Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum is housed in one of the most spectacular buildings in St. Augustine—the former Hotel Alcazar, built by Henry Flagler in 1888 as a companion property to his Hotel Ponce de León (now Flagler College) across the street. This magnificent Spanish Renaissance Revival building now serves as a showcase for an eclectic collection of Gilded Age treasures.

The museum takes its name from Otto C. Lightner, a Chicago publishing magnate who purchased the building in 1946 to house his extensive collection of Victorian-era art and antiques. Lightner was particularly passionate about collecting the decorative arts, mechanical musical instruments, and curiosities that were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The collection spans three floors and includes an astounding variety of objects: cut glass, Victorian art glass, Tiffany lamps, antique furniture, natural science specimens, mechanical musical instruments, and much more. One of the museum's most unique features is the collection of automated musical instruments, including music boxes, player pianos, and orchestrions, which are demonstrated daily.

The building itself is as much an attraction as the collections it contains. The former hotel's grand public spaces have been beautifully preserved, including the stunning indoor swimming pool that now houses an antique mall in the basement. The central courtyard, original ballroom, and ornate architectural details throughout the building transport visitors back to the opulent world of Gilded Age Florida.

The Lightner Museum sits directly across from Flagler College, and together these two Flagler-era buildings create one of the most photographed streetscapes in Florida.