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Naples’ Best Museums: An Insider’s Guide
Discover the rich culture and history of Naples by checking out its collections, galleries, exhibits, and more.
By Meryl D’Sa-Wilson
Whether you’re visiting somewhere new or returning to an old favorite, local museums are a great way to learn more about local culture and history. Here’s a rundown of the best museums in Naples, covering art, science, history, and more.
Kick your cultural tour off at The Baker Museum, where art serves as a conduit for culture. This museum is known for its diverse displays of modern and contemporary art and the opportunity to discover new artists making waves in the art world. As part of the Artis—Naples events, you can visit for free on the last Wednesday of every month when they open their doors for a fun evening of creativity and entertainment. You may even catch a symphony!
Travel back in time for a peek into Naples’ local history at the Collier Museum at Government Center. You will learn about the Calusa Indian civilization that thrived here and colossal sharks that frequented tropical waters, and see restored cottages, a historic Kokomis boat, a reconstructed Seminole war fort, and much more.
Expand your knowledge of world history by visiting the Naples Holocaust Museum. With guided tours and moving exhibitions, you will understand the depth of this pivotal historic event. Check out their events calendar for movie showings, author visits, classes, and more.
Visit the Naples Depot Museum, home of the city’s first passenger train station, for a trip back to the early days of the railroad with fascinating exhibits and artifacts such as a Seminole dugout canoe, swamp buggy, railroad cars, and more. Stop by the Naples Train Museum on-site and let the kids hop on a train ride! The Revs Institute is an automotive museum committed to studying, preserving, and restoring historical and antique cars. You can peruse the one-ofa-kind collection, stellar innovations, and a wealth of physical and digital archives.
About three miles away is the Naples Museum of Military History, rich with historical artifacts from all military branches. The museum even has a separate tribute to Florida veterans who served in the Vietnam War.
Visit the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) for a memorable day of discovery. CMON is a museum that creates space for adults and children to learn and explore together. With interactive displays, state-of-the-art technology, and yearround activities, you and your little ones are guaranteed educational fun.