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Pensacola Museum of Art: A Historic Jail Transformed into a Cultural Hub

Explore modern & contemporary art in a historic setting at the Pensacola Museum of Art, downtown's cultural gem.

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The Pensacola Museum of Art, located in downtown Pensacola, resides in what was once the city's old jail. Today, it showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, offering engaging exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.

A brief summary to Pensacola Museum of Art

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free 2-hour parking on the streets surrounding the museum.
  • Your PMA admission ticket also grants you entry into other downtown Historic Trust sites, including the Pensacola Children's Museum and the Museum of History.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Pensacola Museum of Art is located in downtown Pensacola on S Jefferson Street. From many downtown points, it's easily accessible on foot. ориентируйтесь на Pensacola Little Theatre, as the museum is on the corner of Main and Jefferson, across from the theater. Sidewalks provide easy access. Be mindful of pedestrian crossings.

  • Public Transport

    Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) provides bus service to downtown Pensacola. Check the ECAT website for routes and schedules. From the ECAT Transfer Station, the museum is a short walk. A single ride fare is around $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-110, exit onto Garden Street and follow signs to downtown. Turn left onto Tarragona Street, then right onto Church Street. The museum will be on your left. Limited free 2-hour parking is available on the streets surrounding the museum, including Zaragoza, Jefferson, Main, and Palafox Streets. Paid parking is available in the museum's lot via Premium Parking and in nearby parking garages. Premium Parking rates vary. The Jefferson Street garage is free on Sundays.

Unlock the Best of Pensacola Museum of Art

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Discover more about Pensacola Museum of Art

Housed in the former Pensacola City Jail, built in 1906, the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) offers a unique blend of history and art. The building served as the city jail until the 1940s, after which it remained vacant until 1954. The Pensacola Art Association, formed by the American Association of University Women, transformed the old jail into an art center, leasing it from the city for just $1 per year. Jail cells were converted into exhibition spaces, creating a distinctive setting for art display. The museum's permanent collection focuses on 20th and 21st-century modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. Notable artists featured include Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Louis Comfort Tiffany. The PMA also holds collections of European and American glass and African tribal art. Today, the Pensacola Museum of Art is part of the University of West Florida Historic Trust. It aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of art through diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary interactions. Visitors can explore engaging exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and enjoy a family-friendly interactive space. The museum also offers meeting spaces and hosts events.

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