The Lightner Museum in downtown St. Augustine continues to raise the bar for art exhibition locally.
On view now through Jan. 18 is “Matt Keene: Echoes of the Wild,” an immersive exhibition that brings together the historic artistry of 19th-century wet plate collodion photography and a call for environmental stewardship.
Artist Keene is based in St. Augustine. His work includes environmental journalism, filmmaking and photography, with a focus on protecting fragile ecosystems.
On Nov. 20, the Lightner Museum will open an exhibition showcasing 60 works of art from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection (Chicago) titled: “The Wiener Werkstätte: Art, Luxury, and Beauty in Modern Vienna.”
On view through July 14, 2026, the exhibition introduces audiences to one of the defining design movements of the early 20th century. It is a curatorial collaboration between the Lightner Museum and the Richard H. Driehaus Collection.
Founded in 1903 by architect Josef Hoffmann, painter and graphic designer Koloman Moser, and financier Fritz Waerndorfer, the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshops) was a pioneering collective of artists, designers and craftspeople.
Emerging from the spirit of the Vienna Secession and inspired by the ideals of the British Arts and Crafts Movement, the Wiener Werkstätte sought to unite fine and applied arts by bringing exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship into everyday life.
The exhibit showcases the remarkable range of the firm’s work, including furniture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, metalwork, textiles and graphic design.
“We are delighted to present this exhibition, which shines a light on one of the most influential design movements of the early 20th century,” said Lightner Museum Executive Director David Bagnall. “At a time when our building, the former Hotel Alcazar, was in its heyday, artists and designers of the Wiener Werkstätte were redefining how art could shape modern living. This exhibition connects our historic setting with that parallel moment of artistic innovation in Europe, while giving audiences the opportunity to experience the Wiener Werkstätte’s extraordinary design vision.”
The Lightner Museum will celebrate the exhibition’s opening with an intimate ticketed reception on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tickets are available for purchase now. Availability is limited.
“The Wiener Werkstätte: Art, Luxury, and Beauty in Modern Vienna” is supported in part by the Crisp-Ellert Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida; The St. Johns County Tourist Development Council; the St. Johns Cultural Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For further information or to purchase tickets, go to lightnermuseum.org.
Lightner Museum is located at 75 King St., St. Augustine.
