It’s not all politics in Downtown Tallahassee. Among the many historic buildings and oak trees are activities to please anyone’s taste. Whether you’re a history buff, an art guru, or you just like to go out and catch a movie, there is a place for you in beautiful downtown Tallahassee.

You can spend an entire day exploring the history or art museums, and strolling around some of the historic buildings and homes. Grab a cocktail at local landmark bar Clydes and Costello’s, or rub elbows with the politicians over lunch at Andrew’s. You can also check out the latest blockbuster movie at the mind-blowing IMAX theatre at the Challenger Learning Center on Kleman Plaza, or if you’d rather go home and curl up with a good book, stop by the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library.

Downtown is home to the Saturday Downtown Marketplace and some of the city’s biggest annual events. Springtime Tallahassee, coming up on its 40th celebration, is held at the end of March every year, and Winterfestival is a celebration of “Lights, Music, and the Arts” each December. And each Friday evening before FAMU and FSU football home games, the Adams Street Commons turns into the Downtown Getdown, a pep-rally of sorts, with food, vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment for the whole family.

(Please note: not all destinations are open every month. Locations with flags will open for the upcoming First Friday.)

CITY HALL GALLERY
2nd Floor, City Hall
300 South Adams Street
(850) 224-2500 • www.cocanet.org

Located in the heart of downtown, this spacious public gallery filled with natural light complements the architectural design of Tallahassee’s City Hall. Whether you are attending a City Commission meeting or doing business with the City, you can enjoy the 360 degree display of artwork throughout the 2nd floor mezzanine. Parking is available at meters throughout the downtown area or at Kleman Plaza. Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and most First Fridays.

JOHN G. RILEY CENTER AND MUSEUM OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE
419 E. Jefferson Street
(850) 681-7881 • www.rileymuseum.org

Nestled among oak, pecan, and palm trees is one of Tallahassee’s most significant historical treasures, the John Gilmore Riley House. Built in 1890, the house is a museum featuring a variety of exhibits based on the history and heritage of African American culture, including rotating exhibits from local and national artists. Open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LEMOYNE CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
125 N. Gadsden Street
(850) 222-8800 • www.lemoyne.org

For more than forty years, LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts has served the Tallahassee community with exhibitions, art classes for students of all ages, a gift shop, and special events. LeMoyne’s Gallery presents exhibitions by local, regional, and nationally acclaimed artists eight times each year. Visitors also delight in LeMoyne’s annual High School Student Exhibition, Chain of Parks Art Festival, Holiday Show, and featured gift shop artisans. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

THE MARY BROGAN MUSEUM OF ART AND SCIENCE
350 South Duval Street
(850) 513-0700 • www.thebrogan.org

Inside the Brogan Museum, visitors of all ages will enjoy interacting with permanent hands-on science exhibits, including the WCTV Weather Station, EcoLab, and the ever-popular Mind Games. Featured traveling exhibits also include dinosaurs, forensic science, energy, and more. For an insightful look at visual art, the Brogan Museum hosts a multitude of exhibitions throughout the year featuring the best in sculpture, painting, photography, multi-media, and folk art. Open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY
500 S. Bronough Street (R.A. Gray Building)
(850) 245-6400 • www.museumoffloridahistory.com

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the state’s official history museum traces Florida from the prehistoric period through the 20th century. Permanent exhibits include the actual skeleton of a mastodon found at Wakulla Springs, gold and silver coins from 18th century sunken ships, original Civil War artifacts, a Tin Can Camper, a re-created steamboat, and the newest exhibit, Florida Remembers World War II. Two galleries, one in the Museum and the Heritage Gallery on the first floor, have rotating exhibits.