Current Exhibits

Zora Neale Hurston’s impact is not limited to her anthropological, ethnographical, and literary contributions. It extends to her ability to persevere through trials and tribulations. By observing Hurston’s works, we reinforce her significance. This exhibit calls you, the visitor, to be empowered to do what Hurston and so many of our ancestors had to do during incomprehensible times. LEAVE YOUR MARK! Curated by Genesis Leonard under the guidance of Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler.

This exhibit celebrates the innovative work and legacy of special effects artist Tim Lawrence. Through detailed sculpting, innovative puppeteering techniques, and meticulous frame-by-frame animation, Lawrence and his teams brought characters to life that seamlessly blended horror and humor. These characters have become cultural icons that continue to captivate audiences today. Curated by Daniela Suzarte, Matthew Kruse, and Steven Hersh.

Within Cuban history, the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s is heavily researched, but little is said about the pre-1950 era. People often note that the island seems frozen in time, but how did its cities grow? Between 1900 and 1950, Cuban cities grew due to factors like the countryside’s economy that centered on sugarcane and tobacco, population shifts to urban areas, and public works for export infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports. Curated by Isabel C. Paz under the guidance of Margarita Vargas-Betancourt.

Illustrations have been important in science for centuries. In the past, they were used in books and research papers to explain discoveries and teach people about nature. Today, they are useful for students, scientists, and anyone interested in learning about the world around them. Curated by Angie Price and McKindree Borges.
 

Children’s books introduce readers to museums through colorful illustrations and creative dialogue. They present museums as a place for exploration, discovery, and cultural acknowledgment. Curated by Jorge Arcia under the guidance of Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler.

Coffee unites the world. It grows in more than 70 countries, primarily along the equator. An estimated two billion people drink it every day. Is that perfect cup of coffee an art, a science, or a little of both? Curated by Jean Bossart, Robin Fowler, and Angie Price.

Florida Governor LeRoy Collins established The Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board in 1959. The state agency worked to restore and reconstruct historic structures in the city before its 400th anniversary in 1965. The Preservation Board was abolished in 1997, but its legacy lives on in St. Augustine’s historic downtown district. Curated by Laura Marion and Casey Wooster.