Let the surrealist art at The Dalí melt your mind. | Photo via @sabio28
Museums are the cultural hubs of TBAY. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Tampa or St. Pete, or simply plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 20 museums to visit in our area.
Arts
The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg | $0-$29
This glass and concrete architectural marvel contains the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s artwork outside of Spain.
Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, St. Petersburg | $0-$25
The modern building lives right in the heart of downtown St. Pete with 2,000+ objects related to the American Arts and Crafts movement, from rare furniture to leaded glass.
Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa | $0-$25
At this museum, you can find 5,000 years of artwork from around the world. Its permanent collection includes priceless masterpieces by legendary artists like Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
FloridaRAMA, St. Petersburg | $19-$27
Enter St. Pete’s very own dreamscape blending art and technology with works by 70+ artists.
Don’t miss: We love the mirrored manatee and the life-sized shrimp cocktail — and we wish both were real.
Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, Safety Harbor | $0+
The nonprofit, mirrored mosaic venue boasts an ODD-itorium, magical unicorn, and giant elephant sculptures — in addition to its slate of classes and events.
Don’t miss: Best of all, wander next door to explore Whimzeyland: a vibrant folk art wonderland with a colorful home and yard filled with recycled shrines and 600 bowling balls.
Special interest
Take a trip down Western memory lane at the James.
Photo via TBAYtoday
Tampa Bay Watch and Discovery Center, St. Petersburg | $0-$3
You’ve probably walked right by this learning hub on your morning stroll down the Pier. Next time, stop in the center to check out the interactive exhibits, video presentations, touch tank, or hop on a tour.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg | $0-$23
One gallery flows to another at this museum that aims to educate about the old American West, Native American life, and the history of the pioneers and immigrants that shaped the US.
Costume & Yoga | Tuesday, Oct. 22 + Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $20 | Pull on your best costume for a Halloween-y flow at the Western art museum — bring your own mat and props.
“When Evil Lurks” | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $10 | Watch with baited breath as two brothers attempt stop the spreading of an evil, supernatural disease in their small town.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Taste of Water Street | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf | $95 | Now’s your chance to sample dozens of eats from the foodie neighborhood’s best spots.
Indulge and Unwind: Chocolate and Wine Tasting | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | The Study Wine & Beer Lounge St. Pete | $40 | Indulge in rich chocolates from Schakolad paired with wines from around the world.
Mat Pilates With JETSET Pilates | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Make the most of Florida fall with an open-air, total-body workout overlooking the river — BYO mat and towel.
“Gorey Stories” | Wednesday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa | $30+ | It’s the opening week of the Straz’s latest show, a neo-gothic cabaret featuring wild creatures, weird characters, and humorous, horrid happenings.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Tori Bar Takeover | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5-10 p.m. | Haven, Tampa | Price of purchase | This one-night dining experience blends Tori Bar, Tampa’s Japanese tapas destination, and Haven’s new American cuisine.
How will the hurricanes impact voting? In sum, Pinellas County extended early voting until election day + displaced residents can still make mail ballot requests. We rounded up some tips to get you prepped to exercise your right now that early voting’s underway. (Tampa Bay Times)
Number
$107+ million. That’s how much FEMA has granted Pinellas residents impacted by Milton and Helene thus far. As of late last week, ~99,000 had applied for individual assistance. Reminder: You can apply now for aid if you were impacted by either hurricane. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Sports
So where will the Rays play come April? One standout option is The Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. St. Pete is still waiting to find out how much insurance will cover to replace the shredded roof. (Tampa Bay Times)
Community
Calling all cool cats and kittens. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay needs your help. Drop off towels + dog and cat toys seven days a week to support our furry friends.
Seasonal
Movies under the stars? Sounds de-frightful. Head to Armature Works on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. for a double screening of “Hocus Pocus” and “Scream.” Make sure to bring a blanket and chairs or upgrade for a VIP experience. (That’s So Tampa)
Plan Ahead
We hope you like fish. The Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival returns Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10. The massive foodie fest takes over the Sponge Docks with an Oyster Eating Contest, Stone Crab Eating Contest, Master Chefs of the Sea Competition, and tons of fresh seafood delights. (I Love the Burg)
Ranked
No. 70. That’s where Tampa ranked on WalletHub’s “Greenest Cities in America” list. The list was compiled using factors like transportation, energy sources, and policy. The Burg followed at No. 84.
Sports
The Lightning are looking for some wins on the road. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Featured Deal
Head to the place where summer never ends this winter with The Seagate’s 5th Night Free special. Be among the first to experience the reimagined property at Delray Beach (psst: see photos here) and get a fifth night free plus two free poolside cocktails. Use code WINTER to snag the deal.*
Number
$453. That’s a real flight deal from Tampa International to Rome this year. Sign up for Going’s Premium plan + never miss a great deal again.*
Travel
For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or at a discounted rate. Members access AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365, plus savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel. Join AAA before this deal ends.*
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Bailey
If I can give you an unsolicited opinion — and I will — getting a museum membership is one of the best ways to get more involved in your city.
I recently joined the Trailblazers program at the James, and in addition to tons of yoga flows, tours, and other events, it’s an incredible way to meet people you might not normally be exposed to + feel more connected to the community. But you should find the right spot for you, and let us know how it goes.
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