While the beaches, sunshine and murals have made St. Petersburg one of the country’s top destinations, the incredible beauty, culture and history continues indoors, too. St. Pete’s amazing collection of museums is enough to fill a full week’s itinerary, and we’re here to guide you through. This list is certainly not definitive, as the area is home to more than two dozen museums, but these are a handpicked selection of some of our favorites.
From art or history to science or nature, you can find a museum for anyone in St. Pete. Check museum websites for current hours of operation.
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The Dalí Museum
The largest collection of Salvador Dalí works outside of his home country of Spain, The Dalí is a globally celebrated museum and an architectural masterpiece. In addition to the breathtaking Dalí pieces, the museum presents special galleries throughout the year, such as the Picasso exhibit on display now, giving first-time and repeat visitors alike something new every time. Stop by Café Gala for delicious pastries, salads, sandwiches, small plates, coffees, beer and wine.
1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg FL
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Inside this stunningly beautiful museum, guests explore their way through 26,000 square feet of gallery space housing more than 400 premier works of art, including sculpture, paintings and jewelry. It’s an inspirational collecting of art depicting the peoples, landscapes and history of the American West, and wildlife of the world. The James welcomes in world-class traveling galleries throughout the year and has a constant stream of events for adults and children.
150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg FL
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Sitting in prime location by the water on Beach Drive, The Museum of Fine Arts has an encyclopedic collection of art from around the globe and across the centuries, with almost 5,000 years of civilization represented by more than 18,000 objects. The collection includes works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Jacob Lawrence and many others, as well as ancient Greek and Roman, Asian, African, Art of the Americas and Native American art. Be on the lookout for the soon-to-open Café Clementine for delectable eats.
255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg FL
St. Petersburg Museum of History
For a century, the St. Petersburg Museum of History has shared the stories of the Sunshine City. From the birth of commercial aviation and MLB spring training here in the Sunshine City to the vast accomplishments of early Pinellas Pioneers, the St. Petersburg Museum of History offers something for everyone. Inside, guests will uncover surprises at every turn, including a two-headed calf, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, a working replica of the Benoist XIV airboat, and the world’s largest collection of autographed baseballs. The museum is set to soon begin a 10,000 square foot expansion and renovation, including a rooftop restaurant overlooking the St. Pete Pier.
335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum
Named in honor of the distinguished Black historian and author who helped found Black History Month, the Woodson Museum is a living preservation of the history of African Americans in the St. Petersburg community and throughout the African Diaspora, as well as a celebration of the art and culture behind it. Located in the Historic Deuces Corridor, the museum will soon have a new and incredible expanded home as part of a $27 million plan for a 30,000 square foot facility just down the street.
2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
The Florida Holocaust Museum
Through a superbly detailed and sobering presentation of artifacts, photos, artwork and videos, The Florida Holocaust Museum offers a deeper look into the realities of our past in a meaningful and incredibly well-crafted experience. Notably, the museum is home to one of the few remaining railroad boxcars of the type used by the Nazis to transport Jews and other prisoners to places like Auschwitz and Treblinka. Boxcar #113 069-5 now rests on original tracks from the Treblinka Killing Center as a silent tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust and is featured as part of the History, Heritage and Hope permanent exhibition.
55 5th St S, St. Petersburg FL
More museums absolutely worth visiting:
Chihuly Collection – Permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork
Fairgrounds St. Pete – Immersive world of playful art and technology exhibits based on original Florida stories
Great Explorations – Educational and experiential children’s museum
Imagine Museum – Contemporary gallery showcasing works by American emerging & established studio glass artists
Morean Arts Center – Contemporary art gallery free and open to the public daily
Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement – The only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Arts and Crafts movement
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