Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
Open May 17, 2025

The Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art invites you to embark on a visual voyage through the rich maritime history of Florida’s waterways, as depicted in a stunning collection of ship paintings. The exhibition will feature some 60 historical paintings of watercolors and oil paintings showcasing a diverse array of vessels, from the graceful lines of sailboats gliding across serene waters to the robust forms of commercial ships navigating Florida’s bustling ports. Luxurious yachts, symbols of leisure and affluence, are also captured in vivid detail. Each painting tells a story of Florida’s intricate relationship with the sea, reflecting the state’s role as a hub of maritime activity.

The exhibit also highlights the vital presence of lighthouses, steadfast guardians of Florida’s coastline. Through landscapes that depict these iconic structures standing tall against dramatic skies, artists have captured the interplay of light and shadow, illustrating the importance of lighthouses in guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. These paintings not only celebrate the beauty and function of these beacons but also evoke the sense of hope and safety they have provided to countless sailors. Together, these works offer a window into Florida’s maritime heritage, where the sea and its vessels have shaped the state’s culture, economy, and identity.