AE Backus Museum & Gallery
Discover Florida's art legacy: A.E. Backus's landscapes & the influential Florida Highwaymen artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
AE Backus Museum & Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Florida's art legacy: A.E. Backus's landscapes & the influential Florida Highwaymen artists.
"A must-do for understanding Florida's art history, with affordable entry and friendly staff."
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 304 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A.E. Backus Originals
See the vibrant Florida landscapes that defined a generation of art and inspired countless artists.
The Florida Highwaymen
Discover the unique, colorful works of this influential group of African-American artists.
Contemporary Juried Exhibitions
Experience award-winning pieces from current artists in rotating 'Best of the Best' shows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Art Scene
Plan Your Visit Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Respect copyright; leave your camera off in the galleries.
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum store features unique crafts and prints by local artists.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Admission
Only $5, with discounts for seniors, AAA, vets, and students. Free for members & kids under 18!
🅿️ Free Nearby Parking
Park for free in the marina lot adjacent to the museum.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Respect copyright; leave your camera off in the galleries.
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum store features unique crafts and prints by local artists.
🎶 Enjoy the Ambiance
Jazz music often plays, enhancing the viewing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the AE Backus Museum & Gallery for its significant contribution to local art history, particularly its focus on A.E. Backus and the Florida Highwaymen. The affordable admission and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some negative feedback has emerged regarding the handling of artwork during juried exhibitions.
"Great museum if you have an interest in the Highwaymen and their history. Great video. Good selection of paintings. Nice gift shop. Some paintings are for sale, you will need a fat wallet to afford them."
Solange Peters
"Fine small town art scene. This museum does a great service for all of St Lucie County. Thru Bean Backus efforts the Highwaymen continue to be an important segment of Ft. Pierce's art history. Always visit this museum when your in town."
David Bjork
"This was an excellent and endearing museum situated along the Indian River. Despite its quaint size, this museum packs a punch in terms of history, culture, and information. There was another art exhibit on display in tandem with the Backus gallery and the Highwaymen collective. Backus was referred to as the Dean of Florida Landscape Painting and was the catalyst for inspiration and training of the many members of the Highwaymen. This story hinges on confronting racial boundaries and embracing kindness, love, and inspiration. I’d say this is a must-do if you’re visiting Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Notes:
➡️ Parking onsite is free in the nearby marina lot
➡️ No public restrooms are available. You must buy gallery/museum tickets to access the restroom.
➡️ Admission is $5 with $2 off admission discounts for AARP, AAA, Veterans with ID and those over 65. Free Admission for Current Members, Students with ID, Active Duty Military Personnel and Children under 18.
➡️ Lisa at the front desk was incredibly friendly and informative. She helped to make our experience at the museum special and added context to some of the questions we had as well."
Zak Myers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, right off A1A near the Indian River inlet. It's easily accessible by car.
Yes, there is free parking available in the nearby marina lot.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transit schedules for Fort Pierce.
The museum is described as small but well-laid-out. Specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check the official AE Backus Museum & Gallery website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $5 for adults. Discounts are available for AARP, AAA, Veterans, and seniors (over 65). Children under 18, students with ID, and active military personnel get in free.
Yes, discounts are offered for AARP, AAA, Veterans with ID, and those over 65. Students with ID and active military personnel also receive free admission.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required for regular visits, but it's always a good idea to check for special events or exhibitions.
Public restrooms are available, but you must purchase museum tickets to access them.
Yes, current members of the AE Backus Museum & Gallery receive free admission.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features original paintings by A.E. Backus, known for his Florida landscapes, and works by the Florida Highwaymen artists. It also hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
No, photography is not permitted in the galleries to protect copyright.
The museum is described as small and quaint, but it is well-laid-out and packs a lot of history and culture.
A.E. Backus is considered the 'Dean of Florida Landscape Painting' and was instrumental in mentoring and inspiring the Florida Highwaymen artists.
They are known for their unique, brightly colored, and often untouched Florida landscapes painted between the 1950s and 1980s.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, the museum has a store that offers a variety of handcrafted items, prints of Backus's paintings, books, and ornaments.
The museum is located near the Indian River inlet and waterfront, suggesting there are likely dining options in the vicinity. Specific recommendations would require local knowledge.
Yes, the museum store typically offers prints of Backus's most popular paintings.
There is no mention of a cafe serving food. The focus is on the art and the museum store.
The store features handcrafted items, prints of Backus's work, books, cards, and ornaments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit