Events Calendar

Join us on the February 1 Free First Saturday for a screening of the 2017 documentary, "Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat." Never-before-seen works, writings and photographs offer insight into the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat as a teenager in New York in the late 1970s. The times, the people and the […]

Join us on the February 1 Free First Saturday for a screening of the 2017 documentary, "Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat." Never-before-seen works, writings and photographs offer insight into the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat as a teenager in New York in the late 1970s. The times, the people and the […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Hit the Road." Panah Panahi, son and collaborator of embattled filmmaker Jafar Panahi and apprentice to Iranian master Abbas Kiarostami, makes a striking feature debut with this charming, sharp-witted and deeply moving comic drama. Hit the Road takes the tradition of the Iranian […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Some Kind of Heaven." First-time feature director Lance Oppenheim cracks the manicured façade of The Villages, America’s largest retirement community – a massive, self-contained utopia located in Central Florida. “Some Kind of Heaven” invests in the dreams and desires of a […]

Visit the Appleton on March 1 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Join us in the auditorium at 11 a.m. for a talk by Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX)’s 2025 Resident Artists, whose works […]

Join us in the auditorium at 11 a.m. on the March 1 Free First Saturday for a talk by Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX)’s 2025 Resident Artists, whose works are featured in the exhibition, “To the MAX.” Participating artists include: Rod Acosta, Kendra Brazzel, Joan Elizabeth, Sarah Lajealle, Z Reyes and Tyrek Studivant. This talk is free […]

Director's Circle members are invited to celebrate the special exhibition, "What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid (Tony) Eitharong." Join the artist for an evening of hors d’oeuvres and wine, plus live music from Florida’s retro queen, Becky Baby. At 6:15 p.m. in the auditorium, Appleton director Jason Steuber will give brief remarks […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "My Donkey, My Lover & I." Antoinette, a schoolteacher, is looking forward to her long-planned summer holiday with her married lover Vladimir, the father of one of her pupils. When she learns that Vladimir has to cancel because his wife organized […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Following the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven's Final Symphony." "Following the Ninth" is a documentary film about the global impact of Beethoven’s final symphony. This film was directed by Kerry Candaele, award-winning documentary film director, writer and musician. His films […]

Visit the Appleton on April 5 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Join us in the auditorium at 11 a.m. for a talk by Dr. Victoria Machado entitled, “Exploring Florida’s Sacred Waters.” Drawing […]

Join us in the auditorium on the April 5 Free First Saturday for a presentation by Dr. Victoria Machado, entitled "Exploring Florida's Sacred Waters." Drawing from the concept of ‘spirituality’ and the environmental humanities, this program explores how Floridians can understand the state’s waters within the context of the sacred, the holy or the divine. […]

Appleton Director’s Circle members are invited to a special “poolside” celebration as we unveil the newly restored reflecting pool and bronze elephants. Returning to their original location, the beloved sculptures will spring back to life as a working fountain. Enjoy live music by the CF Patriot Blues Jazz Ensemble, BBQ by Artman Country Smokehouse and […]

Visit the Appleton on May 3 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Join us in the auditorium for a double-feature screening of the two notable films in the Godzilla franchise, an international icon […]

Inspired by the special exhibition, "Framing Tokyo," join us in the auditorium on the May 3 Free First Saturday for a double-feature screening of two notable films in the Godzilla franchise. Following a brief introduction by Appleton staff at 11 a.m., the films “Godzilla” (1954) and “The Return of Godzilla” (1984) will be shown back-to-back […]

Join us in the auditorium for a talk by Carmen Rojas Ginés and Naomi Shanti as they discuss the work in their exhibition, "Strength & Resilience." The Ocala-based artists will share insights into their collaborative process and the stories behind the works on view. Also hear directly from the individuals who became part of the […]

Visit the Appleton on June 7 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Join us in the auditorium at 2 p.m. for a presentation by historian and author Dr. Wayne Wood. “Frank Lloyd Wright […]

Join us in the auditorium on the June 7 Free First Saturday for a presentation by author and historian Dr. Wayne Wood, entitled "Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture." Wright is considered by many to be America’s greatest architect. Although most of his buildings were constructed in the American Midwest, many Floridians […]

Visit the Appleton on July 5 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Join us in the auditorium as we welcome back Southern Express Big Band for two performances. This lively 17-piece ensemble will […]

Join us in the auditorium on the July 5 Free First Saturday as we welcome back Southern Express Big Band for two performances. This lively 17-piece ensemble will perform a diverse variety of musical hits, from traditional to modern. IMPORTANT SHOW INFORMATION: There are two showtimes: 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Both sets will be […]

Join us in the auditorium on the July 5 Free First Saturday as we welcome back Southern Express Big Band for two performances. This lively 17-piece ensemble will perform a diverse variety of musical hits, from traditional to modern. IMPORTANT SHOW INFORMATION: There are two showtimes: 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Both sets will be […]

Visit the Appleton on August 2 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 2 p.m. in the auditorium, Dr. David Morton will present “A Motion Picture Paradise! A History of Florida’s Film and […]

This Free First Saturday, Florida Humanities and the Appleton are partnering to present a talk by Dr. David Morton at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Often overlooked in its contribution to film history, Florida has played a key role in creating the modern entertainment industry. This presentation discusses how Florida became a third coast to […]

Appleton Director's Circle members are invited to celebrate the opening of “Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty Ford-Smith’s Pinecone Quilts,” on view in the Edith-Marie Gallery from September 6–February 22. Be the first to see this exhibition of work by nationally recognized Florida-based artist and quilter Betty Ford-Smith (American, b. 1951), whose hand-sewn pinecone quilts […]

