In 1958, Ninah established the Cummer Museum Foundation, articulating her vision for a public museum that would promote “the advancement of art and education in the community.” She wanted the museum to occupy her family’s estate, ensuring that both the house and gardens would continue to inspire visitors.
Tragically, Ninah Cummer passed away in 1958 before seeing her vision realized. But her will provided detailed instructions for the transformation of her home into a museum — a final act of generosity that would transform Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.
The Museum Opens: A New Chapter for Jacksonville
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens officially opened its doors in November 1961, three years after Ninah’s death. The institution began with approximately 60 pieces of art, most of them from her personal collection, displayed in what had been the family’s residence.
From the beginning, the museum was envisioned as a dynamic educational center rather than a static gallery. Its founders emphasized art appreciation, public programs, and the integration of gardens and galleries into one unified experience. Visitors could stroll through art-filled rooms and then step into historic gardens — blurring the boundary between museum and nature.
The museum’s location on Riverside Avenue, overlooking the river, quickly made it a civic landmark. Jacksonville now had a world-class art institution worthy of its growing population and cultural ambition. shutdown123