Set beside Fort Lauderdale’s palm-lined Riverwalk, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale pairs cutting edge exhibitions with a relaxed South Florida atmosphere.
Whether you are planning a dedicated art getaway or adding a cultural stop to a beach holiday, the museum rewards careful planning.
From its new role as the home of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands to its popular free Thursdays, this guide walks you through what is on view, how tickets work, and exactly what to expect before you step through the doors.
Why the NSU Art Museum Belongs on Your Fort Lauderdale Itinerary
The NSU Art Museum is the cultural anchor of downtown Fort Lauderdale and part of Nova Southeastern University.
Its setting on Las Olas Boulevard puts you within a short walk of cafes, the Riverwalk, and water taxi stops, making it easy to fold into a day of exploring the city.
Inside, over 25,000 square feet of exhibition space hold an ambitious program that balances international names with artists connected to South Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The museum has built a reputation for exploring overlooked narratives in art history, with a strong emphasis on Black, Latinx, and women artists, as well as Latin American and African art.
That focus gives even casual visitors a sense of discovery. You are not only seeing familiar modern masters, but also artists who shaped the region’s visual culture and whose work often remains underrepresented in larger institutions.
In 2025 the museum entered a new chapter when it became the official home of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands project, a landmark of environmental and conceptual art in Miami’s Biscayne Bay during the 1980s.
The long-term exhibition of drawings, collages, models, and archival documents tied to that project cements the museum as a key stop for anyone tracing the history of contemporary art in South Florida.
Because it is integrated into a university, the NSU Art Museum also operates as a learning hub. Public tours, talks, and education programs run year-round, welcoming both students and visitors.
That means you will often find docents in the galleries, sketching visitors with pencils in hand, and school groups moving through exhibitions that have been woven into classroom curriculums.
Current & Signature Exhibitions: What You Can See Now
The museum’s exhibitions are updated regularly, so it is worth checking exhibition dates as you plan, especially if you are traveling specifically for a show.
As of early 2026, one of the most important long-running exhibitions is devoted to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands, the pair’s famed 1983 project that temporarily encircled islands in Biscayne Bay with vivid pink fabric.
The exhibition, which opened in February 2025 and is scheduled to remain on view into spring 2027, features more than forty preparatory drawings and collages by Christo, along with photographs, large-scale photo murals, engineering studies, environmental reports, original fabric sections, scale models, and correspondence tracing the project from idea to execution.
In addition to that cornerstone presentation, the museum maintains a robust slate of contemporary and historical shows that cycle throughout the year.
These typically draw from the institution’s strengths: postwar and contemporary art, Latin American and Caribbean artists, and experimental practices that reflect South Florida’s place at the crossroads of the Americas.
You are likely to encounter thematic exhibitions built around social issues, identity, and the environment, alongside focused presentations that spotlight individual artists.
The museum also uses its galleries to highlight works from its permanent collection, which includes important holdings of Latin American art and strong representations of modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography.
While specific displays shift, the collection-centric exhibitions often serve as a bridge between global art movements and the unique cultural fabric of South Florida, helping visitors situate what they see within a broader art historical context.
Because there are multiple concurrent exhibitions across different galleries, plan on at least two to three hours if you want to move at an unhurried pace.
You can easily tailor your visit: devote most of your time to a single major show such as Surrounded Islands, or sample each exhibition briefly as part of a wider Fort Lauderdale itinerary.
Tickets, Admission Deals, and Free Days
General admission to the NSU Art Museum is straightforward, with clearly defined price tiers. At the time of writing, adult tickets are priced at 16 dollars, seniors 65 and older pay 10 dollars, and active-duty military visitors pay 8 dollars.
Students between the ages of 13 and 17, as well as college students with valid ID, pay 5 dollars. Children 12 and under enter free, which makes the museum an accessible option for families seeking a cultural stop in between beach or boating activities.
Certain groups receive complimentary admission, which can significantly reduce the cost of a visit if you qualify.
