Museums and galleries in St. Augustine

Museums and galleries in St. Augustine

1. See

   Medieval Torture Museum

   It is the largest interactive torture museum in the United States, displaying a private collection of torture, execution and restraint devices. Visitors can play the role of executioners and their victims. They are able to sit in the spiked chair of inquiries, pose in a “barrel for drunkards” or weigh themselves on special scales to see if they are too heavy to be deemed a witch. Among other things the visitor is able to try on the Spanish boot, stand in the pillory, drown a witch in a barrel of water, lead the guillotine, the pendulum and other deadly torture devices.

   Daily 10AM-10PM

2. See

   Oldest House Museum Complex

   A historic house just south of downtown that is believed to be the oldest house in the city, constructed under Spanish rule in 1723. The property, run by the St. Augustine Historical Society, also includes two museums, an exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden, and a store.

   10AM-5PM, tours every half hour·$13/adult, $10/senior, $4/student, $26/family

3. See

   Potter's Wax Museum

   A fun and educational family attraction with over 160 wax figures, including a wide range of fictional characters, famous politicians, Hollywood celebrities, sports stars, and more, both past and present. Established in 1948, Potter's is the oldest wax museum in the United States.

   Daily 9AM to 6PM·Adults $10.60, children (6-12) $7.40

4. See

   St Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

   Built in the 1870s on the northern end of Anastasia Island, this working lighthouse sat abandoned for many years before restoration efforts in the 1990s. Today, visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top for a stunning view of the city and the surrounding waters, including the Atlantic Ocean. The associated museum is located in the former Keeper's House at the base of the tower and contains exhibits about living and working at the light station.

   9AM-6PM·$15/adult, $13/child, $13/senior

5. Do

   St. Augustine Art Association

   Home to one of the oldest arts organizations in the Sunshine State, this is the premier gallery in the historic district. The 5,000 square foot landmark features a permanent collection of "Lost Colony" art from the 1930s as well as monthly juried exhibits of local art.

   Tue-Sat noon to 4PM, Sun 2PM to 5PM·Free Admission

6. See

   St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

   Pirate Soul Museum

   Previously operated in Key West, the museum was moved to St. Augustine in 2010. It is the largest collection of pirate artifacts in any one museum, with notable artifacts including a gun owned by Blackbeard himself and an authentic treasure chest belonging to Thomas Tew.

   Daily, 10AM-7PM

7. See

   World Golf Hall of Fame

   The centerpiece of the master-planned World Golf Village, this hall of fame and museum center celebrates the greats of golf history. The expansive property located about 15 minutes north of the city also includes a hotel, convention center, an IMAX movie theater, two award-winning golf courses, and a restaurant owned by actor Bill Murray and his brothers.

   Mon-Sat 10AM to 6PM, Sun noon to 6PM·Adults $21; children (5-12) $5; seniors, military, and Florida residents $20; students (13+ with ID) $10

8. See Not mapped

   Mission Nombre de Dios

   One of the oldest Catholic sites in the Americas, the mission was founded in 1565 and further developed in 1587. It developed into an important site for the Mocama Tribe during the following century, but the chapel was destroyed in 1728 during a British siege. The chapel was rebuilt multiple times, with the ultimate structure being constructed in 1914. In 1966, a cross — one of the tallest in the world at 208 ft — was dedicated at the mission. The shrine was upgraded to national status in 2019. A museum at the mission, opened in 2010, houses artifacts including Spanish documents dating to the 12th century.

9. See Not mapped

   Old Jail Museum

   Restored jail with sheriff's living quarters. It also contains a display of weaponry and a pictorial history of the hangings carried out at the Old Jail, with emphasis on the time the Sheriff CJ Perry was in residence with his family. The Jail is only accessible by guided tour,

10. See Not mapped

    Spanish Military Hospital Museum

    Covers the Second Spanish Period (1784-1821) medical practices.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to St. Augustine (CC BY-SA 4.0).