The First City Through the Eyes of Masters

An intriguing look at the art, both then and now, that the nation's oldest city has inspired, "The First City through the Eyes of Masters" exhibition showcases paintings of St. Augustine scenes from well-known artists who visited here during St. Augustine's Gilded Age. The paintings are exhibited alongside current photographs of the same scenes, a juxtaposition which highlights the historic and artistic legacy of this beautiful old city. Photographer Stacey Sather took the photos of the modern-day scenes to match the paintings on exhibit.

This exhibit at the Visitors Information Center is part of St. Augustine's 450th Commemoration, a series of special events leading up to the September 2015 celebration of the First City's 450th anniversary.

On loan from the collection of Cici and J. Hyatt Brown and the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, the paintings date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Henry Flagler's luxury resorts were a favorite wintering spot for the rich and famous, including some of the artists featured in the exhibit: Frank Henry Shapleigh, John James Audubon, and William Staples Drown, among others.

Unique in format and wealth of material, the exhibit also includes a brochure to guide visitors on a walking tour to see the St. Augustine scenes on display.

Admission: FREE.

When: "The First City through the Eyes of Masters" opens November 15, 2014, and will be on display through January 12, 2015.

Where: The Visitors Information Center is located at 10 West Castillo Dr.

Visit here for more information about the exhibit.

For details on St. Augustine's 450th Commemoration and a full schedule of Commemoration events, visit here.