The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, Florida, is a museum of art and antiquities on Silver Springs Boulevard, east of downtown. Its permanent collection spans cultures and artistic media from around the world, and the grounds include an outdoor sculpture walk and garden.
- Address: 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470
- Location: Appleton Cultural Center, east of downtown Ocala
- Opening pattern: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Monday
- Admission: free on the first Saturday of each month
Where the Appleton Museum of Art Is
The Appleton Museum of Art is at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., east of downtown Ocala. It is part of the Appleton Cultural Center, a complex that also includes the Ocala Civic Theatre.
The museum is part of the College of Central Florida and opened in 1987. Silver Springs Boulevard is also State Road 40, making the museum’s location easy to place within Ocala. If you’re planning time in the city centre too, the Ocala city centre guide covers that area.
Collections and Exhibitions to Look For
The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 24,000 works and objects, including art and antiquities from European, American, African, Asian and pre-Columbian cultures. Modern and contemporary art are also represented.
Alongside the indoor collection, the outdoor sculpture walk and garden offer an open-air part of the visit. Objects rotate in the galleries and some works may be loaned to other museums. If you’re hoping to see a particular collection or artwork, contact the museum before your visit at 352-291-4455 or AppletonMuseum@cf.edu.
Non-flash photography is permitted in permanent collection galleries, outdoor spaces and public areas. For photography rules in special exhibitions, ask Visitor Services. Commercial photography and videography must be arranged in advance through AppletonMuseum@cf.edu.
Tickets, Hours and Admission Policies
It also closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Appleton Artspace is open during the museum’s visitor hours. Entry is free for Appleton members and included with museum admission for nonmembers. Hours and policies can change, so check the official site before you go.
How Do You Get to the Museum from Ocala?
The museum is on Silver Springs Boulevard, or State Road 40, east of downtown Ocala. From Interstate 75, take Exit 352 and continue east for seven miles on State Road 40. From Interstate 95, take Exit 268 and travel west for 62 miles on the same road.
Parking is available, and the Ocala/Marion County tourism directory lists the museum as accessible. For more context on the area’s past, the Marion County Museum of History offers a separate local-history visit.
How Long to Plan for a Visit
Plan for an average visit of two to three hours. That gives you time to see the galleries and include the outdoor sculpture walk and garden in the same outing.
If a particular artwork is central to your plans, check its availability with the museum before setting out; gallery objects can rotate or be loaned elsewhere. For an overnight in town, the Silver Princess Motel in Ocala is one lodging option.
FAQs
Is admission to the Appleton Museum of Art free?
Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. The Appleton Artspace is free for Appleton members and included with museum admission for nonmembers.
What are the Appleton Museum of Art hours?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Can you see a specific artwork during your visit?
Gallery objects rotate, and works may be loaned to other museums. Call 352-291-4455 or email AppletonMuseum@cf.edu to ask about a specific collection or artwork.