Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens

The Museum was founded by Ormond and Ormond Beach residents as a living monument to creative freedom and equality of all persons, and to commemorate the service of World War II veterans who fought valiantly for that ideal. It was the first memorial of its kind in this area, and possibly the State of Florida.¹

In 1946, Malcolm Fraser, an internationally known Canadian painter and winter resident of Orlando, Florida, donated a collection of his primarily religious paintings to the City of Ormond Beach.²; These fifty-six paintings represent fifty years of creative effort by one artist. Five additional paintings were donated in 1962 by Mr. Fraser's widow. Read more about the Frasers on this website.

With the assistance of the City of Ormond Beach and Volusia County, residents led by Mrs. Eileen Butts raised funds to house the paintings, and the land at the southeast corner of Granada Boulevard and Halifax Drive was obtained. Over ninety percent of Ormond Beach's residents (and a few from Daytona Beach) contributed funds for the creation of the gallery. A small building already located on the property became the entrance to the fireproof art gallery which was constructed in the rear of the building.

Read the unedited minutes from the meetings of the Ormond War Memorial Art Gallery Committee authorizing the design and building of the Museum, and the incorporation of the Gallery.  Also read the letter from the committee soliciting donations to build Ormond War Memorial Art Gallery.

Initially named The Ormond War Memorial Art Gallery, the building still houses a bronze plaque listing the names of the local men and women who served in World War II. Read more about the War Memorial on this website.

Today the Museum shows the work of prominent Florida and international artists in a series of changing exhibits.

The original 1,500 square-foot building now houses the Museum's business offices as well as a classroom and galleries. A 2,500 square- foot expansion in 1999, and a renovation in late spring of 2001, have brought the galleries, reception areas, gift shop and classroom up to contemporary museum and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Admission to the Museum is a $2.00 donation for adults. Museum members, senior citizens at least 60 years old, and children are admitted free of charge, although donations are always welcomed.

Click on a photograph to see an enlargement in new window
The original building that was located on the property in 1946	One of the new signs welcoming visitors to the Museum
Present-day view of the Museum as seen from the Gardens	A gallery prior to the 2001 renovation
The Museum's porch overlooks a Garden pool and stream.	Reception desk and gift shop after the 2001 renovation
The reception area also doubles as a classroom and an exhibition area	The reception desk, where dedicated volunteers greet Museum visitors

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¹ Historical information for this website was obtained from the book Ormond-on-the-Halifax, A Centennial History of Ormond Beach, Florida by Alice Strickland © 1980 Alice Strickland. Southeast Printing and Publishing Company, Holly Hill, Florida, USA. LC Number 80-50573

² Quoted from Encyclopedia of Biography

This web page was updated on 31-Mar-2008 08:06 PM -0600