Jacksonville's arts and entertainment scene combines the best of world-class events with the local cultural community. This vibrancy can be found throughout the city. Jacksonville's unique entertainment and cultural options create a real sense of character. Jacksonville has its own professional symphony, a variety of museums, ballet and opera companies, dozens of theatres prepared to amaze with old favorites or ground-breaking new drama, dance companies, vocal ensembles and orchestras producing events year-round.
Music
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1949, this is one of Florida's most longstanding orchestras and one of the few with a dedicated rehearsal and concert hall. The symphony performs everything from classical masterpieces to pop music to bluegrass. For more information and a calendar of events, visit their website by clicking here.
Performing Centers
The Florida Ballet
Founded in 1979, the Florida Ballet is Jacksonville's first and only professional dance company. It stages several major productions each year, from classical to contemporary. For more information, visit floridaballet.org.
Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
The Times-Union Center is a center for professional and community artistry in downtown Jacksonville. This beautiful three-venue facility is committed to supporting a wide range of entertainment experiences at the highest level of professionalism and is also home to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. More information can be found by clicking here to access their website.
The Ritz Theater & LaVilla Museum
Featuring an eye-catching mix of African and African-American cultural exhibits, the museum offers historical exhibits of LaVilla and the northeast while the Ritz Theatre provides a unique setting for many entertainment performances. More information can be found by clicking here.
Florida Theatre
From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, rock, jazz, country and blues, the Florida Theatre offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age. More information can be found by clicking here.
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
This is a great addition to Jacksonville's entertainment industry and is one of the top arenas of its kind. Opened in 2004, the arena has a seating capacity of 15,000 and is designed to have top-of-the-line acoustics for concerts as well as serving as a multi-functional entertainment venue. More information can be found by clicking here.
Metropolitan Park
Metropolitan Park, located along the beautiful St. Johns River, is Jacksonville's premier recreational facility. Since its opening in 1984, this once vacant 27-acre facility offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer relaxing in the cool river breezes or listening to top-name entertainment at one of the many outdoor concerts, Metropolitan Park offers a variety of recreational amenities.
Museums, Galleries and Gardens
Art museums, galleries galore and beautiful gardens replete with sculptures are abundant throughout Jacksonville.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The largest in Northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects and is noted for its Old Master and American paintings, as well as Meissen porcelain. More information on the Cummer Museum can be found by clicking here.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA is a cultural resource of the University of North Florida and one of the Southeast’s largest contemporary art institutions. Situated on Hemming Plaza since 2003, MOCA is dedicated to presenting innovative exhibitions by the finest international, national, and regional artists of our time. More information on MOCA can be found by clicking here.
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH)
This museum strives to increase the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and history of Jacksonville as well as Northeast Florida. Focusing on awareness and appreciation of science and history through quality programs, MOSH offers exhibits and events that stimulate and inspire learning in all visitors. More information on MOSH can be found by clicking here.
