Museum of Fine Arts | St Petersburg

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in St. Petersburg, Florida, is one of the most comprehensive art museums on Florida’s west coast. It houses a diverse collection spanning 5,000 years of human history, from ancient civilizations to cutting-edge contemporary art. Established in 1965, the MFA serves as both a cultural landmark and an educational resource for the Tampa Bay area.

1. History and Founding

The museum was founded by Margaret Acheson Stuart, a philanthropist and arts patron who envisioned a world-class art institution in St. Petersburg. The original museum building was designed by architect John Volk in a traditional Palladian style, reflecting timeless elegance and dignity. Since its opening in 1965, the MFA has grown steadily, both in terms of its collection and public programming.

A major expansion occurred in 2008, with the opening of the Hazel Hough Wing, a 33,000-square-foot addition that added contemporary galleries, a café, a museum shop, and space for educational programs and events. This modern wing contrasts elegantly with the original architecture, integrating the classical with the contemporary.

2. Permanent Collection

The museum's permanent collection features over 20,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, and antiquities. It is notable for both its range and depth:

Ancient and Classical Art:

Artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, including statues, pottery, and funerary objects.

Examples of Pre-Columbian, Asian, and African art, with a focus on ceremonial and ritual objects.

European and American Art:

Paintings by renowned European artists such as:

Claude Monet (Impressionist)

Peter Paul Rubens (Baroque)

Gustave Courbet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir

American art from the 18th through 21st centuries, including works by:

Georgia O’Keeffe

John Singer Sargent

Winslow Homer

Milton Avery

Robert Rauschenberg

Modern and Contemporary Art:

Sculptures and paintings by artists such as Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Helen Frankenthaler, and Kehinde Wiley.

A growing focus on diverse voices, including African American, Latin American, and LGBTQ+ artists.

Photography:

One of the Southeast’s most significant collections of fine art photography.

Works by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston, and Cindy Sherman.

Focus on documentary, portraiture, and experimental styles.

3. Rotating Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the MFA hosts temporary exhibitions that change seasonally. These include:

"Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress" – a look at the elegance and history of the kimono.

"Ansel Adams: Photographs from the MFA Collection" – showcasing Adams’ iconic American landscapes.

"Explore the Vaults" – rotating displays of lesser-known works from the museum’s storage.

Special projects often highlight global art traditions, underrepresented artists, and experimental media.

4. Public Programs and Education

The MFA is deeply committed to public engagement through:

Docent-led tours offered on weekends.

Workshops and lectures on art history, technique, and cultural themes.

Family Days with hands-on activities and interactive storytelling.

Art in Bloom, an annual floral interpretation of select artworks.

Film screenings, musical performances, and artist talks, often in partnership with local institutions.

5. Café and Museum Shop

Café Clementine:

Located in the Hazel Hough Wing.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Offers fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and coffee.

Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the waterfront and garden.

MFA Shop:

Carries unique gifts, books, jewelry, art reproductions, and items inspired by current exhibitions.

6. Architecture and Design

The museum’s architecture blends classical and contemporary elements:

Original structure (1965): Classical columns, marble floors, and a grand central gallery.

Hazel Hough Wing (2008): Open-plan, light-filled galleries designed to showcase large contemporary works and provide flexible space for events.

The building faces Bayshore Drive NE, with views of Straub Park and Tampa Bay, making it a visually stunning destination in downtown St. Petersburg.

7. Visitor Information

Location: 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed Mondays

Special evening hours during events like Art After Dark

Admission (2025 rates):

Adults: $22

Seniors, military, educators, and college students: $17

Youth (7–17): $12

Children under 6: Free

Museums for All: Free admission for EBT cardholders

8. Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible.

Accessible restrooms and parking available.

Elevators connect all floors.

Large-print guides and sensory-friendly spaces are offered.

9. Parking and Transportation

Paid parking in the museum’s south lot and nearby city garages.

Additional street parking along Beach Drive.

Easily accessible by PSTA bus routes, trolleys, and local rideshare.

Summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg offers a world-class art experience with a diverse and extensive collection that spans continents and centuries. With a stunning location, varied exhibitions, and enriching programs, it appeals to seasoned art lovers, families, and first-time visitors alike. It’s one of Florida’s premier destinations for experiencing the breadth of human creativity in an elegant and approachable setting.