
Appleton Museum of Art
Discover global art from ancient to modern in a beautiful Ocala setting, with interactive fun for families.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission days!

Appleton Museum of Art
Best Time
Free admission days!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover global art from ancient to modern in a beautiful Ocala setting, with interactive fun for families.
"A beautiful museum with a very nice diverse collection, definitely recommend stopping by!"

🎯 Check for Free Days
Many visitors enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month. :ticket:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The Artspace offers hands-on activities for kids. :child:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Global Collections
Explore Egyptian antiquities, Asian art, African artifacts, and European masterpieces.

Interactive Artspace
A vibrant makerspace with hands-on activities perfect for families and young artists.

Pre-Columbian Art Gallery
Admire a favorite collection for many visitors, showcasing intricate sculptures and artifacts.

Temporary Exhibitions
Discover rotating exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to see on each visit.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Appleton Museum
What to Expect at the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Free Days
Many visitors enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month. :ticket:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The Artspace offers hands-on activities for kids. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. :camerawithflash:
📚 Read the Placards
Detailed information enhances the learning experience for each artwork. :book_lover:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Free Days
Many visitors enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month. :ticket:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The Artspace offers hands-on activities for kids. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. :camerawithflash:
📚 Read the Placards
Detailed information enhances the learning experience for each artwork. :book_lover:
💧 Stay Hydrated (Outside)
Snack and soda machines are available, but keep drinks out of galleries. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Appleton Museum of Art for its beautiful presentation and diverse, high-quality collections spanning global art history. Many highlight the engaging Artspace for children and the informative placards that enrich the learning experience. While some minor dislikes exist, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a cultural gem.
"We had a pleasant visit to the Appleton Museum this past Saturday. The museum offers something for all ages! There are many types of exhibits to see, including: Egyptian antiquities, Pre-Columbian sculptures, Asian carved statues, paintings and modern art.
Children can enjoy art pieces created by other children, and there is an interactive area, for hands on experiences.
Many of the exhibits are loaned to the museum, therefore, there is probably something new to see everytime. This is a cultural stimulating place to visit and enjoy in Silver Springs, Ocala."
William Alcolea
"We loved our visit to the museum today. It was our first time and it happened to be free. We did a donation and would have been okay with paying the regular price of $10. They have very nice collections and exhibits. We loved the American, African, Asian and European pieces. Really outstanding. Thank you for creating and maintaining this beautiful museum. We would love to visit again soon."
Tatiana Vachon
"This is a beautiful museum with a very nice diverse collection. I love pre-Columbian art so that gallery was my favorite, but all of the galleries were wonderful. I appreciate that each art piece has a placard next to it to tell you the time period, artist name, and information about the piece. Some museums aren’t displaying that information anymore and I feel it takes away from the learning experience. I would definitely recommend stopping by!"
sierra kenison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, Florida. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. If you're traveling from Gainesville or Orlando, it's a notable stop along the way.
Yes, the museum offers parking for visitors.
Absolutely! The Appleton Museum of Art is a recommended stop when traveling between Gainesville and Orlando.
The museum is typically open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Yes, the museum is organized with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators to the second floor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 6-17), and children 5 and under are free. Veterans with ID and Florida First Responders/Healthcare Professionals also receive free admission. Some visitors have experienced free admission days, like the first Saturday of the month.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month. Additionally, veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals can receive free entry with valid ID.
While not explicitly stated in the provided content, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Many visitors feel the regular admission price is well worth it for the quality and diversity of the collections.
For general visits, advance booking might not be necessary, but it's recommended to check the museum's policy, especially for special events.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a diverse collection including Egyptian antiquities, Pre-Columbian sculptures, Asian carved statues, American, African, European paintings, and modern art.
Yes, the museum features an interactive Artspace with hands-on activities for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Information on guided tours is not explicitly provided, but it's advisable to check the museum's schedule or inquire upon arrival.
The Artspace is a dedicated makerspace offering family-friendly, hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask museum staff about restrictions, especially for flash photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has snack and soda machines available, but food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the galleries.
Ocala offers various dining options near the museum. It's recommended to explore local listings for restaurants that suit your taste and budget.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to consume any outside food in designated areas or outside the museum to avoid issues with gallery rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's diverse art collections, the courtyard garden with its fountain and statues, and unique architectural elements offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use, but it's always wise to confirm with museum staff or look for posted signs.
The Pre-Columbian art gallery and the various international art sections are often highlighted for their visual appeal. Temporary exhibitions can also offer unique photographic subjects.
The Artspace is designed for interactive fun, so capturing moments of creativity is usually welcome.
Yes, the museum building and its grounds, including the courtyard, are noted as beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Collections
Beyond the permanent collections, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, meaning there's often something new to discover on repeat visits. These rotating displays can range from specific artist retrospectives to thematic explorations of art movements. The museum also highlights art created by children in its dedicated Artspace, making it a truly inclusive environment. This commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of art, from historical artifacts to contemporary creations and even children's art, makes the Appleton Museum a dynamic cultural hub.
A Family-Friendly Art Experience
Parents often note that their children have a great time, with some even expressing a desire to return soon after their first visit. The museum's diverse collections also offer something for everyone, from ancient artifacts to colorful paintings, which can spark curiosity in children. The availability of elevators ensures that navigating the museum with strollers or young children is manageable. Overall, the Appleton Museum provides a stimulating environment where families can learn, create, and appreciate art together.
Tips for Maximizing Your Visit
Don't forget to explore the beautiful courtyard garden, complete with a fountain and protective lion statues, which offers a lovely respite and photo opportunity. While snack and soda machines are available, remember that food and drinks are typically not allowed inside the galleries, so plan accordingly. Finally, take the time to read the informative placards next to each artwork; they significantly enrich the understanding and appreciation of the pieces on display.
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