About
Experience culture, history, artistic exhibits, and endeavors on your Daytona Beach vacation at Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (OMAM.)
This remarkable venue houses an impressive art collection and boasts lush and tranquil gardens. Born from the vision to honor veterans and offer culture and beauty, the OMAM has captivated visitors since its inception.
What sets this destination apart is its ability to merge the appreciation of fine art with the admiration of natural beauty. The art collection includes permanent and rotating exhibits, ensuring that each visit offers a new experience.
The themes explore profound topics, ranging from environmental conservation to the complexities of the human experience. Moreover, each exhibit highlights established and emerging artists, making for a diverse showing.
The impressive gardens offer a labyrinth of paths surrounded by lush flora, reflective ponds, and sculptures. This harmonious blend of art and nature is why visiting OMAM is a must-do when visiting Daytona Beach. It's a wonderful afternoon visit before heading to SoNapa Grille for dinner.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the most enchanting features of this destination is its story.
Shortly after WWII, local artist Malcolm Fraser promised to donate a portion of his life's work to any East Coast Florida town that would create an art museum paying tribute to veterans. The city of Ormond stepped up, and with citizens' donations and the volunteer work of WWII veterans, the Ormond Memorial War Gallery opened in 1946.
Another fascinating fact is that the 1885 historic Emmons Cottage, which was located on the west side of the Halifax River, was relocated to the garden. Additionally, the Janett VanWicklen Taylor greenhouse was created in honor of the artisan who served for over 39 years at Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens.
The facility's central location is another wonderful feature. With landmarks like Daytona Beach Golf Club, Marine Science Center, and the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, it's easy to visit multiple attractions in a day.
The garden is also a haven and sanctuary for wildlife, including birds and butterflies. Visitors can watch birds and the flicker and flutter of butterflies amidst a backdrop of art.
Renovations in 2022 enabled OMAM to offer a larger classroom, more exhibition space, meeting, and office areas. A new rooftop terrace gives New Smyrna Beach vacationers a bird' s-eye view of the lush garden.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is a visual delight and an oasis of tranquility, inspiration, and reflection. In a world that often moves too fast, strolling these art-filled pathways and lush gardens is a reminder to slow down and savor the moment.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from Daytona Beach to Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens:
- Begin on W International Speedway Blvd heading towards S Atlantic Ave.
- Continue on S Atlantic Ave for approximately 5 miles.
- Make a left turn onto E Granada Blvd and proceed for 2 miles.
- Turn right onto S Halifax Dr; the destination will be on your right after 0.5 miles.
- Address: 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Cost
The cost to visit Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens includes:
- Donation admission: $2.00
- Active/Retired Military: Free
Contact OMAM for guided tour costs.
Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Look for free parking along Halifax Dr to save on parking fees.
- Consider Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens for a special event or occasion.
- Morning hours are less crowded and offer soft, natural light, perfect for photography.
- Check the museum's calendar for free special event days, which sometimes provide waived admission fees.
- Sign up for a private tour for a more immersive experience.