At a Glance
- The Florida Highwaymen Museum opens February 20 at 1234 Avenue D in Fort Pierce, one year later than originally scheduled
- The museum honors 26 Black landscape artists from Fort Pierce who created a distinctive Florida art movement
- Soft opening weekend coincides with the 9th annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show and Festival at Moore’s Creek Linear Park
Opening Weekend Details
The City of Fort Pierce Florida Highwaymen Museum held its soft opening starting February 20 in the Jackie L. Canyon Sr. Building. This marks the world’s only museum dedicated solely to the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen. The opening was delayed one year due to construction setbacks.
Nicola Angelos Safieh, who manages the museum’s communications and marketing, explained the construction delays. “Every time an obstacle would arise, it would have to go back to the city for approval, which of course takes way longer,” said Safieh, who also serves as a museum board member.
The soft opening runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on February 20 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 21. Admission will be free during the soft opening weekend. Normal operations begin February 22.
Museum Schedule and Admission
Starting February 22, the museum will operate regular hours from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Standard admission costs $5, with special rates available for children and veterans.
The City of Fort Pierce runs the building in partnership with the museum. The facility will showcase the artwork and history of the original Florida Highwaymen, a group of 26 Black landscape artists from Fort Pierce.
Celebrating a Movement
The Florida Highwaymen were mostly self-taught artists who created a distinctive style of Florida landscape painting. Working primarily in the 1950s through 1980s, these artists sold their work along Florida highways and to businesses throughout the state. Their vibrant portrayals of Florida scenery captured the state’s natural beauty before widespread development.
The museum preserves this important chapter in Florida art history. It provides education about the artists’ techniques, their business methods, and their cultural significance.
Festival Weekend
The soft opening coincides with the 9th annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show and Festival on February 21. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moore’s Creek Linear Park at 435 N. Seventh St. in Fort Pierce. Admission to the festival is free.
Visitors can attend both the museum soft opening and the festival during the same weekend. This creates a comprehensive celebration of Highwaymen art and heritage in Fort Pierce.
Visitor Info
Highwaymen Museum Soft Opening:
- Date: 4-6 p.m. February 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 21
- Location: 1234 Avenue D, Fort Pierce
- Cost: Free admission during soft opening
- Website: facebook.com/florida.highwaymen.museum
Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show and Festival:
- Date: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 21
- Location: 435 N. Seventh St., Fort Pierce
- Cost: Free admission
- Website: cityoffortpierce.com
The museum opening fulfills years of planning to create a permanent home celebrating the Florida Highwaymen’s artistic legacy in their hometown of Fort Pierce.
