American Craftsman Museum begins training docents ahead of 2020 opening

The American Craftsman Museum has been years in the making. I had actually just started working for I Love The Burg back in 2013/14 when the concept was initially announced. Knock on wood, we could finally be in the home stretch of this massive museum officially opening downtown.

A recent post from the museum announced an new docent orientation. The orientation will be held at The St. Pete Main Library on January 23 from 3-4pm. Those interested in attending should email Andrea Morgan, Director of Education at volunteers@museumaacm.org.

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Opening in the spring of 2020

An official opening date is still TBA, but the current progress seems promising. In October 2019, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the official opening was bumped to spring 2020. Let’s hope they stay on target.

More than just a museum, this monolithic development will feature Ambrosia restaurant, a huge library, and a gorgeous events venue.

The Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement is an extensive collection of furniture, pottery, tile, metalwork, lighting, photography and other decorative arts from the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Museum acquires Frank Lloyd Wright chairs 

At the start of January 2020 Rudy Ciccarello, Founder of the Two Red Roses Foundation of Palm Harbor, Florida, announced the acquisition of four extremely rare and iconic high-back dining room chairs designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). These chairs will be part of a wide display of items at the museum when it opens.

The $90 million museum will span 137,000 square feet and soar five stories. Once finished, it will house a retail shop, event space, a 100-seat auditorium, an area for children’s education, a graphic arts studio and administrative offices.

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Design by Alberto Alfonso 

Architect Alberto Alfonso, of Alfonso Architects, and Museum Founder, Rudy Ciccarello, designed the entire space. It is in itself a work of living art. 

Follow the museum of Facebook for updates.

American Craftsman Museum, 355 4th Street N