Artis-Naples | Naples City

Artis—Naples is a multidisciplinary cultural institution in Naples, Florida, dedicated to both visual and performing arts. It serves as the cultural heart of Southwest Florida and brings together world-class visual arts, classical music, Broadway performances, jazz, dance, and educational programs under one organizational umbrella.

History and Mission

Artis—Naples was originally founded as the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in 1989. Over time, it expanded its mission to encompass both the visual and performing arts, eventually rebranding as Artis—Naples in 2013. The name reflects the dual commitment to art and performance ("Artis" deriving from the Latin word for arts). It aims to inspire, educate, and entertain the community through a wide range of high-quality artistic experiences.

Campus and Facilities

The institution is located on an 8.5-acre cultural campus in the Pelican Bay area of Naples, Florida. The campus includes:

Hayes Hall: A state-of-the-art 1,477-seat main concert and performance hall. It hosts symphony concerts, Broadway shows, pop performances, dance productions, and lectures.

Daniels Pavilion: A 283-seat black box theater ideal for chamber music, jazz, experimental theater, and intimate performances.

The Baker Museum: A three-story fine arts museum known for its modern and contemporary art collections and rotating exhibitions.

Toni Stabile Education Building: A space dedicated to workshops, lectures, and community engagement programs.

Kohan Administration Building: Houses executive and administrative offices.

The Baker Museum

The museum is one of the leading art institutions in Southwest Florida and reopened in 2020 after a major renovation and expansion. It features:

Over 4,000 pieces in its permanent collection, focusing on American and Mexican modernism.

Major holdings like:

Ahmet Ertegun Collection of Modern Art

Olga Hirshhorn Collection

Harry Pollak Collection

Special exhibitions from institutions like the Smithsonian, Crystal Bridges, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Educational programs, guided tours, lectures, and family-friendly activities.

Naples Philharmonic

The resident orchestra of Artis—Naples was founded in 1982 and performs more than 140 concerts annually. Its repertoire ranges from classical masterpieces to pops, film music, opera, ballet accompaniment, and new compositions. Key points:

Music Director: Alexander Shelley (as of 2024).

Hosts internationally acclaimed guest artists and conductors.

Runs a robust chamber music and jazz series.

Annual and Seasonal Programming

Artis—Naples offers a diverse and ambitious slate of programming each season, including:

Broadway Series: Touring Broadway musicals such as MJ: The Musical, Pretty Woman, and The Cher Show.

Masterworks Series: Full symphonic concerts with major soloists and composers like Rachmaninoff, Strauss, and Shostakovich.

Visiting Orchestras & Artists: Features top-tier guest ensembles and performers.

Jazz Series: Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra with regular guest vocalists and instrumentalists.

Film & Lecture Series: Includes National Geographic Live, cinema screenings with live scores, and guest speaker events.

Holiday & Pops Concerts: Seasonal favorites and themed programs.

Education and Outreach

Education is central to Artis—Naples’ mission, reaching thousands of students and adults through:

Youth Programs: Free and subsidized access to concerts, in-school visits by musicians and artists, instrument petting zoos, and scholarships.

School Partnerships: Collaborations with Collier and Lee County schools.

Adults & Seniors: Includes continuing education lectures, study groups, and behind-the-scenes programs.

Community Days: Free museum admission, concerts, and family activities.

Funding and Leadership

Artis—Naples is a nonprofit organization supported through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and endowments. Its leadership includes:

CEO and President: Kathleen van Bergen (as of 2024)

A governing board of trustees and an advisory board

Major philanthropic support has come from donors such as Jay and Patty Baker, whose contributions were instrumental in the creation and expansion of The Baker Museum.

Cultural Significance

Artis—Naples is not just a local cultural center; it's one of the most comprehensive and respected cultural institutions in the southeastern United States. It draws artists and audiences from around the country and plays a key role in making Naples a cultural destination.

If you're looking for more detail about any of these aspects (e.g., upcoming exhibitions, performers, or educational programs), feel free to ask.