The Appleton is an award-winning contemporary interpretation of classical architecture clad in Italian travertine marble. The 81,610-square-foot museum features 30,000 square feet of gallery space devoted to the Appleton’s permanent collections. The Edith Marie Appleton Gallery 4,000 square- foot, two-story exhibition gallery, was added in 1996 and a 2,662-square-foot art storage facility was completed in 2009.
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Appleton Museum of Art

4.7
·281 reviews·Ocala, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Saturday of the month

Free admission days!

CrowdMedium
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The Appleton is an award-winning contemporary interpretation of classical architecture clad in Italian travertine marble. The 81,610-square-foot museum features 30,000 square feet of gallery space devoted to the Appleton’s permanent collections. The Edith Marie Appleton Gallery 4,000 square- foot, two-story exhibition gallery, was added in 1996 and a 2,662-square-foot art storage facility was completed in 2009.

Appleton Museum of Art

Best Time

First Saturday of the month

Free admission days!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(281 reviews)

"A beautiful museum with a very nice diverse collection, definitely recommend stopping by!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Global Collections

Diverse Global Collections

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

InstagramReddit
Interactive Artspace

Interactive Artspace

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

Instagram
Pre-Columbian Art Gallery

Pre-Columbian Art Gallery

Admire a favorite collection for many visitors, showcasing intricate sculptures and artifacts.

Reddit
Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary Exhibitions

Discover rotating exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to see on each visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Appleton Museum

Discover diverse art collections, from Egyptian antiquities to modern pieces. Check for free admission days, often the first Saturday of the month, to make your visit more budget-friendly. Reddit

What to Expect at the Museum

The Appleton Museum of Art offers engaging exhibits for all ages, including interactive areas for kids and detailed placards for art enthusiasts. InstagramReddit It's a great spot for a cultural outing in Ocala.

Best Times

When
First Saturday of the month
Why
Free admission days!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Great for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

She thought we were going to a day party.. nope! We are going to a museum! A fun one too 😂😂🫶🫶 It was the time of our lives . #artist #travel #museum
@kaylatherealtor00
60K likes • 891.8K views

🎯 Check for Free Days

Many visitors enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month. Reddit :ticket:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Zone

The Artspace offers hands-on activities for kids. Instagram :child:

Fox Cities Fun Fact: History Museum at the Castle Experience history with a touch of Houdini magic right in Appleton! #foxcities #foxcitieswi #appletonwisconsin #historymuseumatthecastle #History
@foxcitieswi
918 likes • 21.7K views
Get to know the founder of the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, FL. #AppletonMuseumOfArt #AppletonMuseum #Ocala #OcalaMetroArtScene #OcalaFL
appletonmuseum
51 likes • 641 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Courtyard

Don't miss the beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. Reddit :camerawithflash:

📚 Read the Placards

Detailed information enhances the learning experience for each artwork. Reddit :book_lover:

✨ Arte, historia y cultura en un solo lugar: el Appleton Museum of Art en Ocala, FL. 🎨🖼️ Desde increíbles colecciones de arte mundial hasta exhibiciones interactivas, este museo es una experiencia única que te dejará inspirado. 💫 ¿Tienes un lugar favorito en Ocala? ¡Cuéntamelo! 👇 #AppletonMuseum #OcalaFL #DescubreOcala #ArteYCultura
veteranrealtorforyou
26 likes • 445 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check for Free Days

Many visitors enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month. Reddit :ticket:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Zone

The Artspace offers hands-on activities for kids. Instagram :child:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Courtyard

Don't miss the beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. Reddit :camerawithflash:

📚 Read the Placards

Detailed information enhances the learning experience for each artwork. Reddit :book_lover:

💧 Stay Hydrated (Outside)

Snack and soda machines are available, but keep drinks out of galleries. Reddit :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(281 reviews)

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

Diverse global art collections
Engaging Artspace for kids
Informative art placards

What People Dislike

Occasional artwork relocation

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. Instagram If you're traveling from Gainesville or Orlando, it's a notable stop along the way. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers parking for visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! The Appleton Museum of Art is a recommended stop when traveling between Gainesville and Orlando. Reddit

The museum is typically open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Instagram

Yes, the museum is organized with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators to the second floor. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram Some visitors have experienced free admission days, like the first Saturday of the month. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month. Reddit Additionally, veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals can receive free entry with valid ID. Instagram

