From funky galleries to Smithsonian-affiliated collections, Daytona Beach is home to a vibrant art movement — it’s part of what makes the area’s fabric so completely distinct. Dive into the rich arts and culture scene with a trip to one of these upcoming exhibitions. 

 

Megalodon at Museum of Arts & Sciences

Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived Exhibit Presented by The Lawyer Dude

WHEN: February 3, 2024 through July 21, 2024

ADMISSION: Included with paid admission to the Museum of Arts and Sciences. This exhibit is also free for museum members.

Enter the world of Megalodon, the gigantic prehistoric shark that once commanded the world’s oceans! Be consumed with awe walking through a full-scale sculptural replica of the 60-foot-long apex predator, and explore the life of this fantastic ancient creature. Learn about Megalodon and how new scientific discoveries continue to reveal its remarkable story, including its enormous size, diet, relatives, evolution, and ultimate extinction. The object-rich exhibit features real fossil specimens, full-scale models of ancient and modern sharks, and tooth-shaped display units with actual Megalodon fossils.

This is your last chance to visit this traveling exhibition from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The Megalodon exhibit is Presented by The Lawyer Dude and was produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History with support from the National Science Foundation. 

Lure of Florida Fishing

The Lure of Florida Fishing

WHEN: Open Jan. 12, 2024 through July 21, 2024

ADMISSION: Included with paid admission to the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the rich history and captivating artistry of one of Florida's most beloved pastimes - Fishing. Florida, a paradise for anglers with its extensive coastline and abundant waters, has a story that unfolds like no other. Complemented by the collection at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, The Lure of Florida Fishing will immerse you in the age-old tradition that has left an indelible mark on the Sunshine State. Delve into the history of fishing, from the opulent days of the Gilded Age to the modern era, and see how the passion for this sport has stood the test of time. This exhibit combines the Brown Collection along with a history exhibit on loan from the Florida Museum of History in Tallahassee.

With one of the longest coastlines in the country, Florida is a fisherman's dream. From serene rivers, and tranquil lakes, to babbling streams, our state has it all. The Florida waters are teeming with over 600 species of fish, offering an angler's paradise that's second to none. Our exhibit features exquisite oil and watercolor paintings that portray dock and pier fishing, idyllic fishing boats, old Florida fish camps, and captivating fish portraits. These remarkable pieces of art capture the essence of this cherished pastime. The Lure of Florida Fishing promises to engage and inspire everyone.

Audubon's MOAS

Audubon's Bird of Florida

WHEN: Open Sept. 21, 2024 through March 2, 2025

ADMISSION: Included with paid admission to the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

John James Audubon’s Birds of America was a monumental achievement of both art and ornithology. His collection of 435 prints and accompanying field notes changed the way people saw and understood bird life. A major portion of this production was Audubon’s six-month expedition to Florida in 1831-32. Audubon collected and painted 36 bird species and observed and wrote about 50 more during his time in Florida. Some of the most famous images of his collection such as the American Flamingo, Great White Heron, and Roseate Spoonbill resulted from the Florida trek, and many have strong local connections. Hyatt and Cici Brown have collected over 75 original Havell prints from Birds of America, which have a Florida connection. This exhibit and accompanying catalog will display these historic prints and tell the story of his Florida expedition, where he traveled, what he observed, and what he painted. The exhibit and book will also examine how Audubon’s work inspired the modern conservation movement and remains relevant today.

 

ONE DAYTONA Art Festival

ONE DAYTONA Art Festival

WHEN: April 6-7

ADMISSION: Free

ONE DAYTONA Art Festival will feature over 150 juried and non-juried artists and crafters, live art exhibits, live music on Victory Circle stage, a kid's zone with hands-on craft projects, artist talks at Gallery500, Volusia County schools student art walk and more. The art festival is staged at ONE DAYTONA, a shopping and entertainment destination located across from Daytona International Speedway.

 

Daytona Beach Arts Fest

Daytona Beach Arts Fest

WHEN: April 13-14, 2024

ADMISSION: Free

Downtown Daytona Beach will serve as the backdrop of the third annual Daytona Beach Arts Fest. This art immersive experience will include juried fine art, artisans, craftworks, street art, music, kid's activities, food and more!

Mural Madness

Mural Madness in Daytona Beach

WHEN: April 5-14

ADMISSION: Free

Immerse yourself in a vibrant array of artistic expression across three distinct locations: ONE DAYTONA at the ONE DAYTONA Art Festival, Downtown Daytona Beach and the Daytona Beach Arts Fest, and Midtown Daytona Beach. Delight in the diversity of murals, ranging from mobile masterpieces at ONE DAYTONA to charming mini murals adorning the streets of Downtown Daytona Beach, and awe-inspiring large-scale permanent murals gracing Midtown. Embark on a visual journey like no other as we celebrate the transformative power of art across our beloved cityscape. Don't miss out on this exhilarating season of creativity and community.

Key West

Key West: Southernmost USA

WHEN: Open through 2023

ADMISSION: Included with paid admission to the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

Key West is an island located at the end of the Florida Keys, a chain of small, coral islands off the southern tip of Florida. The Island of Key West is around 4 miles long and 1 mile wide with a total land area of 4.2 square miles and is the southernmost point of the continental United States. The works in this exhibition demonstrate the variety of media that has been employed by artists to capture the events and scenes found throughout Key West. From the 19th century to today, artists find the subjects that surround them in Key West are a potent stimulus for art, as capturing everyday life is as significant as portraying historical and political events. Image Credit: Dock Scene, ca. 1980, William Nelson, oil on canvas

First Saturday Ormond Art Walk

WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Saturday

ADMISSION: Free

The First Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk celebrates art and culture, with a cool downtown vibe. Most of the artwork is handcrafted by local fine artists, but national and international artists are here as well. 

Stroll the Boulevard every first Saturday to experience new creations, meet new creators, and treat yourself to a night of intellectual and aesthetic stimulation. 

First Friday Art Walk Downtown Daytona Beach

WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Friday

ADMISSION: Free

Downtown Daytona Beach invites you to stroll along Beach Street every first Friday of each month to enjoy “ArtWalk”! Meet artists and other art lovers for an evening of stimulating art, fun, and refreshments offered by the following galleries and purveyors of culture:

Experience the area’s inspiring art scene for yourself — start planning your getaway today! Check out our Arts & Culture map, download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.