., Thomas Hart Benton’s June Morning, and Rolph Carlett’s Abstraction.

The museum was built on the property of Arthur and Ninah Cummer and opened in 1961. The original collection was comprised of only sixty pieces that belonged to the Cummer’s personally. The gallery now has six thousand pieces of art and encompasses eight thousand years of history.

Located near the coffee shop and the entrance to the gardens you’ll find a really neat feature this museum offers. Against the window there is a cart that holds several clear boxes. These are called “Art in a Box.” At no cost to you, the gallery offers you the chance to become an artist yourself. Inside the boxes you will find a 5X7 sheet of paper, paints and brushes for you to create your own masterpieces. Might I suggest buying a cup of coffee, collecting an “Art in a Box” and having a seat in the neighboring gardens. You might find the scenery to be very inspiring. Once you’ve finished your masterpiece return the box and crab a plastic bag to store your precious work of art.

If you have kids in your company there’s a great kids exhibit here as well. The kids will have a hands on opportunity to learn about art, art history and even be able to become artists themselves.

You can enjoy The Cummer for free on Tuesdays from 4 PM to 9 PM otherwise expect to pay $8. Please note that there are several members of security circulating at all times, if you are carrying an umbrella you will want to check it in at the front desk. Also, it is preferred that no photographs are taken indoors, however you are more than welcome to photograph the gardens.