This summer, the Chihuly Collection began its move from Beach Drive to the thriving 700 Block stretch of Central Avenue. After much anticipation and buzz, the Chihuly makes its triumphant return to St. Pete with a homecoming celebration on October 14 — catered by Ruth's Chris, Sea Salt and FarmTable Kitchen, and a grand re-opening block party on Saturday, October 15. 

The re-opening block party on Saturday will include food from The Lure, Banyan Cafe, The Hyppo, Urban Brew & BBQ, VanChetta and Surf & Turf Food Truck. The ribbon cutting and block party are free to attend. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9:30am. Doors open to the galleries at 10am.

The new space, on the ground floor of the project that will also house a new Publix downtown, will give the Chihuly Collection nearly 1,200 more square feet of exhibit space (11,000-square-feet). The new location will also provide 4,000 square feet of outdoor space. "The Collection has made such a huge impact on the arts community of St. Petersburg as a whole,” stated Nancy Loehr, Morean Arts Center Board Chair in a release. "The excitement of being able to expand and improve the collection as well as continue the city’s transformation to a major arts destination is exhilarating."

The recently added gift store will be a part of the new space and the Chihuly's theater (removed to make room for the Beach Drive gift shop) will return as well. The expanded space will allow the collection to include a rotating exhibit dedicated to other glass artists from around the country. 

“Revenue generated through the Chihuly Collection helps sustain the educational programs at the Morean Arts Center. The Collection and the Morean will benefit greatly from their close proximity to each other. Guests will be able to see immediately the impact their dollars have on the local arts community," said Roger Ross, Morean Arts Center Interim Director. 

Chihuly Collection, 720 Central Avenue.