Museums and Galleries One of the most popular cultural destinations in Daytona Beach is embarking on an ambitious reimagination that will redefine the museum experience where art, history and discovery converge. The project will provide a unified campus, immersive art–science–history galleries, an expanded planetarium, a redesigned Children’s Museum, outdoor activation spaces, a Visitor Nexus, a rotating special exhibition hall and a new name under which to host it all: the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History, also known as The Brown. While The Brown will be closed to the public beginning March 2026 to kick off this once-in-a-generation transformation, a target reopening in Fall 2028 will have visitors delighting in a completely reimagined cultural destination that will connect art, science, and history in inspiring new ways. In the meantime, the Daytona Beach area has many other places to visit to suit a variety of tastes. The Halifax Historical Museum features exhibits and artifacts that tell the compelling story of the city, from its early days as a Native American settlement to today as the area welcomes guests from around the world. And, a visit to the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens provides a view of a remarkable blend of art and nature. The museum features exhibits in various mediums, while its beautiful grounds host events and workshops throughout the year, creating a serene and inspiring environment. The Southeast Museum of Photography, located on the Daytona State College campus, offers a carefully curated collection that represents a wide range of photographic styles. Other don’t miss opportunities include Art Spotlight, Gallery500 and Starry Night Gallery, to name only a few. PERFORMING ARTS The Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell is a must-visit, especially for music lovers. Located right on the beach, this historic venue hosts lively and talented cover bands on Friday and Saturday nights through the summer. Fireworks follow the Saturday night shows. The Peabody Auditorium is another cultural gem in Daytona Beach, having hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elvis Presley, Gladys Knight, Liza Minelli, and Jerry Seinfeld. The Peabody and nearby Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center continue to inspire audiences with concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances. The Ocean Center also books music and comedy shows year round. The News-Journal Center at Daytona State College is a popular venue hosting concerts, dance competitions, plays, films, symphonies, exhibits and events. Daytona Playhouse offers high-quality productions for all ages, including musicals and plays that appeal to adults and children alike. The Daytona Beach Symphony Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the community with a wide range of musical and artistic programs, calls the News-Journal Center in downtown Daytona Beach home and welcomes artists from around the world for special performances. Also located in the heart of downtown Daytona Beach is Cinematique, an arthouse cinema that features live music, comedy, and more! HISTORIC DESTINATIONS The Daytona Beach area honors veterans through several locales. Military tributes at Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens pay homage to veterans of multiple wars. Established in 1946, the museum commemorates the service of World War II veterans. In downtown Daytona Beach, the Veterans Memorial at Riverfront Esplanade honors veterans of all wars, featuring a waterfront plaza with commemorative markers and plaques. The Ponce Inlet Veterans Memorial features marble and brick monuments and all U.S. service flags. It is next to the famed Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The Casements is a strikingly beautiful location on the Intracoastal Waterway in Ormond Beach. Once the winter residence of John D. Rockefeller, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It now serves as a cultural center and event space, while offering a glimpse into the high-society lifestyle of one of the nation’s most successful industrialists. One of the more unique landmarks in the area is the Fairchild Oak. Located on the grounds of Bulow Creek State Park, the massive oak tree is one of the largest live oaks in the Southern United States and is believed to be more than 400 years old. CULTURAL DESTINATIONS One of the Daytona Beach area’s favorite daughters was honored on her 150th birthday. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was born July Daytona Beach Bandshell A view into the courtyard of The Brown. 32 | DAYTONABEACH.COM
