Museum/Arts District

Tucked away just south of the Historic District and north of the Waterfront District is the largest concentration of museums and art galleries in Northern Florida. While the artistic and historic offerings are many, the size of the district is the smallest in downtown. Centered generally around the intersection of Zaragossa and Jefferson Streets, four museums, a performing arts center, and several art galleries are just a block or less away.

The T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, located in Pensacola’s original city hall, was built in 1907 and is home to three floors of diverse collections illustrating life in the Florida panhandle from earlier periods via artwork, antiques, relics, and hands-on discovery.

Another must-see in this district is the Pensacola Museum of Art occupying the former Pensacola Jail, is where magnificent works of art from sculptors and painters including Salvador Dali, Miriam Schaprio, and Milton Avery mingle with standing collections and touring displays from the 20th and 21st centuries. Just a few steps down Zaragoza Street are the Pensacola Historical Museum and the Museum of Commerce – both worth the effort.

Occupying almost half a city block on the southeastern side of the Zaragoza and Jefferson intersection is Pensacola’s former courthouse, now home of the Pensacola Cultural Center and Pensacola Little Theatre. This is the longest running community theatre in the state of Florida with shows for all ages and tastes via its Mainstage, Treehouse, and Studio 400 productions year-round. Also within the Cultural Center is a local bistro, Portobello Market. Just steps away on S. Palafox Street, Jackson’s Steakhouse offers a sophisticated yet comfortable place for that extra special dinner or lunch.