St. Petersburg Museums: Top 5 for Artistic Inspiration

Nicknamed Sunshine City, St. Petersburg, Florida, is known for its ideal weather, sugar-white sand and beaches. However, many people may not realize the city also has a vibrant arts scene. In fact, St. Pete serves as one of the top art destinations in the U.S., and area museums provide fun and educational places for guests of all ages to enjoy. So get ready for some creative inspiration and check out five popular St. Petersburg museums.

Top 5 St. Petersburg Museums for Arts and Culture

The Dali Museum

Learn about Salvador Dali, one of the world’s most renown artists. Explore nearly 100 years of his personal life, sculptures, paintings and interactive exhibits. The 20,000-square-foot museum features a permanent collection of 96 oil paintings and a selection of prints, drawings, photographs, videos, and objects by Dali. Visitors can also attend several events, including lectures, yoga classes, film showings and story times. Take kids to Dillydally with Dali, a free event where little ones can learn through games, puzzles, and arts and crafts.

Museum of Fine Arts

For over 50 years, the Museum of Fine Arts has honored 4,500 years of civilization through a large art collection – the most comprehensive on Florida’s west coast. Its permanent collection features Monet, Cezanne, Renoir and a large photography collection. Guests can also explore a sculpture garden and Steuben glass gallery. Several cultures are featured as well, including America, European, Ancient Western, African and Asian. For more fun, families can take yoga classes – even grandparents are welcome – or participate in arts and crafts and treasure hunts.

Florida Holocaust Museum

Visitors to Florida Holocaust Museum can honor the millions who were effected by the Holocaust. The permanent exhibit, History, Heritage and Hope, uses artifacts, photographs and documents to tell stories as well as celebrate local survivors. In addition, two temporary exhibit galleries are located on the second floor. The Ray and Nancy Murray Tolerance Education Center is home to the largest Holocaust and genocide lending library in the southeast. Many events at the museum focus on civil rights and involve locals and their stories.

St. Petersburg Museum of History

With a focus on St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Peninsula, this history museum is the oldest museum in Pinellas County. Browse through exhibits that include photos books and documents about the area’s rich history. Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the World’s First Airline Gallery, which features a working replica of the Benoist Airboat. Baseball fans can’t miss the world’s largest collection of autographed baseballs, and many exhibits rotate each year. Guests can also attend events such as arts parties and happy-hour lectures.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

One of our top Florida children’s museum, this attraction is a local favorite that focuses on educating kids while having fun. Little ones – ages infant to 9 years old – love role playing and learning how the world works. Popular exhibits include Critter Cave, where guests learn about reptiles and arachnids, and Explorer’s Cove, the central focus of the museum. Sit back and watch as kids climb and maneuver their way through Touch Tunnel, or listen and watch their newscast at Live and on the Air.

See these St. Petersburg museums for yourself! Learn more about St. Petersburg and why it’s a great destination.