Visit the Appleton on September 6 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 11 a.m. in the auditorium, join artist Seth P. Benzel for a talk on his solo exhibition, Deconstructing Self. Following […]

Join us in the auditorium on the September 6 Free First Saturday for a talk with artist Seth P. Benzel. He will share insights into his creative process, artistic influences and the themes behind his work. Following the presentation, head to the galleries for a Q&A session with the artist inside his solo exhibition, Deconstructing […]

Meet artist Seth P. Benzel in the Deconstructing Self exhibition during Free First Saturday on September 6. Stop by to chat with the artist, ask questions and learn more about the inspiration behind his work in an informal setting. This program is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservations needed to attend.   […]

Visit the Appleton on October 4 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 11 a.m., join photographer John Elliott for a tour of his solo exhibition, "The Human Pulse." Tour meets in the […]

Join us on Saturday, October 4, during Free First Saturday for a special gallery tour with artist John Elliott, featuring his solo exhibition, "The Human Pulse." Explore the themes and techniques behind Elliott’s work as he leads an insightful walkthrough of the show. The tour meets in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists on the […]

Join us for a special weekend of free admission in celebration of the life and legacy of museum founder Arthur I. Appleton (1915-2008). Arthur I. Appleton established the museum to share his extraordinary collection of art and artifacts with the public, ensuring that generations to come could be inspired by creativity, culture and history. Each […]

Join us for a special weekend of free admission in celebration of the life and legacy of museum founder Arthur I. Appleton (1915-2008). Arthur I. Appleton established the museum to share his extraordinary collection of art and artifacts with the public, ensuring that generations to come could be inspired by creativity, culture and history. Each […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Pre Fab!" (NR, USA/UK, 2023, 1 hour, 36 minutes) "Pre Fab!" has been called “the last Beatles story to tell about how it all began.” The film chronicles the rise of skiffle music and its impact on post-World War II British […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Drive My Car." (NR, Japan, 2021, 2 hours, 59 minutes) This haunting road movie follows a renowned stage actor and director traveling a path of love, loss, acceptance and peace after his wife’s death – chauffeured by a young woman who […]

Visit the Appleton on November 1 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., enjoy an energetic musical performance by the 7-piece swing band, Swing Theory. Important show information: […]

Join us on Saturday, November 1, during Free First Saturday for a special musical performance by 7-piece swing band Swing Theory. Important show information: —There are two showtimes: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. —We kindly request that you choose one showtime to allow us to accommodate more guests. —Seating for each show is limited to […]

Join us on Saturday, November 1, during Free First Saturday for a special musical performance by 7-piece swing band Swing Theory. Important show information: —There are two showtimes: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. —We kindly request that you choose one showtime to allow us to accommodate more guests. —Seating for each show is limited to […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of "Yesterday." (PG-13, UK, 2019, 2 hours) After a freak accident during a worldwide blackout, a struggling musician wakes to discover that he is the only person in the world to remember The Beatles, so he launches himself to superstardom performing their […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of “Long Flat Balls II.” (NR, Norway, 2008, 1 h, 37 m) Welcoming back a film series member and fan favorite for the third and last time, the film series will complete Harald Zwart’s highly successful Norwegian comedy trilogy with “Long Flat […]

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and enjoy exclusive savings during our Black Friday Sale! For one day only, Appleton members will receive 20% off all purchases in the Appleton Store. Nonmembers can also join the fun with 10% off storewide. From unique gifts and jewelry to art-inspired home décor, books and more, […]

Join us for the annual Holiday Community Day, held on Free First Saturday and generously sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban. Admission is free all day to enjoy “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” the Community Tree Display and other special exhibitions, and to make seasonal crafts in the Artspace. From 10 […]

Join us for a memorable ASL experience featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus! Sensational Selfies will be on-site to capture your holiday photos; each guest will receive one free printed photo and a texted image. Admission is free. After your visit with Santa, be sure to enjoy “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” the […]

Visit the Appleton on January 3 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., see a screening of the film "The Trip to Italy." (2014, NR, 1h 48m) Years […]

Join us on the January 3 Free First Saturday for a free screening of "The Trip to Italy." (2014, NR, 1h 48m) Years after their successful restaurant review tour of Northern Britain, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are commissioned for a new tour in Italy. Equally hilarious and insightful, “The Trip to Italy” effortlessly melds […]

Join us on the January 3 Free First Saturday for a free screening of "The Trip to Italy." (2014, NR, 1h 48m) Years after their successful restaurant review tour of Northern Britain, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are commissioned for a new tour in Italy. Equally hilarious and insightful, “The Trip to Italy” effortlessly melds […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of “Flow.” (PG, Latvia, 2024, 1 h 25 m) A wondrous journey through realms natural and mystical, this animated film follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird […]

As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, see a screening of “Harry Benson: Shoot First.” (NR, USA, 2016, 1 h 27 m) This documentary profiles famed photographer Harry Benson (b. 1929), who has captured iconic portraits of celebrities and notable figures including Winston Churchill, Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali and Dr. Martin Luther […]

Visit the Appleton on February 7 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. We will be showing two different documentaries in the auditorium, one at 11 a.m. and one at 2 p.m., both in […]

Join us on the February 7 Free First Saturday for a screening of "Quiltmaker's of Gee's Bend" (2004, NR, 56m). This documentary explores the extraordinary lives, inspirations, and history of these artists, and also follows them on a poignant and sometimes very comical bus journey to see their quilts exhibited at The Milwaukee Art Museum. […]

Join us on the February 7 Free First Saturday for a screening of "The Quilting Women of Gee's Bend" (2025, NR, 53m). This documentary explores how an isolated community of women in rural Alabama became respected worldwide as the creators of celebrated woven works of art. Established during enslavement, the nuanced quilting practice in Gee’s […]