BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION 2021

Visitors from around the world make the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery a must-visit stop. The museum houses the nation’s largest public presentation of artwork by Florida Artists Hall of Fame landscape painter A.E. “Bean” Backus [1906-1990].

It also is the home of the state’s only permanent multimedia exhibition of works by the Florida Highwaymen who are among the many artists and individuals that are a part of his legacy. Attracting tourists and residents alike, the museum hosts changing exhibitions by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

A recent multimillion dollar expansion has provided even more space for the artwork housed within. With a career spanning more than 70 years, Backus was the first Florida-born artist to build his professional renown by painting the landscape and scenes from daily life of his native state. He was fortunate to have known great success during his lifetime, with paintings hanging in the businesses and the private collections of many of Florida’s most prominent citizens.

The museum is on the shore of the Indian River Lagoon at Veterans Memorial Park in the historical downtown of Fort Pierce. The beauty of the park and the river are an added bonus.

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WHAT READERS SAY

"Only museum in state to see Backus and Highwaymen in large numbers."

"When you want out of town guests to see what makes this treasured part of Florida special, a visit to the Backus Museum is a must."