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. TikTok

Many visitors feel the regular admission price is well worth it for the quality and diversity of the collections. Reddit

For general visits, advance booking might not be necessary, but it's recommended to check the museum's policy, especially for special events. Instagram

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a diverse collection including Egyptian antiquities, Pre-Columbian sculptures, Asian carved statues, American, African, European paintings, and modern art. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum features an interactive Artspace with hands-on activities for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Instagram+1

Information on guided tours is not explicitly provided, but it's advisable to check the museum's schedule or inquire upon arrival. TikTok

The Artspace is a dedicated makerspace offering family-friendly, hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages. Instagram

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask museum staff about restrictions, especially for flash photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum has snack and soda machines available, but food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the galleries. Reddit

Ocala offers various dining options near the museum. It's recommended to explore local listings for restaurants that suit your taste and budget. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The museum's diverse art collections, the courtyard garden with its fountain and statues, and unique architectural elements offer great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Generally, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use, but it's always wise to confirm with museum staff or look for posted signs. Instagram

The Pre-Columbian art gallery and the various international art sections are often highlighted for their visual appeal. Reddit Temporary exhibitions can also offer unique photographic subjects. Instagram

The Artspace is designed for interactive fun, so capturing moments of creativity is usually welcome. Instagram

Yes, the museum building and its grounds, including the courtyard, are noted as beautiful. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Appleton Museum of Art is a wonderful choice for families. The dedicated Artspace offers a vibrant makerspace with hands-on activities that children will love. Instagram+1 This interactive zone ensures that younger visitors are engaged and entertained. Beyond the Artspace, the museum's diverse collections, from ancient artifacts to colorful paintings, can spark curiosity in kids of all ages. Reddit The museum is also accessible, with elevators making it easier to navigate with strollers. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Appleton Museum of Art offers excellent value. Keep an eye out for free admission days, typically the first Saturday of each month, which can significantly reduce costs. Reddit Even at the regular admission price, many visitors find the experience well worth the fee due to the quality and breadth of the collections. Reddit Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy outside the museum, as on-site dining options are limited to vending machines. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

Art lovers will find the Appleton Museum of Art a treasure trove. The museum's commitment to providing detailed placards for each artwork, including artist, time period, and information, is highly appreciated and enhances the learning experience. Reddit The diverse collections, from Pre-Columbian art to European masterpieces and Asian artifacts, offer a rich and varied exploration of global art history. InstagramReddit The rotating temporary exhibitions also ensure there's always something new and exciting to discover for repeat visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Collections

The Appleton Museum of Art is renowned for its extensive and varied collections, spanning continents and millennia. Visitors can journey through ancient Egyptian antiquities, marvel at Pre-Columbian sculptures, and admire Asian carved statues. The museum also features significant holdings of American, African, and European art, including paintings and modern pieces. InstagramReddit This breadth ensures a rich cultural experience, with each gallery offering a distinct window into global artistic heritage. The inclusion of detailed placards next to each artwork further enhances the educational value, providing context on the time period, artist, and piece itself. Reddit

Beyond the permanent collections, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, meaning there's often something new to discover on repeat visits. Reddit 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. Instagram 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

The Appleton Museum of Art is a fantastic destination for families looking for an engaging and educational outing. The Artspace is a particular highlight, described as a vibrant makerspace filled with family-friendly, hands-on activities. Instagram This interactive area allows children to explore their creativity and connect with art in a tangible way, making the museum experience enjoyable for younger visitors. Instagram

Parents often note that their children have a great time, with some even expressing a desire to return soon after their first visit. Instagram The museum's diverse collections also offer something for everyone, from ancient artifacts to colorful paintings, which can spark curiosity in children. Reddit The availability of elevators ensures that navigating the museum with strollers or young children is manageable. Reddit Overall, the Appleton Museum provides a stimulating environment where families can learn, create, and appreciate art together.

Tips for Maximizing Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Appleton Museum of Art, consider planning around their free admission days, which often occur on the first Saturday of the month. Reddit This can be a great way to experience the museum's offerings without the usual admission fee. Arriving on weekday mornings can also provide a more serene experience with fewer crowds, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the art. Reddit

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. Reddit While snack and soda machines are available, remember that food and drinks are typically not allowed inside the galleries, so plan accordingly. Reddit 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. Reddit