112 Museums to Explore in Florida

Formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, is a museum located in Downtown Miami, Florida. It is the largest history museum in the State. HistoryMiami Museum programs include exhibitions, city tours, education, research, collections and publications on the importance of the past in shaping Miami's future.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum is a must-see for anyone with an interest in aquatic sports. Founded in 1965 to recognize water sports greats from all over the world, the museum hosts exhibits from swimming's earliest days to the Olympic Games of today. It also contains many interactive displays and educational programs that are designed to help people learn about the important role swimming has played in world history.

Jacksonville Historical Society works to preserve and promote the city's rich historical narrative.This non-profit organization collects documents, buildings and other artifacts that reveal the story of Jacksonville for today's generations. The society offers educational classes about local history, guided tours led by experienced docents who share anecdotes about pivotal figures from Jacksonville's past and access to an expansive research library that holds primary sources.

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is located in two restored historic buildings that were formerly synagogues, at 301 & 311 Washington Ave. includes photos and artifacts depicting the Florida Jewish experience since 1763. Temporary exhibits change throughout the year and twice monthly, there is a Jewish food walking tour and so more things to see in and around this museum.

The Karpeles Manuscript Library is an incredible resource for students and history buffs alike. The library houses 12 original documents of significant historical importance from a variety of periods and cultures. Inside the building's climate-controlled interior, visitors can view first-hand some of the most influential pieces of writing ever created – including America's first draft of the Declaration of Independence and the earliest known medical treatise on smallpox.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located on Merritt Island, Florida, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. NASA Administrator James Webb began self-guided tours through Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and a small trailer with simple displays on card tables in 1963. About 100,000 people toured the facility that first year.

Built in 1891 as a United States customs house and post office, it houses 3 floors of permanent and visiting exhibitions featuring Key West’s wealth of cultural resources including maritime artifacts, plaster casts of Key West artists’ works, original 19th century music boxes, photographs of early Florida life and more. It also features three rotating classrooms and exhibits that showcase vibrant local culture, such as the annual art exhibition by the Historical Architectural Review Board.

Key West Shipwreck Museum is a unique experience for visitors. The museum takes guests on a historical adventure by showcasing the wreckage of various ships which sunk off the coast of Key West throughout the years. Items on display include starfish and shells found near the wreckage as well as artifacts that survived being underwater for over 500 years. Hands-on activities like panning for 'gold' in a replica San Miguel shipwreck are also popular attractions.

This is an educational and entertaining attraction that showcases the history of The Florida Keys. With interactive exhibits and displays of artifacts, visitors can experience the development of the island in a fun-friendly atmosphere. The Discovery Center also offers programs to explore local culture and its unique ecology, such as a mangrove boat tour for kids that highlights the area's marine life. Visitors can also take part in workshops on creative writing, painting and more.

The Knott House Museum is a rich source of history for the area. It was built in 1843 as the home ofThomas H. and Ann Bryan Knott. The house has managed to survive the years with few changes, giving visitors an intimate view of 19th century architecture and lifestyles. Touring the house will teach guests about major events such as Indian Removal and Reconstruction, as well as everyday life during this time period.

It was founded by 66 artists and patrons of the arts on Bay Street in historic downtown Eustis in 1995 to nurture culture and beauty. The Lake Eustis Museum of Art was renamed by its founders

There are two main components to the museum, the Rotunda of American History and Freedom Hall. Liberty Bell Memorial Museum was founded by Honor America Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to American history and heritage.

This is a visual art museum which was opened in 1950 and is operated by university of Miami. It was the first art museum in South Florida. The museum has an extensive collection of art with permanent collections in Greco-Roman antiquities, Renaissance, Baroque, 17th- and 19th-century European art, 19th-century American Art, and modern art.

At the Man in the Sea Museum, there are exhibits and documents related to the history of diving.

The Volusia County Marine Science Center is a natural history and marine science museum. In addition to humpback whale skulls, the museum has a freshwater turtle rehabilitation area, a 5,000 gallon hexagonal artificial reef aquarium, and a stingray touch pool with cownose rays.

Matheson History Museum building, formerly an American Legion hall, opened in 1994 as a museum

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is famed for its spectacular display of artifacts and treasures recovered from the sunken 1622 Spanish fleet. From cannons to coins, each item tells a piece of history that paints a beautiful story of the fight between the Spanish Armada and a developing America. With multiple attractions involving pirate ships, interactive exhibits, educational tours, and even treasure hunts often offered onsite.

The Mennello Museum of American Art, is one of the most treasured cultural attractions in the city. With over 600 pieces in its permanent collection and a wide variety of rotating exhibitions throughout the year, it's no wonder why this museum attracts many visitors. Founded in 1998 by philanthropists Marilyn and Michael Mennello, the museum specializes in folk art as well as paintings and sculptures from celebrated American artists.

Micanopy Historical Society was founded in 1983 after the Micanopy Historic District was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by its nomination committee.

On Pearl Harbor Day, 2001, the Military Heritage & Aviation Museum opened at its original location. The company has grown and moved twice since then, arriving at its current location in 2019.