Enhancing St. Petersburg’s Cultural Status
Downtown St. Petersburg adds another museum – The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art to its already acclaimed museum district. Co-Founded by Chair Emeritus, of Raymond James Financial, Tom James, and his wife, Mary, the James’ have amassed a collection of over 3,000 pieces with western themes, during the last 50 years.
The museum serves as a visual autobiography of James, and his wife Mary’s travels over the decades, to the western United States. “We want the museum to be a place of education,” James explains. “We want to tell the stories that are America’s history.” The James’, who are avid art collectors, love to support local artists too.
The museum collection includes 400 paintings, sculptures and jewelry by 200 artists including Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, Irving Couse, John Sharp and Bonnie Marris. Museum pieces were hand-curated from Tom and Mary James’ private collection, that until the museum opening, were housed at Raymond James Financial headquarters. Artwork showcases the American West from a historical and modern perspective.
The brand new The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, houses a variety of paintings, jewelry and artifacts in eight galleries with themes ranging from native peoples, to cowboys and wildlife. The museum also includes a 129 seat theatre, museum shop and cafe catered by Datz. Bernice Chu serves as the interim director of the museum and her goal is to revive passion and interest in the American West, and make it relevant today for guests.
150 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg FL 33701
727-892-4200
info@thejamesmuseum.org
thejamesmuseum.org
Public parking entrance is located on 1st Avenue South between 2nd and 1stStreets. (additional fee applies)
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