Ritz Theatre and Lavilla Museum

The mission of the Ritz Theatre and Museum is to “research, record, and preserve the material and artist culture and present in an educational or entertaining format, the many facets of African American life in Northeast Florida that make up the historical and cultural legacy of this community.”

To accomplish this mission, the 11,000 square foot Museum houses a permanent collection of artifacts, objects, photographs, documents and assorted ephemera that assist in the interpretation and understanding of local history and puts into perspective the role of African Americans in the development of the region and nation.

The museum’s permanent collection is featured in an exhibit entitled “Lifting Every Voice in LaVilla.” The title incorporates a reference to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Negro National Hymn and composed by two noted native sons of Jacksonville, brothers James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. An animatronic mixed media presentation tells the Johnson brothers’ story and a series of vignettes replicate scenes of everyday life in Jacksonville’s African American community during segregation.

The Ritz Theatre and Museum also presents a broad range of related public programs and special events. The museum’s permanent collection continues to grow through ongoing scholarly research and donations of objects, documents, photographs and other significant materials from the community.