TAMPA BAY METRO CITY GUIDE
IN THE KNOW…
ARTS & CULTURE
IN TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay’s arts and culture scene is vibrant, sophisticated, and ever evolving—spanning world-class museums, botanical sanctuaries, storied performance venues and architectural icons. From waterfront masterpieces in St. Petersburg to historic Sarasota institutions and Tampa’s thriving performing arts district, the region offers year-round inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
METRO urges you to explore some of the area’s most celebrated cultural destinations. The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg stands as a global destination for surrealist art, housing one of the most significant Salvador Dalí collections outside of Spain. Visitors are immersed in Dalí’s groundbreaking work through masterful paintings, sculptures, drawings and a rotating calendar of exhibitions that pair his imaginative spirit with contemporary innovation. The building itself—an architectural marvel of glass, curves, and geometry—creates an unforgettable experience along St. Pete’s vibrant waterfront.
Anchoring Beach Drive, the Museum of Fine Arts blends timeless elegance with a dynamic collection spanning 5,000 years of civilization. Visitors can explore galleries featuring European masterpieces, African and Asian art, photography, decorative arts and a notable collection of American works including masterpieces by Monet, O’Keeffe, Morisot, Wiley, Rodin and more. The museum’s sculpture garden and frequent special exhibitions make it a cultural heartbeat of downtown St. Pete, offering fresh experiences throughout the year.
A sensory oasis on Sarasota Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrates the beauty of the natural world through living collections and immersive botanical artistry. Known globally for its expansive orchid and bromeliad research, Selby Gardens blends science and creativity through exhibitions that reinterpret iconic works of art using botanical displays. With stunning waterfront vistas, historic landmarks and family programs, it’s a serene intersection of nature, culture and education. Enjoy lunch or brunch at the The Green Orchid by Michael’s On East and dinner on select nights.
The Ringling Museum is a sprawling cultural estate and Florida’s official state art museum, offering everything from European Old Masters to contemporary installations. Highlights include the ornate Ca’ d’Zan mansion, once home to circus magnate John Ringling, and the captivating Circus Museum chronicling America’s rich circus heritage. With lush gardens, architectural beauty, and a robust calendar of exhibitions and performances, The Ringling is a cultural powerhouse that reflects Sarasota’s artistic legacy.
Photography by Keir Magoulas, Courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is the region’s premier stage for live entertainment, hosting Broadway tours, opera, ballet, orchestral concerts, comedy and innovative contemporary theater. A centerpiece of Tampa’s Riverwalk, this multi-theater complex buzzes with creativity—from large-scale productions in Morsani Hall to intimate performances in the Jaeb and TECO theaters. With vibrant educational programs and year-round events, the Straz remains a cultural cornerstone shaping Tampa’s performing arts scene.
Renowned for its acoustics and intimate atmosphere, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater has long been a favorite venue for audiences and touring artists alike. The lineup spans chart-topping musicians, comedians, symphony performances, Broadway shows and family-friendly acts. Its coastal location and community-focused programs make it an essential stop for live entertainment across Pinellas County.
Located on the scenic downtown Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Museum of Art features a world-class collection spanning classical antiquities, modern and contemporary art, sculpture and photography. With rotating exhibitions, educational programs and public events, it’s a cultural hub for residents and visitors seeking diverse artistic experiences.
The Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the breathtaking glass works of Dale Chihuly. Housed in a purpose-built gallery, the collection showcases intricate sculptures, vibrant installations and immersive displays, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for art enthusiasts and collectors.
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) showcases photography from historic to contemporary works, offering exhibitions, workshops and events that highlight the medium’s artistic and documentary power.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg explores the art, history and culture of the American West through painting, sculpture and interactive exhibitions, paired with wildlife art and cultural artifacts.
The Imagine Museum is dedicated to contemporary glass art, featuring works from international artists and curated exhibitions. Its interactive displays and public programs celebrate creativity and craftsmanship in glass.
The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg stands as a powerful tribute to remembrance, human rights and education. Its thoughtful exhibitions include historical artifacts, survivor testimonies and rotating contemporary installations that explore themes of justice and resilience. As one of the nation’s largest Holocaust museums, it plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and understanding for future generations. M
Tampa Bay’s Arts & Culture Directory
The Dalí Museum
1 Dali Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 823-3767
www.thedali.org
Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg
255 Beach Dr. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-2667
www.mfastpete.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-5731
www.selby.org
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 359-5700
www.ringling.org
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N. MacInnes Pl
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-7827
www.strazcenter.org
Ruth Eckerd Hall
1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 791-7400
www.rutheckerdhall.com
The Florida Holocaust Museum
55 5th St. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 820-0100
www.thefhm.org
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 274-8130
www.tampamuseum.org
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
1630 E 7th Ave.,
Ybor City, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 222-1030
www.fmopa.org
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 892-4200
www.thejamesmuseum.org
Imagine Museum
1901 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 300-1700
www.imaginemuseum.com
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Water St.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 228-0097
www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza,
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 443-3861
www.glazermuseum.org
Chihuly Collection
720 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-4572
www.moreanartscenter.org
MOSI – Museum of Science & Industry
4801 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, Florida 33716
(813) 987-6000
www.mosi.org
