Museum of Fine Arts (St. Petersburg, Florida) facts for kids
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Established | 1965 |
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Location | 255 Beach Drive NE Saint Petersburg, Florida |
Type | Art |
Public transit access | downtown Looper Trolley |
The Museum of Fine Arts is a fantastic place to explore art. It is located on the sunny Sun Coast in Saint Petersburg, Florida. This museum is home to many incredible artworks from different times and places.
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Discover the Museum of Fine Arts!
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is a special spot where you can see art from all over the world. It's a place where history and creativity come alive. You can find it right on the waterfront in St. Petersburg, Florida.
A Look Back: The Museum's Story
The museum has a cool history, starting with a generous art lover.
How the Museum Began
The Museum of Fine Arts was started by a woman named Margaret Acheson Stuart. She was a philanthropist, which means she loved to help others and gave money to good causes. The museum's support group, the Margaret Acheson Stuart Society, is named after her.
The city of St. Petersburg gave the museum a beautiful four-acre spot by the water. The Junior League of St. Petersburg also helped by providing resources for a big room called The Great Hall. The building was designed by an architect named John Volk. He wanted the museum to feel strong and lasting, like a timeless treasure. The MFA first opened its doors in 1965. It was the very first art museum in St. Petersburg!
Growing Bigger and Better
The museum grew much larger in 2008. A new part, called the Hazel Hough wing, was added. This expansion made the museum more than twice its original size. It gave the museum more space to show off its amazing collections.
The museum's collection covers over 5,000 years of human history. Imagine seeing art from ancient times all the way to today! You can find important works by famous artists like Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Kehinde Wiley.
Amazing Artworks and Shows
The Museum of Fine Arts always has exciting things to see. They have a huge collection and often host special shows.
Past Exhibitions to Explore
Over the last few years, the museum has featured many interesting exhibitions. These shows bring different types of art to visitors. Some past exhibitions include:
- Art of the Stage: Picasso to Hockney (2020)
- From Margins to Mainstays: Highlights from the Photography Collection (2021)
- Gio Swaby's Fresh Up (2022)
- True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism (2023)
- Claudia Pena Salinas' Aha Can (2024)
- Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress (2025)
These exhibitions let you see art from different cultures and time periods. They are a great way to learn about art and the world!