CITY OF THE ARTS
Cocktails,
Book
Clubs
& Crafts
Museums all over the world
are cultural treasure
houses of great art. But in
the past, visiting could be an intimidating
experience, out of reach for many.
No longer. Today’s museums are reaching
out, engaging the community, and
opening their doors in unique, non-traditional
ways. As the arts and cultural
capital of Florida’s west coast, St. Pete’s
museums are doing an outstanding job.
The welcome mat is out for everyone of
all ages and interests.
NOT YOUR GRANDPARENT’S
MUSEUM
St. Pete’s craft breweries and sidewalk
cafes aren’t the only place to connect
with friends after a long day at work. Try
happy hour at the ‘Burg’s museums. It
just might be the coolest place in town
to enjoy a glass of wine or a craft cocktail,
listen to live music and visit the gal-
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admission price.
Tuesday and Thursday seems to be
the most popular evenings for mixing
and mingling. Immerse yourself in spectacular
American Studio art glass at
the Imagine Museum. Experience the
vistas, people and culture of the west at
the James Museum, or explore great art
through the ages at the Museum of
Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.
Last year, the Museum of Fine Arts,
St. Petersburg hosted over 150 community
programs, says Julie Wilson,
director of marketing and communications.
“It’s fun to create experiences
that make the museum come alive
while educating visitors about these
important works of art right here in our
community,“ says Wilson. “We get to
create awesome events, like partnering
with the University of South Florida
St. Petersburg and local craft breweries
to create new beer recipes inspired by
our collection of 2,500 year-old Antioch
mosaics.”
Bernice Chu, founding director of
the James Museum, agrees. “We are
always developing new ways to connect
people with art through artist talks,
art workshops, children’s activities and
performances. We’re committed to
innovative programming that inspires
an interest in the stories and diverse
cultures of the American West.”
Community connection is what it’s
all about as museums open their doors
to events that celebrate art, music, literature,
food and libations. At the Dr.
Carter G. Woodson African American
Museum, the community is invited to
a Sunday afternoon of chamber music
concerts presented by the Florida
Orchestra.
Every third Thursday of the month,
The Museum of Fine Arts hosts
Cocktails & Collections, with live music,
custom docent tours, light bites and
craft cocktails to go along with a current
exhibition, such as Spanish classical
guitar and Sangria to accompany
“Feast for the Eyes,” a collection of
European masterpieces and still life
“We are always developing
new ways to connect
people with art through
artist talks, art workshops,
children’s activities and
performances."
— Bernice Chu, founding director of
the James Museum
St. Pete's Museums are Social,
Connected and Fun.
Guests learning to line dance
during a western-themed fundraiser
at the James Museum.
Photo courtesy James Museum.
6 'BURGLIFE | Living, Working and Playing in St. Petersburg, FL