Museum of Fine Arts: A Waterfront Gem

Discover 5,000 years of art history at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to masterpieces by Monet, O'Keeffe, and a renowned photography collection on the downtown waterfront.

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Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg stands as a beacon of culture on Florida's Sun Coast. Founded in 1965 by Margaret Acheson Stuart, the MFA boasts an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Its diverse holdings include works by Monet, O'Keeffe, and Wiley, alongside a renowned photography collection and captivating traveling exhibitions. Beyond the art, the museum offers a welcoming atmosphere with docent-led tours, a charming café, and beautiful gardens overlooking Tampa Bay. With its commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the MFA provides an enriching experience for art lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Paid parking is available, and the museum is easily accessible from downtown St. Petersburg.

A brief summary to Museum of Fine Arts

255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, Downtown, Florida, 33701, US
+1727-896-2667
Visit website

Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Take a docent-led tour to gain deeper insights into the museum's collection and learn fascinating stories behind the artworks.
Visit on a Thursday evening for Art After Dark, featuring reduced admission and special programming.
Check the museum's calendar for upcoming exhibitions and events to plan your visit around specific interests.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Stuart Sculpture Garden, offering beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
Utilize the ParkMobile app for convenient parking payment at metered spaces near the museum.

Getting There

Walking

From the St. Pete Pier, walk south along Bayshore Drive NE. The Museum of Fine Arts will be on your left, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Enjoy the scenic waterfront views along the way.
Public Transport

The Downtown Looper trolley offers free transportation around downtown St. Petersburg. Check the PSTA website for the most up-to-date route and schedule. The SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit has stops within walking distance. From the nearest SunRunner stop, follow the signs towards Beach Drive and the waterfront. A regular PSTA cash fare is $2.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown St. Petersburg. A short ride from the pier or other downtown locations to the Museum of Fine Arts typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

From I-275, take exit 23A for I-375 East toward The Pier. Follow I-375 East to 4th Avenue North. Turn right onto 4th Avenue North and continue to Beach Drive NE. Turn left onto Beach Drive NE. The museum will be on your right. Paid self-parking is available in the museum's south lot and along Bayshore Drive, with payment accepted via the Parkmobile app or kiosk. Hourly parking rates in downtown St. Petersburg typically range from $1 to $2 per hour, with daily maximums between $8 and $10. Several parking garages are also located within walking distance, such as the Sundial Parking Garage (117 2nd Street N) and the SouthCore Garage (101 1st Avenue South).

Discover more about Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in St. Petersburg is a cultural cornerstone, gracing the city's downtown waterfront with its elegant presence. Founded by philanthropist Margaret Acheson Stuart, the museum opened its doors in 1965, becoming the first art museum in St. Petersburg. Stuart envisioned a space where outstanding examples of world art could be displayed in an inviting and elegant setting, a vision that continues to resonate today. The MFA's collection is encyclopedic, encompassing over 20,000 objects that span 5,000 years of human history. Visitors can journey through galleries showcasing art from antiquity to the present day, encountering masterpieces from various cultures and time periods. The museum's holdings include significant works by European masters such as Claude Monet, Camille Corot, and Berthe Morisot, as well as American icons like Georgia O'Keeffe and contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley. The MFA also boasts a renowned photography collection, considered one of the largest and most respected in the Southeast. Beyond its impressive permanent collection, the MFA presents a dynamic program of traveling exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives and diverse artistic voices to St. Petersburg. These exhibitions complement the museum's existing holdings, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and explore different themes and styles. Recent exhibitions have included "Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress", "Nina Yankowitz 'In the Out, Out the In,'" and "In Caravaggio's Light | Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi". The MFA is more than just a repository of art; it is a vibrant community hub that fosters a deeper understanding of art and its impact on the world. The museum offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, including docent-led tours, lectures, workshops, and family activities. These programs provide visitors with opportunities to learn about art, engage with artists, and connect with other art enthusiasts. The museum building itself is an architectural gem, designed by John Volk to evoke a sense of permanence and elegance. The building features a curving colonnade on Beach Drive, creating a welcoming entrance for visitors. In 2008, the museum underwent a significant expansion with the addition of the Hazel Hough Wing, more than doubling the museum's size and providing space for special exhibitions and educational programs. The MFA also offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Café Clementine provides a relaxing setting for enjoying a meal or snack, while the MFA Shop offers a curated selection of art-related gifts and souvenirs. The museum's gardens, including the Stuart Sculpture Garden, provide a tranquil oasis overlooking Tampa Bay, inviting visitors to stroll and contemplate the art in a natural setting. The Museum of Fine Arts is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy its collections and programs. The museum offers a range of accessibility services, including wheelchair rentals, assistive listening devices, and sensory-friendly programs. ASL-interpreted tours are available with advance notice. The MFA is supported in part by the Margaret Acheson Stuart Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the museum's exhibitions, education programs, and acquisitions. The Stuart Society hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Art in Bloom floral exhibition and the Smartly Dressed fashion show. Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts is an enriching experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado or a curious newcomer, you will find inspiration and delight in the MFA's diverse collections, engaging programs, and welcoming atmosphere. The museum is a true treasure of St. Petersburg, contributing to the city's vibrant cultural scene and enriching the lives of its residents and visitors. The Museum of Fine Arts stands as a testament to the power of art to connect people, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Its enduring legacy is a gift to the community, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of art.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Chamber of Commerce Bldg

