Lightner Museum

St. Augustine, Florida: A collection of collections is the best way to describe the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. On display here are various relics from the 19th century ranging from the usual sculptures and paintings to the unusual Egyptian mummy and shrunken head.

The items on display here are the personal collection of Otto Lightner, a publisher from Chicago. In 1946, he purchased the three story Alcazar Hotel building to house his collection of Victorian antiquities. He opened the musueum two years later and then donated it to the city of St. Augustine.

The tour of the museum begins on the first floor. Several collections line the halls that resemble a Victorian Village. Each storefront of the village leads the way to a new collection. As you finish seeing the collections from the village, it is one to the music room. The music room is filled with mechanical musical instruments from the 1870’s to the 1920’s. Rounding out the first floor is the popular Science and Industry Room. It is here where you will see stuffed game, shells and an Egyptian mummy.

The collection continues to the second floor where you will see various works of art. Here there are elegant cut glass and stained glass on display.

The remaining exhibits are located on the third floor. It is here where you can view priceless paintings and sculptures.

The museum is housed in the historic Alcazar Hotel building. Built in 1887 under the direction of railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the Alcazar was one of the top hotels in the country. It featured the largest indoor swimming pool in the world. It closed for good in 1932. It was later purchased by Lightner in 1946. The building now houses the Lightner Museum and the St. Augustine City Hall. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The Lightner Museum is opened daily from 9-5. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (12-18) and free for under 12. Discounts are available for groups, active military and college students.

Click on the photo above to view photos from the Lightner Museum.

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