NSU Art Museum members, Nova Southeastern University students, faculty, and staff, Broward College students, United States veterans and their dependents in the same household, and children 12 and under are all admitted without charge.
The museum participates in the Museums for All initiative, granting free admission to visitors who present a valid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT card along with photo identification, extending access to up to four individuals per card.
If you hold a Bank of America credit or debit card, you can take advantage of the national Museums on Us program. On the first full weekend of each month, cardholders receive free general admission to participating institutions, including the NSU Art Museum.
Only the cardholder is covered, and the offer typically applies to general admission rather than separately ticketed special exhibitions, but it can still represent notable savings for solo travelers or those visiting on different weekends from their companions.
The museum also participates in local promotions such as Broward Attractions and Museums Month, usually held each September. During that period, visitors can receive buy-one-get-one admission when they mention the promotion at the admissions desk.
While these seasonal offers are subject to change, they are worth noting if you are timing a trip to Fort Lauderdale around off-peak months.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Location, and Timing
The NSU Art Museum keeps consistent public hours that fit neatly into a day of sightseeing. From Tuesday through Saturday, the museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Sundays it opens at noon and closes at 5 p.m. Mondays are reserved as a dark day and the museum is closed, an important detail if you are planning a long weekend in South Florida.
Holiday hours are adjusted slightly: the museum closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and July 4, and operates limited hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Every first Thursday of the month, the museum hosts its popular Sunny Days/Starry Nights program, staying open later from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offering free general admission along with a two-for-one all-day happy hour in its cafe or partner venues.
Families should note the Mini Muse art-making activities for children during these evenings, generally scheduled between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Because these Thursdays can be busy and group access is not guaranteed, groups of ten or more are asked to contact the museum in advance rather than simply arriving for free entry.
Location is one of the NSU Art Museum’s greatest assets. It sits at One East Las Olas Boulevard, on the northeast corner of Las Olas and Andrews Avenue, directly across from Huizenga Plaza on the New River.
If you are driving from Interstate 95, you will exit at Broward Boulevard and head east to Andrews Avenue, then turn right and continue to Las Olas Boulevard.
From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the drive is a short one: follow US 1 North, connect to Andrews Avenue, and proceed north until you reach Las Olas where the museum appears on your right.
From the beach, you simply follow Las Olas Boulevard west for about two miles until the building appears on the right at the intersection with Andrews.
Public parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots around the Las Olas corridor, and it is wise to budget a few extra minutes to park and walk, especially during weekend afternoons or special events.
If you are staying downtown or along the Riverwalk, consider walking, biking, or using the water taxi to arrive without parking stress.
Once inside, you can take advantage of Sunday public tours typically offered at 2 p.m., which help first-time visitors orient themselves and draw connections between exhibitions.
Inside the Museum: Layout, Amenities, and Visitor Experience
Upon entering, you will find the admissions desk, museum store, and basic visitor services before moving into the galleries. Large-scale installations, feature exhibitions, and rotating displays are distributed over multiple floors, all of which are accessible by elevator.
Wide corridors and lofty ceilings give many rooms the feeling of contemporary lofts, and natural light often filters into circulation areas, an architectural nod to the South Florida setting.
The museum’s visitor policies are designed to protect artworks while keeping the experience relaxed. Backpacks, shopping bags, umbrellas, and other large items must be checked at the admissions counter, and any bag larger than approximately 11 by 17 by 6 inches is not allowed in the galleries.
Food and drink are not permitted beyond the lobby and designated cafe areas. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but certain temporary exhibitions may have more restrictive rules; always look for posted signage in each gallery and follow staff instructions.
Mobile phones are welcome, but voice calls are not permitted in the galleries, and visitors are encouraged to silence their devices to preserve a quiet viewing atmosphere. Sketching is allowed with pencils only and sketchbooks no larger than standard letter size.
That makes the museum particularly appealing to art students and travelers who enjoy drawing as a way to engage more deeply with what they see.
Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs will find that the entrance, public spaces, and galleries are fully accessible. Elevators connect each level, and a limited number of wheelchairs is available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
The museum aligns its digital and on-site accessibility efforts with U.S. regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508, and encourages visitors to call ahead at least a week in advance if they require special accommodations for tours, programs, or events.
Tickets in Practice: Buying, Timing, and Tours
While you can purchase admission at the door, the museum also offers online ticketing that allows you to secure entry in advance. General admission tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of purchase, which gives you flexibility if your travel plans shift slightly.
Keep in mind that all ticket sales are nonrefundable, and the museum requests that groups of ten or more contact its group sales office in advance to arrange tours, timing, and payment, rather than buying individual tickets on arrival.
When planning your visit, factor in the museum’s hours and your desired pace. If you only have an hour or two, you may want to prioritize one key exhibition such as Surrounded Islands, plus a quick pass through the permanent collection galleries.
Travelers with a half day can comfortably experience all current exhibitions, take a public tour if visiting on a Sunday, and spend time in the museum store and cafe.
Visitors deeply interested in contemporary art or research may want to visit on a quieter weekday afternoon, when the galleries tend to be less crowded and there is more space and time for close looking.
Guided experiences are a centerpiece of the museum’s educational mission. Public tours, often scheduled on Sunday afternoons, are included with admission and provide a helpful overview of current exhibitions led by trained docents.
Private group tours are available for adult groups, organizations, and school classes by prior arrangement and can be tailored to specific curricular themes or interests.
Teachers are encouraged to make complimentary preview visits in advance of field trips so they can connect what students will see to classroom lessons.
For school groups, the museum provides clear guidelines: students are divided into smaller groups, chaperones are responsible for supervision and behavior, and only pencils are allowed in galleries.
These measures help maintain a calm environment for all visitors while giving young audiences a chance to experience significant artworks in person.
If you are traveling with children, it is worth checking the schedule for family days, workshops, or Mini Muse sessions that coincide with your visit.
Beyond the Galleries: Neighborhood, Dining, and Nearby Sights
Stepping out of the NSU Art Museum, you are immediately in the heart of Las Olas Boulevard, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most attractive streets.
Sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, and smaller galleries line the blocks, and the Riverwalk promenade traces the curve of the New River just across from the museum.
After a morning among the artworks, you can walk under the shade of palms, watch boats pass on the water, and decide between an outdoor lunch or a quick coffee before your next stop.
The museum is part of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, a consortium that includes the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, and historic sites such as Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.
With a bit of planning, you can pair a museum visit with a performance, or follow your day at NSU Art Museum with a late-afternoon tour of the Bonnet House’s lush grounds and historic architecture near the beach.
This cluster of cultural institutions gives Fort Lauderdale a depth that may surprise visitors who know the city primarily for its coastline.
For those keen to experience the city from the water, the Fort Lauderdale water taxi stops near the Riverwalk, turning the museum into an appealing hop-on, hop-off destination between beachside hotels and downtown.
Many travelers choose to start the day with a museum visit, then ride the water taxi east to spend the remainder of the afternoon near the ocean, or reverse the sequence and cool off in the galleries after time in the sun.
Food options are plentiful in the immediate area, from casual sandwich spots to sit-down restaurants and wine bars. The museum’s own cafe, when operating, offers lighter fare and drinks that make for a convenient break without fully stepping away from the building.
Whether you plan a leisurely meal or a quick snack, it is easy to keep your day walkable, which is especially welcome if you prefer not to move your car once it is parked.
The Takeaway
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale offers far more than a brief diversion from the beach.
It is a serious yet welcoming institution where you can engage with global contemporary art, explore the legacies of Latin American and Caribbean creators, and delve into one of the most important environmental art projects in modern history through its Surrounded Islands exhibition.
Its manageable size, thoughtful programming, and prime downtown location make it an ideal cultural anchor for a day in Fort Lauderdale.
