Museums in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is a city where history, culture, and creativity converge, making it a haven for museum enthusiasts. From fascinating exhibits showcasing the city's past to interactive galleries that ignite the imagination, Pensacola's museums offer something for everyone to enjoy. Today, we’re highlighting Pensacola Museums that both locals and vacationers can explore!
Museums in Downtown Pensacola
All the museums in Downtown Pensacola are located within two blocks of each other, situated around Museum Plaza on Zaragosa Street . More remarkable, one ticket buys you admission to all downtown museums for a week as they are all owned and operated by The University of West Florida Historic Trust. 2024 ticket prices are $12 per adult and $7 per child, with senior, students, and military rates available. Included in your ticket price is admission to the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the Pensacola Museum of History, and Historic Pensacola Village. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10-4. To every working parent’s delight, the Pensacola Children’s Museum is also open Sunday from 12-4, Learn more here: https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/
With plenty of parking, boutique shopping, and delicious restaurants within walking distance, you can surely spend the full day visiting these Downtown Pensacola Museums and find something that every member of your family will enjoy!
Pensacola Museum of Art
Nestled in the heart of downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of Art is a cultural gem that showcases a diverse collection of artworks spanning various mediums and styles. From captivating paintings and sculptures to thought-provoking contemporary installations, there's something to inspire visitors of all ages. The Pensacola Museum of Art also hosts educational programs, workshops, and special events, providing enriching experiences for children in our community, art enthusiasts, and novices alike. Whether you're seeking inspiration, cultural enrichment, education or simply a moment of artistic contemplation, an outing to the Pensacola Museum of Art is worth the visit!
Historic Pensacola Village Museum
Embark on a journey through time by visiting the Historic Downtown Pensacola Village Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of Pensacola! Nestled amidst cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this open-air museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore the vibrant past of Pensacola. Tours of meticulously preserved homes, churches, and businesses dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Pensacola’s early inhabitants every Tuesday through Saturday at 11 am and 1:30 pm. From interactive exhibits and guided tours to special events and demonstrations, Historic Pensacola Village is a must-visit destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Pensacola Museum of Industry
A small museum located inside Pensacola’s Historic Village, The Pensacola Museum of Industry offers visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage through exhibits showcasing the evolution of various industries, including naval aviation, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. A standout photo opportunity awaits at this museum, where a striking black train car is parked just outside.
Pensacola Museum of History
Formerly the TT Wentworth Museum, the Pensacola Museum of History is the largest among Downtown Pensacola Museums and is housed in a 1907 building that was formerly Pensacola’s City Hall. With both permanent and traveling exhibits, walk through the Pensacola Museum of History on a self-guided journey through America’s first settlement known as the “City of Five Flags.” You’ll travel back in time to see what life was like when Pensacola was controlled by the Spanish, British, French, Confederate and finally, the United States. This highly rated museum is sure to delight history fanatics, so we recommend beginning your downtown Pensacola museum tour at this museum.
Pensacola Children's Museum
Located in Downtown Pensacola adjacent to Museum Plaza, The Pensacola Children's Museum offers an enjoyable experience for children under 12, with a particular focus on catering to younger visitors. You'll find the following exhibits:
• Kiddie Coral for young children
• A Spanish ship to sail
• Fort Pickens and colonial house
• Trading post
• Colonial classroom
• Interactive Publix market for pretend play
• Pensacola Pediatrics clinic
• Indigenous American exhibit
• Brik makerspace exhibit (legos)
• Land and sea exhibit
In addition to hosting birthday parties, they also host seasonal activities and story time events. Plan to spend a few hours here and your kids will surely thank you.
Pensacola Lighthouse Museum
Perched on the shores of Pensacola Bay on Naval Air Station Pensacola, this iconic beacon has been guiding sailors and mesmerizing visitors since 1859. Climbing to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse offers an exhilarating experience as you ascend 177 steps, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of stunning Gulf Coast waters from 150 feet above sea level.
The museum within the Pensacola Lighthouse is a treasure trove of maritime history, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and tales of shipwrecks and brave lighthouse keepers. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun afternoon on your Pensacola Beach vacation, a visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is sure to please. The Pensacola Lighthouse offers special tours, including ghost hunts and sunset climbs, providing visitors with unique and unforgettable experiences The Lighthouse is also the best place in town to catch an up-close and personal performance from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as they practice at NAS Pensacola. Check out our blog on viewing the Blue Angels Practices from the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum.
Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum
The Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum is a must visit that your whole family will enjoy. It is the largest naval aviation museum in the county and is ranked among the best attractions in Pensacola. The Naval Aviation Museum boasts over 350,000 square feet of exhibits that will take you through the history of US Naval Aviation. Showcasing over 150 Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard aircrafts, you’ll also find flight simulators, aircraft carriers, and historical aircraft galleries and exhibits. It also has a gift shop and cafe along with an IMAX theater. Museum admission is free, but you can purchase a ticket to the theater or a Blue Angels motion flight simulator! View all of their exhibits here on this museum map: https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Naval-Aviation-Museum-Map-8p5x11-printable.pdf
One of our favorite ways to plan a trip to the Naval Aviation Museum is in conjunction with a Blue Angels flight practice, held most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March through November behind the museum. Pensacola is home to the US Navy Blue Angels, and the museum provides a unique opportunity to catch an intimate show without the huge crowds. For more information, visit their website at https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/
We know you’ll enjoy visiting the museums Pensacola has to offer and looking back on Pensacola's rich history.
For more fun things to do in Pensacola, check out our other articles!
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- Pensacola area zoos
- Day trips to take from Pensacola
- Pensacola area State Parks
- The Best Splash Pads around Pensacola
- Pensacola Fine Arts
