The entrance to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, which just received a $3.5 million bequest from the estate of the late Betsy Lovett. | Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Published on December 18, 2025 at 4:49 pm
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The estate of philanthropist Betsy Lovett has granted the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens one of its largest gifts ever.
The $3.5 million bequest from the longtime museum supporter, who died Oct. 26, 2021, will be used to acquire new artworks for the Cummer’s permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects from ancient Egypt to the present day.
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Museum officials say the extraordinary gift reflects Lovett’s lifelong dedication to both the museum and the Cummer family’s vision of a museum created for “the benefit of all the people.”
Lovett devoted decades of service to the museum, including terms as chair of the board of trustees and as president of the Cummer Council, CEO Kimberly Noble said in a news release.
“Betsy often shared that one of her earliest childhood memories was dancing in Mrs. Cummer’s gardens,” Noble said. “This extraordinary gift … will enrich our permanent collection and inspire generations to come.”
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The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, founded in 1958 by Ninah Cummer, is built on the site of the family’s mansion and includes 2.5 acres of the historically significant riverfront gardens that graced the house’s riverfront.
Lovett’s bequest stands among the largest single gifts in the Cummer’s 64-year history, serving as a lasting testament to her commitment to art, culture and community, museum officials say.
Beyond her impact at the Cummer, Lovett championed numerous organizations throughout Jacksonville.
Museum officials say she received the EVE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and the Cultural Council’s Individual Hall of Fame Arts Award in 2010 for her decades of service to the arts.
Among the many institutions she supported were the Bolles School, Episcopal Children’s Services, Jacksonville Historical Society, Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville Zoo and St. Vincent’s.
For more information about the Cummer Museum and its programming, go to www.cummermuseum.org.