Careful planning will help you get the most from your visit. Check current exhibitions and hours, consider timing your trip for a Sunny Days/Starry Nights Thursday or a Sunday public tour, and see whether any of the museum’s admission partnerships or free programs apply to you.
Allow at least a couple of hours onsite, then build out your itinerary with neighboring Riverwalk attractions, the water taxi, or a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard.
Perhaps most importantly, expect to encounter work that deepens your understanding of South Florida’s place in the wider art world.
Between its commitment to underrepresented voices, its role in stewarding Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s legacy, and its strong ties to the local community and university, the NSU Art Museum rewards both first-time visitors and returning travelers with fresh perspectives on art, place, and history.
FAQ
Q1. Where is the NSU Art Museum located and how do I get there?
The NSU Art Museum is in downtown Fort Lauderdale on the northeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, across from Huizenga Plaza. From Interstate 95, take the Broward Boulevard exit east, turn right on Andrews Avenue, and continue to Las Olas. From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, follow US 1 North and then Andrews Avenue north until you reach Las Olas Boulevard.
Q2. What are the museum’s regular opening hours?
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. On select holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and July 4, the museum is closed, and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve it typically operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Q3. How much do tickets cost and who gets in free?
General admission costs 16 dollars for adults, 10 dollars for seniors, 8 dollars for active-duty military, and 5 dollars for students aged 13 to 17 and college students with ID. Children 12 and under, museum members, Nova Southeastern University students, faculty, and staff, Broward College students, and United States veterans with their dependents in the same household receive free admission. Visitors with a SNAP EBT card and photo ID are also admitted free for up to four people per card.
Q4. Are there any free days or special admission programs?
Yes. On the first Thursday of each month the museum hosts Sunny Days/Starry Nights, offering free general admission from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bank of America credit and debit cardholders receive one free general admission on the first full weekend of each month through the Museums on Us program. In September, during Broward Attractions and Museums Month, the museum often offers buy-one-get-one admission when visitors mention the promotion at the admissions desk.
Q5. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is not strictly required for individual visitors, and you can buy tickets at the door, but online ticketing is available and can save time on busy days. General admission tickets purchased online are typically valid for 60 days from the purchase date. Groups of ten or more are asked to contact the museum ahead of time to arrange their visit rather than arriving without notice.
Q6. What is currently on view and how often do exhibitions change?
The museum maintains a changing roster of exhibitions alongside long-running presentations from its collection. A major ongoing exhibition focuses on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands project and is scheduled to remain on view into spring 2027. Other exhibitions rotate throughout the year, often highlighting contemporary and Latin American art, so it is wise to check the museum’s latest exhibition listings close to your visit date.
Q7. Is the museum family friendly and are there activities for children?
Yes. Children 12 and under receive free admission, and the museum regularly offers family-focused programs. On Sunny Days/Starry Nights Thursdays, the Mini Muse program provides free drop-in art-making activities for kids, usually in the late afternoon. School tours are common, and galleries are generally stroller friendly, making the museum a comfortable stop for families.
Q8. What should I know about photography, bags, and sketching?
Non-flash photography is usually allowed in most galleries, although some special exhibitions may have restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and similar items must be checked at the admissions desk, and bags larger than roughly 11 by 17 by 6 inches are not permitted in the galleries. Food and drinks are not allowed in exhibition areas. Sketching is welcomed with pencils only in sketchbooks no larger than standard letter size.
Q9. Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. The museum’s entrance, public spaces, and galleries are wheelchair accessible, and elevators connect all floors. A limited number of wheelchairs is available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors who need specific accommodations for tours or programs are encouraged to contact the museum at least seven days before their visit so arrangements can be made.
Q10. How much time should I plan for a visit and what else is nearby?
Most visitors are comfortable with two to three hours to see the exhibitions at a relaxed pace, with more time if you join a guided tour or linger in the store and cafe. After your visit, you can walk along Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and dining, stroll the Riverwalk, ride the Fort Lauderdale water taxi, or explore other cultural sites in the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.