Ritz Theatre & Museum, Jacksonville

The Ritz theater is so beautiful with so much culture. Also the staff was so completely helpful and kind.

For black history month my employer purchased a block of tickets to the Ritz Theatre & Museum for everyone. The Ritz has a rich history in the La Villa area of Jacksonville. La Villa was once a blossoming African American community where the community members came together to build an enjoyable area for the black community to feel welcome and free. In this little neighborhood the African Americans strived as business owners, doctors, lawyers, etc. The Ritz museum has a very cool animatronics exhibit of the story. of James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, who wrote and composed the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing". James wrote the lyrics and Rosamond composed the music. After checking out the animatronics story we continued through the museum which had on display a lot of historical artifacts; and more modern art by local artists. I think the most amazing of the art was the section of the art by school children. The Ritz is a great place to visit if you are history buff or want to learn more about the past of Jacksonville. The Ritz also has many events from music to theatre to exhibits; they also rent out space for weddings and other events. There is plenty of parking at the museum and it's FREE. So go check it out and see how you feel when you leave with a better understanding of history.

This was such a nice venue to host the First Annual Jacksonville Image Awards. The building has beautiful photos on the walls that just makes the place stand out. It is very spacious and easy to mingle outside the theater and have cocktails.In the theater, the seats are very intimate. It doesn't matter where you sit, you still have a great view of the stage. Overall, a lovely evening at a beautiful establishment in Jacksonville.

What a lovely little find! I was here for a show (The Zamar Experience, which was amazing) and had the pleasure of walking back in time here at The Ritz. The African American history of Jacksonville comes alive in their lovely exhibits. Lots of interesting stories and beautiful art exhibits too. Would recommend a visit if you're in the area. I had a great time!

This was my second time to the Ritz- the concert I attended last year was fantastic- intimate seating, amazing staff- hands down a wonderful theater. This time I was there for a symposium and we utilized the lobby space, outside the theater and museum. Again- just so happy with the professionalism of the staff, the space is perfect for so many things! I have yet to explore the museum and look forward to it! Highly recommend you participate in an event here!

Juneteenth committee did a great job today at the Ritz. I especially enjoyed viewing all of the memorabilia, Nostalgia, and history inside the Ritz. The vendors were nice from jewelry, clothes, food, social services, and education. The time of day and the weather provided good parking and good crowd control. I look forward to continuing the Juneteenth tradition hopefully the tradition will continue at the Historical Ritz Theater.

Folks. WAKE UP to the Ritz. EVERY performance is a pleasure and a delight.Over the past year we have been actively seeking performances at the Ritz, and we have been amazed by the quality and caliber of performers. The stage is intimate. The audience is attentive. A reminder that ticket prices are significantly cheaper from the box office vs buying online/ticketmaster. Not a five star due to the lack luster wine and liquor options, BUT happy to have the bar regardless.

This is a very nice venue. The lobby is nice and inviting, space to sit and mingle as you wait for the show to start. The museum is very nice, I especially liked how the lighting put an accent on the artwork on display. The concession area was stocked with great choices of beer, liquor and wine. The staff was nice and helpful also.

I love the artists that come through here in Jacksonville! I'm thrilled that they've included the museum and art exhibits as well! I'd say the only thing keeping the Ritz from providing their own stellar performance is the bathroom going uninspected. It's not my first time that I have used the restroom there, being forced to ask someone to pass me some toilet paper under the door. I would say of the handful of times I've been there, I've had to dry my hands on toilet paper or just pocket dried. It would be perceived as a way classier spot with a restroom attendant being dedicated to keeping up with patrons.I would also suggest that employees, rather than sit at the public tables in the foyer to socialize with their coworkers, that they head to the back office for that. Then I'm less likely to feel bad about interrupting their animated fun to ask for toilet paper...again.

AMAZING.This place is Jacksonville. It is our history and showcases some of the best people--the ones that shaped the city we are today.And, oh-by-the-way, they happen to have some awesome jazz concerts!