As the year comes to a close, we invite you to make a gift to support the Lightner Museum.

Looking back on a busy year at the museum, we want to thank you for being an essential part of the Lightner community. Your support makes everything we do possible—from engaging exhibitions and enriching educational programs for people of all ages to the preservation of our iconic St. Augustine building.

In 2025, more than 85,000 visitors passed through our doors. People came from across the region, the country, and the world to experience the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and historic setting. Whether they were first-time visitors discovering the Lightner or longtime supporters returning with family and friends, their presence underscores the museum’s role as a vibrant cultural destination in St. Johns County.

As you plan your year-end giving, we invite you to consider making a gift to our Annual Appeal. We know this is a time when many worthy organizations are reaching out for support. Your gift to the Lightner Museum is an investment in a place that brings people together, fosters creativity, and preserves the stories that shape our shared heritage. In the face of a challenging funding climate for arts organizations, your contribution to our Annual Appeal is more important—and more appreciated—than ever.

Exhibitions

This year we’ve showcased remarkable exhibitions such as The Wiener Werkstätte: Art, Luxury, and Beauty in Modern Vienna, a stunning presentation of early 20th-century Viennese design drawn from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection. We welcomed American Scenery and Souvenirs: Transferware by Paul Scott, highlighting contemporary artist Paul Scott’s inventive reimagining of historical transferware to reflect modern American life. We installed a new exhibition of American Glass drawn from the Lightner Museum’s permanent collection. And through our Lightner Local series, we celebrated the exceptional talents of regional artists Laura Mongiovi, Lenny Foster, and Matt Keene.

Youth and Family Programs

One of our most exciting milestones was the launch of the museum’s first summer camp series. Over four week-long sessions, campers engaged with art, history, and creativity in meaningful ways. Throughout 2025, we expanded our youth and family offerings with new programs designed to welcome even our youngest visitors. Our What’s a Hobby? series introduced children to the world of creative pastimes through hands-on workshops, while Storytime in the Garden invited families to enjoy interactive readings, outdoor activities, and early childhood learning in the beautiful Radzinski Family Garden. These programs help us to inspire a new generation of curious, confident, and creative thinkers—and they are only possible because of your support.

Historic Preservation

In addition to the daily care and maintenance of our historic 1888 building, more than 300 non-original, damaged, or deteriorated windows were replaced throughout the Lightner this year. Many of these windows had been installed during a 1970s renovation, when the building’s windows were replaced with aluminum-framed models that did not match the original design. The new windows restore the Alcazar’s authentic appearance, enhance the presentation of our galleries, and significantly improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope.