PSA: Most time slots are already sold out. Limited availability for 1pm and 2pm time slots left!

One of the breakout family events of 2023 is back for year two. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art announced that the 2nd annual Menagerie at the Museum will take place on Saturday, August 17 from 10 am – 3 pm, bringing an incredible day of live animals, amazing art and family-friendly fun to downtown St. Pete.

After last year’s event sold out completely, The James is going even bigger in 2024, partnering with more than half a dozen local organizations to make it an epic adventure for kids and adults of all ages. Menagerie at the Museum includes live animal encounters with local wildlife, wildlife gallery exploration, kid-approved activities (face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon animals and more), and of course, full access to the entire collection at The James Museum as part of admission. Tickets are $5 per person for all ages, with timed entry slots every 30 minutes beginning at 10 am.

After last year’s sellout event, we certainly recommend getting your tickets soon, as the first hour of entry is already sold out. Of note, timed tickets are just for entry to the ballroom to see the animals. Guests can arrive before their time and get into the museum to enjoy the gallery and interactive activities such as face painting and art making.

“People are naturally curious about animals. By bringing Menagerie at the Museum back for a second year, guests of all ages get another chance to interact with animals in ways they normally can’t in the wild,” stated Robin Nicholson, Executive Director of The James Museum. “For our youngest guests, who perhaps are coming to a museum for the first time, it’s a special experience to see an animal up close and then witness artistic depictions in our Wildlife Gallery.”

With full access to the museum, $5 is an incredible deal for the two-in-one adventure. The family-friendly indoor event features real owls, hawks, kestrels, eagles, snakes, alligators, lemurs, puppies, miniature horses and more. And to keep guests energized, Golden Dinosaur will be on hand offering vegan lunches. Plus, it’s one of the few activities you can plan that you know won’t be interrupted by rain this time of year.

To bring Menagerie at the Museum to life, The James Museum worked with a long list of local favorites to create an incredible, diverse and immersive experience. Partners include the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures, Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, and Pet Pal Animal Shelter, among others.

Learn more and get tickets at thejamesmuseum.org.