If you’re heading to St. Augustine and are curious about combining history with a bit of spooky fun, the Medieval Torture Museum with Ghost Hunting and Tiny Art Gallery might just catch your eye. Based on glowing reviews, this experience offers a fascinating look into the darker chapters of medieval history, along with interactive activities that spice up the visit. It’s a great choice for those interested in history, macabre artifacts, or paranormal activities, and it only costs around $25 a person.
What makes this tour stand out? First, there’s the audio-guided tour that helps you understand the brutal history behind the artifacts. Second, the Ghost Hunting app adds a fun and creepy element, letting you feel like a paranormal investigator. On the flip side, a key consideration is that some content is quite graphic, and it isn’t suited for younger children or those sensitive to gruesome images. This experience is perfect for teenagers and adults who enjoy a bit of history mixed with some spooky entertainment.
Key Points
- Fully guided and interactive, allowing you to explore at your own pace
- Includes ghost hunting, adding a supernatural twist to historical exhibits
- Accessible and family-friendly, with free entry for children under 10 when accompanied by an adult
- Nighttime hours (10AM to 10PM) give flexibility for your schedule
- Cost-effective for what you get — admission, audio guide, ghost app, and mini art gallery included
- Mostly well-reviewed with top ratings and positive comments about atmosphere and exhibits
What to Expect from the Tour
This experience is designed to be both educational and entertaining, blending history, art, and a dash of the supernatural. It lasts about 1 to 2 hours, making it manageable even if you’re short on time or visiting multiple attractions in St. Augustine. The tour is conducted with a mobile ticket, so your access is straightforward, and it operates daily from 10AM to 10PM, offering plenty of flexibility.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
First Stop: Medieval Torture Museum
The core of the experience is the Medieval Torture Museum itself. We loved the way the exhibits are laid out—wide enough to avoid feeling cramped but packed with fascinating artifacts. The audio-guided tour is the backbone here, giving you detailed descriptions of each piece, the history, and the context. You can go at your own pace, which means you can linger over the gruesome devices or move quickly through the less intense sections.
Many reviewers, like Matt S, mention how well-curated and atmospheric the museum is. He highlighted the “low lights and candles” that really add to the ambiance, making it feel like stepping back in time. Some of the exhibits are quite graphic, so it’s not suitable for everyone—definitely not recommended for children under 18 without adult supervision, and even some reviews suggest it’s too intense for kids under 12.
Ghost Hunting Experience
The aspect that sets this tour apart is the Ghost Hunting app. Using augmented reality (AR), you get to feel like you’re investigating otherworldly spirits lurking in the museum. But be aware: some visitors, like Suzanne S, found it underwhelming, saying it wasn’t very scary or particularly interactive. Still, many enjoyed it, describing it as fun and creepy, especially if you’re into paranormal stories.
The app is downloadable, and many reviewers appreciated how it added an extra layer of engagement. Kevin F mentioned, “Really fun and creepy,” which is probably what most visitors are looking for. If you enjoy a haunted house vibe or ghost-hunting shows, this feature could be a highlight.
Tiny Art Gallery
Just as surprising is the Tiny Art Gallery—a small but impressive display of miniature artworks. Several reviews, including Laura H, called it “well put together” and “very impressive,” especially considering how tiny the pieces are. It’s a quick stop but well worth the visit, offering a change of pace from the intense torture exhibits.
The Practical Side: Group Size, Price, and Accessibility
This tour keeps the group small—max 15 people—which makes for a more intimate experience. It’s a plus if you prefer less crowded environments and more personal attention from staff. The price of $24.99 is quite reasonable when you consider it includes everything: the full exhibition, audio guide, ghost app, and the art gallery.
While parking isn’t provided directly at the museum, there’s ample parking nearby at the City Parking Garage or metered lots downtown. It’s near public transport, which adds convenience for visitors staying in central St. Augustine. The hours—10AM to 10PM—give you flexibility for daytime or evening visits, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.
What Do Visitors Say?
The reviews reveal a fairly consistent picture: most people think it’s a unique, interesting, and good value experience. Many mention how the exhibits transport you back in time with their detailed displays and atmospheric setting. A handful of visitors, like Lakeisha R and Paula S, note the gruesome nature of some artifacts but agree that it’s educational.
Not everyone loved it—some found it “not scary” or felt the ghost app was underwhelming. One reviewer, Kim M, mentioned it’s “not family friendly,” as the content can be quite intense. For those considering bringing children, especially under 18, it’s important to understand that this isn’t a typical kids’ museum.
The Value Proposition
When weighing the cost, most reviews suggest that $24.99 is fair for such a comprehensive package. You get a large 5,000 sqft exhibition, audio narration, an engaging ghost-hunting activity, and the tiny art display—all in one visit. The experience is designed to be stress-free, with no pressure and plenty of room to explore.
Some critics felt the ghost hunting was unnecessary or not very spooky, but this feature clearly appeals to many who enjoy paranormal themes. The combination of history, interactive elements, and art makes it more than just a static museum—it’s a well-rounded, engaging outing.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for adults and teens who are interested in history with a dark twist, enjoy interactive elements, or want a slightly spooky outing. It’s not suitable for young children, especially those sensitive to graphic images. It could be a fun family trip if older kids are interested in history or ghost stories, but parental discretion is advised.
If you’re into art, the tiny gallery offers a surprising visual treat, while history buffs will appreciate the artifacts and detailed descriptions. For paranormal fans, the ghost app adds that extra thrill, even if it’s more fun than frightening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Children under 18 are generally not recommended unless accompanied by an adult, as some exhibits are quite graphic. Kids under 10 can enter free with a parent, but discretion is advised.
How long does the experience last?
Expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you linger at each exhibit.
What does the price include?
The ticket covers admission to the museum, the full audio-guided tour, access to the Ghost Hunting app, and the Tiny Art Gallery.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and you’ll get a full refund.
Is parking available?
Parking isn’t on-site, but there’s a city parking garage nearby for a flat rate, plus metered lots downtown.
What are the hours I can visit?
The museum is open daily from 10AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Is the tour accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to access. Be aware that some content might be intense or graphic.
Are there any additional costs?
No, all taxes and fees are included. Food and drinks are not covered.
Medieval Torture Museum with Ghost Hunting and Tiny Art Gallery
“Its awesome but gruesome , a lot of educational content , I would recommend it I dont think its for kids under 12 years”
Final Thoughts
The Medieval Torture Museum with Ghost Hunting and Tiny Art Gallery offers a distinctive and educational peek into a darker side of history, with plenty of interactive features to keep you engaged. While some may find the graphic content intense, many visitors find the exhibits fascinating and the overall experience worth the price. It’s best suited for those with a curiosity for history, a taste for the slightly creepy, and an appreciation for detailed artifacts.
If you’re interested in a tour that blends education, a touch of the macabre, and some paranormal fun, this could be just the right stop during your stay in St. Augustine. Keep in mind, it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready for a memorable, slightly spooky adventure, you’ll likely walk away with some interesting stories to tell.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with older kids who love history and ghost stories, this experience offers a unique way to explore the past—and maybe even get a little ghostly thrill along the way.