The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, which was
built in 1888. Henry M. Flagler commissioned architects Carrere and
Hastings to construct this architectural masterpiece. The Alcazar closed
during the Depression, and in 1948 the building was purchased by Otto
Lightner, who was editor and publisher of Hobbies Magazine in
Chicago. Lightner converted the hotel into a museum to contain his vast
collection of decorative and fine arts. He bequeathed the building to a
board of directors who then opened it to the public several years later.
The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and today
is home to both the Lightner Museum and City government offices.
Otto
Lightner was fascinated by what other people collected, a hobby that
became his trademark and his passion, which is clearly reflected in his
diverse and eccentric collection. The four floors of the museum are
filled with interesting and beautiful artwork from over a century ago.
The historic ambience of the museum, with its costumes, furnishings, and
other Gilded Age artifacts, transport the visitor to the heyday of the
Alcazar Hotel and its wealthy visitors. What was once known as the
World's Largest Indoor Swimming Pool (dry now, though it seems to echo
with the voices of a bygone era) is the elegant setting for the Café
Alcazar and frequently serves as a venue for special events in St.
Augustine.
Other highlights of the museum include exquisite
Victorian art glass, stained glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany,
Oriental art, and a Victorian Village portraying 19th-century life.
This event is free of charge for AIPAGIA Member Guests and Companions.
