Although no scientific study has been dedicated to proving it, the adult human probably has a limit for absorbing Disney World-type attractions or sprawling on a sunny beach. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has some attractive alternatives in the realm of art. The St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts is an unexpected pleasure. The brainchild of a local woman, Margaret Acheson Stuart, the graceful Palladian-style building opened to the public in 1965. It was enlarged last year, in a move that added 10 galleries, as well as offices and storage space.
Priding itself on being a complete museum, the museum`s collection ranges from Etruscan through the most modern art. But it has some special things.
Near the front door hangs ”Poppy” by Georgia O`Keeffe.
In another small gallery are some exquisite Albrecht Durer drawings. There is also a small collection of French impressionist works and an interesting family portrait of the DeKempenaer family painted in Holland in the mid-17th Century.
The painting has been handed down through that family for more than 300 years; the current owner lives in St. Petersburg and has lent it to the museum.
The museum`s large collection of Steuben glass is rotated constantly.
Displayed on black velvet in a dim room and artistically lit, this is a wonderful surprise.
Across the bay is the Tampa Museum of Art. The museum is part of a civic- center area blossoming on the banks of the Hillsborough River, across from the gleaming minarets of the University of Tampa.
You might want to make a full day of it by seeing the art museum in the afternoon, dining downtown and then visiting Curtis Hixon Hall (performing arts center) in the evening.
The Joseph Veach Noble Collection of classical Greek and Roman antiquities and the participatory gallery at the museum are noteworthy. The latter is especially good for children during summer vacations. Activities there are keyed to the exhibitions in the main hall and allow kids to experiment with everything from kite-making to soap-carving. Call ahead, as space for these programs is limited.
– Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; noon to 5 p.m. Mondays until Easter. Admission: $4; $2.50 for students and seniors. Information: 813-823-3767.
– Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the third Thursday of every month; closed Monday. Admission: Suggested donation of $2. Information: 813-896-2667. (If you visit before May, go on a Tuesday afternoon, take the 2 p.m. guided tour and then retire to the gardens for tea. Reservations are a must.)
– Tampa Museum of Art, 601 Carlton Drive, Tampa. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. Admission: $3 suggested donation. Information:
813-223-8130.
