the lightner museum

762jenniferr

I go with my family to all sorts of museums (science, historical, art, etc.). I liked this museum but the main two annoyances we the fact that it had hardly any benches or chairs. I like benches in museums because it allows someone to sit down when their family member wants to go through a room much slower than them. Secondly it seemed like enough of the artifacts had no name or information given to them. It seemed like almost all the furniture on the third level had no identifying information so you had no idea how old it was, who made it, and what room it would have been in. I loved that they had a demonstration of the music instruments in the music room at 10:00 am because I love music no matter what era it's from. The cafe associated with this museum has good food and tasty desserts. I'd go again for lunch. Parking wasn't free and you have to pay by the hour. It can add up. The are only bathrooms in one area and it can get confusing to find them. Always take the elevators to the bathrooms when you're on the first or second floor cause you can't get to them easily from the stairs.

davzway

You MUST see this Museum at least ONCE,, likely you will return most every time you return to St. Augustine- it's THAT GOOD. Music Box collection is Best Seen ever ANYWHERE. Art, Antique Collection, China from around the world and hundreds of years of history. Impossible to see everything in a day. May not be of interest to children- especially small children. Been there many times and plan to return whenever possible.

MariahS281

We found a great Groupon deal for the Lightner Musuem. It was very pretty, and I'm glad we went, but it was definitely a one-time only thing. Not worth returning, and I'm glad we only paid $10 for the both of us.

Y2111NVlindah

the Lightner Museum does not disappoint. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel in Historic St. Augustine boasts a fine collection automatons, cut glass, porcelain, and fine art. Some of the original features of the grand old hotel are still present: the indoor swimming pool, long since drained, has become a delightful cafe; the marble-lined saunas and solariums are reminiscent of days long ago when the movers and shakers of the 19th and early 20th centuries stayed at the posh hotel! The cost of admission is well worth it if you love history!

margatemensch

Yesterday,I visited this fine museum a large collection of Otto Lightner's collections of so many different items such as;stained glass creations("Saint Augustine"-Tiffany Studio)(Prima-Unknown Austrian),music boxes(Orchestrion)(Philadelphia Street Piano)from the Gilded Age in Saint Augustine,German Porcelain creations from Meissen,19th Century oil paintings,toys,etcetera.Otto Lightner was a prosperous magazinepublisher..His Decorative Art relected the tastes of the Northeast United States financial elite in the early 20th Century.Personal highlights were;Jules Garnier's oil painting,"Temptation",Paul Trouillebert's oil painting,"Cleopatra and Dying Messenger",Rafaello Romanelli's sculpting of "Cleopatra(Brescia Purple Marble and Travertine,Frederick Hildebrandt's oil painting,"Othello Recounting Adventures to Desdemona and Her Father",Leon Comerre's oil painting,"Maid of Honor",and Andrew Gavell and Associates'Reverse Painting on glass embellished with Mother of Pearl,"Rock Island Railroad".This building,the former Alcazar Hotel is a s[plendid work of architecture.I also appreciated the enthusiasm and helpfulness of its staff.

LarryC181

A fine collection of decorative arts, furniture, and glassware. Some very fine pieces. The building, the former Alcazar hotel, has a great layout and some parts of the original hotel are still in place. I particularly liked the clock and shaving mug collection. My wife liked the glassware and furniture.

939marthab

This Museum is worth the $10.00 entry fee. It has more things than you can see in 1 visit. Amazing Antiques and art a facts. Very friendly staff also.

NancyF406

This is a most interesting museum - in truth it is a collection of collections since the founder, Hugo Lightner was a collector himself. Here you will find collections of minerals, cigar bands, matchbooks, crystal, canes, buttons, coins - all manner of collections. But make sure that you check out the building itself: the ballroom, the pool that used to be there, the staircases, the spa, the outside and all its decoration. It was originally the Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler of Standard Oil fame as not just a hotel but also the entertainment facility for his guests in his elegant Ponce de Leon hotel across the street. (Do not miss the tour of this)However, please do not miss the 'concert' of the mechanical musical instruments. We arrived just in time to hear this and it was an amazing demonstration of all the instruments in the music room. The talk by the docent was excellent, her knowledge extensive and her enthusiasm came through. This part of the museum was worth the price of admission in itself.

JackS609

The Lightner gives you a glimpse into what once was. Collections include art, ceramics, glassware/crystal, and a music boxes. The science home is full of a bunch of unrelated objects (some pretty crusty) that are typical of a small town museum. The museum also contains the old steam rooms and Turkish baths that were part of the hotel in the guilted age. Certainly worth visit, but perhaps not for younger children. Finding parking near the museum can be a challenge.

JanW560

This other former Flagler hotel, Alcazar, (across from Flagler College) is worth the trip if just to see the architecture and marvel at the spa rooms and size of the swimming pool (now the cafe) that Flagler created for his wealthy guests. Today the building houses several uses, including city hall, but mainly contains the Victoriana collection of Otto Lightner, a wealthy publisher from Chicago. Try to be there for the mechanical music demonstration (player piano, etc.) which is quite fascinating. There are many different elements to the collection from furniture to glass to paintings to such things as a small mummy, stuffed birds and model steam engines. It's a great place if the Victorian period is your cup of tea.

Simplicity

I'm not sure why this isn't rated #1. It is excellent & worth the $10 entrance fee. It was originally built as an elegant hotel in 1888 & later sold to Lightner to house his vast collection of antiques, China, cut crystal, etc. It has a beautiful ballroom & at 11 am & 2 pm they play & discuss 19th century musical instruments. Wow, was this great to hear all those melodies & sounds. There are good descriptions of all the exhibits. It is one of the top sites in St. Augustine & the price is more than fair. They also have a great gift shop with many period items.

eileen645

This site is the product of two men's visions. One a hotelier extradinaire and the other a devoted collector of others' collections. In visiting this museum you will be able to appreciate two visions and two site histories at once. Not to be missed: the playing of musical inventions of the 19th century by docent Laura at 11:00 and 2:00, a lunch at the cafe (separate entrance) part way through your explorations, all three floors working from the top down after the musical experience, the courtyard with carp pools where Lightner is buried. All this -- excepting lunch -- for $10.

P396BGdavids

This is a unique collection in an historic setting. Many true gems and architecturally fascinating rooms. The ballroom is fantastic. The pool - now the home of Cafe Alkcazar (excellent food) - was once the world's largest indoor pool. The entrance hall is amazing.

piranhapirate

The Lightner Museum features exceptional collections of collections from the 19th century. It also has a variety of independent items that are really incredible. The best part is – there is something for everyone. I personally enjoyed the tobacco exhibit and the Science and Industry room. My wife thought the music boxes were all the rage. It is definitely one of the best museums in northern Florida.

littlefield3

There are many museums out there most are at least ok. Many are good, While some are a Must see, this is one of those. The building it self is something to see on its own but once in side is a real treat. The collection is excellent and interesting i do not want to give to much away as discovery is part of the treat ,but you have to see where the pool was. Take it all in.