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Segway Experience of St. Pete

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Demens Landing Historical Landmark

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Discover the charm and history of Demens Landing Historical Landmark in St. Petersburg, where scenic beauty meets rich cultural heritage.

St. Petersburg Preservation

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Explore St. Petersburg's rich cultural history at the St. Petersburg Preservation, a dedicated hub for heritage and community engagement in Florida.

Memorial to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers

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Explore the Memorial to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers, a serene tribute celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement heroes.

Snell Arcade

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St Petersburg Neighborhood

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Ten Mile World Record - Historical Landmark

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S. H. Kress and Co. Building, St. Petersburg, FL

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Historic St. Petersburg YMCA

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The Florida Holocaust Museum

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Executive Helicopter Tours

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Welcome to St. Petersburg sign

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Studebaker Building

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Discover Cozette's Boutique in St. Petersburg, where unique women's fashion meets artistry in a charming shopping experience.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Flute & Dram

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Discover the lively bar scene at Flute & Dram, where innovative cocktails meet stunning waterfront views in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Ale and the Witch

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Discover St. Petersburg's craft beer haven at The Ale and the Witch, where vibrant nightlife meets an extensive selection of local brews.

Birchwood Canopy

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Copper Shaker

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Cane and Barrel Rooftop Bar

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Good Night John Boy

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Club 201 at the Detroit

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Welcome To The Farm

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Mandarin Hide

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Five Bucks Drinkery

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Saigon Blonde

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Ruby's Elixir

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The Ship's Hold

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Pier Teaki

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Museum of Fine Arts: A Waterfront Gem

A brief summary to Museum of Fine Arts

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Museum of Fine Arts

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Museum of Fine Arts

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Chamber of Commerce Bldg

Segway Experience of St. Pete

Demens Landing Historical Landmark

St. Petersburg Preservation

Memorial to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers

Snell Arcade

St Petersburg Neighborhood

Ten Mile World Record - Historical Landmark

S. H. Kress and Co. Building, St. Petersburg, FL

Historic St. Petersburg YMCA

The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)

The Florida Holocaust Museum

Executive Helicopter Tours

Welcome to St. Petersburg sign

Studebaker Building

Unmissable attractions to see

Beach Dr NE

St. Pete Pier

St. Petersburg Museum of History

Doo's Amazing Tours

Dracula's Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro

North Straub Park

South Straub Park

Ghost Tour of St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay

Street art

Pioneer Park

Benoist Plaza

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

Spa Beach

Tadeusz Kosciuszko Monument

Demens Landing Park

Essential places to dine

Tryst Gastro Lounge

Stillwaters Tavern

Parkshore Grill

BellaBrava

Allelo

Fresco's Waterfront Bistro

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Cassis St. Pete

Birch & Vine

Bacchus Wine Bistro

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sea Salt

Mio’s Grill & Cafe

Social Roost

Paul's Landing

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pink Soleil - A Lilly Pulitzer Specialty Boutique

The Sundial

Coastal Soul Boutique

Pippa Pelure

Adventures In Paradise Outfitters

Vogue Society Boutique

The Boutique Butterfly, LLC

Pier Gear & Gifts

z•aa dress up studio

MISRED Outfitters

Plain Jane

ZaZoo'd

Christy's Enchanted Notions

The Merchant - Purveyor of Local Goods

Cozette's Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Flute & Dram

The Ale and the Witch