Reviews
The Matheson is a great small museum in Gainesville that has exhibits on local history- current exhibit is on the music in Gainesville during the 70s. Worth the visit- also check the events calendar as they host several great lectures!
I was very impressed and pleased with my visit to the Matheson History Museum. We arranged for a guided tour with the museum director, who seemed happy to comply with our request and was extremely well-informed about the history of Gainesville in general and the individuals and items highlighted in the specific displays, as well as the Matheson’s, and the Matheson house and tool shed. The main gallery is currently hosting displays featuring women who were historically significant in Gainesville and the surrounding area and are quite well done and interesting. The Matheson house has unique rooms, each with furniture and decor not original, unfortunately from a certain time period. Bottom line: I really enjoyed my tour of the museum and, if you’re at all interested in Gainesville, you will as well! FYI: admission is by donation so bring $5 or $10 :-
They have new 40 year celebration of Tom Petty exhibition. They have art painting and his guitar and other items. Most notably they have a new interactive computer display for Tom Petty
Small museum with carefully curated exhibits, as well as engaging guest speakers.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree
Disappointed here, ok display of indiginous weapons from stoneage but still not displayed well. Some displays were too low to the ground and some were too high. The interactive area with a notepad display was nonfunctional. Florida has a rich history but this place shows a very limited glimpse of that history.
A small intimate museum of local history. Friendly staff. Plan a visit lasts less than an hour.
I enjoy going to this museum. I've been to several events and book signings and they have all been very well done. The exhibits are nice as well. I do wish that more folks on the Eastside knew about the space and utilized it.
Everyone in the Gainesville area should visit the Matheson at least once. The exhibits do change, so more than once is also a good idea. We went to hear an author talk about his book, but I have also been there with school groups. Much of the history of this area is on display at the Matheson and the docents are very knowledgeable. Check the hours before you go.
Not a huge museum, but it is packed full of cool stuff related to Gainesville FL history specifically. If you're into late 19th century history then this is the place to visit. Cool replication of a general goods store of the era. There is also an amazing library of newspaper archives, old yearbooks from local schools including UF and various other papers here. The staff here is wonderfully helpful and will chat with you about all of the exhibits. There is also a great outdoor walking area, plus a few other houses and exhibitions in the area surrounding the main museum building. You'll need to call ahead and make an appointment in order to tour the ancillary buildings though. As of this review the museum is renovating another building across the street which will house the library and archives which will open space in the main building for new exhibits. Keep an eye on this space.
Enjoyed our visit to the Matheson History Museum! Dixie was especially helpful in our quest to learn more about the Timacuan Indians. Thoroughly enjoyed the Tom Petty exhibit!!! This is one of Gainseville's priceless Gems!!!
