If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably know that when I’m in a metro area, I love popping into an art museum or two. There’s something so inspiring about seeing both the famous—and the not-so-famous—works up close.

And honestly? The smaller museums are often my favorites. You never quite know what you’ll find—what’s on loan, what’s tucked into their permanent collection. It’s always a bit of a surprise.

The Vero Beach Museum of Art turned out to be exactly that kind of place, and I recently had the chance to stop in.

Find it: Google | Apple

Admission:
Adults 18+: $12
Seniors (65 yrs+): $11
Students 18+ with ID: $5

Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

On view until June 7, 2026

This exhibition features over 80 paintings and sculptures created by American artists over the past 250 years.

As you move through the gallery, you’re first greeted by portraits of early Americans—including the instantly recognizable George and Martha Washington. From there, the exhibit unfolds into a wide range of landscapes in different styles. One that caught my attention was by Asher B. Durand, who was trained by Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of painters (a little nod to my northern roots!).

I was also surprised by the number of still life paintings—so detailed they almost feel within reach—and found myself lingering over scenes of everyday American life across different eras. It’s one of those exhibits where your eyes don’t quite know where to land next, especially with the bronze sculptures thoughtfully placed throughout the gallery.

Naturally, I started wondering about the story behind the collection.

In 2011, Dr. Diane DeMell Jacobsen fulfilled a promise to her late husband by creating what she called a “transformative collection of American art.” Her vision was to include a wide range of styles, highlight the evolution of American art, and bring attention to artists who may have been overlooked by history.

She even went so far as to source period-appropriate frames for some of the pieces—details that quietly deepen the experience when you’re standing in front of them.

Even more meaningful, the collection was designed to travel—shared with museums across the country so more people can experience it. And it’s still growing today.

If you’re not able to catch it in Vero Beach, the exhibition will head next to the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia starting October 9, 2026.

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On view until July 12, 2026

The museum is currently expanding—adding a new two-story building and increasing its gallery space to 22,000 square feet (with completion expected in early 2028).

I thought it was a clever touch to feature a construction-themed exhibit alongside all of that real-world building.

This exhibit leans more abstract, and I found myself especially drawn to pieces like Clearing by Robert Gwathmey and Related to St. Paul’s, New York by John Marin. There’s something about abstract work that invites you to slow down and interpret it in your own way—always a different experience depending on the day.

Many of the works in this exhibit are part of the museum’s permanent collection, which makes it feel like a deeper look into the museum’s personality.

Seeing the portraits of George and Martha Washington in person felt like such an unexpected gift. It’s one of those moments that stays with you a little longer than you expect.

This is usually a museum I visit every couple of years, but… I may be making an exception.

While browsing their website, I noticed that from November 21, 2026 through February 7, 2027, they’ll be hosting an exhibition of Japanese landscapes featuring Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Hasui. Oh my goodness… how cool is that? Let’s just say—calendar officially marked.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my adventures from London and Berlin, before heading back into new East Coast U.S. explorations after my road trip to New York.

As always, I’m so glad you’re along for the ride.

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen