Mandarin Museum provides 1630 sq. ft. of gallery space with permanent and temporary history and art exhibitions that share the stories of Mandarin’s history, culture, and natural resources.
Permanent Exhibits
Always the River | A narrative timeline emphasizing the centrality of the St. Johns River to Mandarin’s history and settlement beginning with Timucua-speaking indigenous inhabitants and ending in the present-day.
The Maple Leaf Shipwreck | Chronicles the final days of the Union steamboat Maple Leaf as it was sunk by a Confederate mine in the St. Johns River during the U.S. Civil War. The 1864 wreckage is designated a National Historic Landmark. Objects recovered from its cargo hold by St. Johns Archaeological Expeditions, Inc. in the 1980s are on display, made possible through a partnership with the Florida Department of State.
The Untold Story of Black Mandarin | Presents the stories of Mandarin’s historic Black communities, including land ownership, education, and the role of Black churches following Emancipation, and community-building throughout the 20th century.
Harriet’s Veranda | Highlights the contributions of Mandarin’s most famous former resident, Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the anti-slavery and best-selling novel of the 19th century, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Learn more about our special temporary exhibit, Memphis Wood: Revisited.
Be sure to also visit our gift shop, featuring books written by and about local people, artwork from Mandarin artists, and other unique finds. And Mandarin Frogs are only available at the Mandarin Museum. These fanciful frogs have put a smile on many a face, just like the “Frog Man” hoped they would. Thank you to the “Frog Man” who makes these concrete creatures one frog at a time and donates every penny to support the programs and of Mandarin Museum.
Selections from our Museum Shop