Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts was established by art collector and philanthropist Margaret Acheson Stuart and opened in 1965. This was the first art museum in St Petersburg FL to be located along the downtown waterfront. The Museum of Fine Arts is a magnificent building, but one with several architectural facets. It looks like a grand Colonial-style building, but the styles change to a modern glass and steel section as one walks the perimeter. The museum is surrounded by live oaks, Banyan Trees, and a beautiful mature royal Poinciana.

The Museum of arts has a beautiful current quilt exhibit and a 1970s photography exhibition. The museum also holds the only encyclopedia collection of works in Florida. Spanning 5,000 years from antiquity to modern-day, art appreciators can v the view the displayed glass works by Tiffany and Steuben, masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Whistler, among others.

Overall, the Museum of Fine Arts is ready to inspire young artists and offer an experience to all, from its legendary permanent collection to compelling traveling exhibitions. The sculptures hail from South America, Asia, Rome, and ancient Greece.

You can tour the museum on your own or hire a docent for a narrated tour. While you are at the museum, you can try the MFA Café, which serves a full seasonal menu.