Top Art Museums in Tampa Bay Area

Where to go in Tampa Bay when you want a little culture and a good time

From a spectacular complex set on a 66-acre estate to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Salvador Dalí, the Tampa Bay area offers everything from masterpieces of the past to works by today’s foremost artists.

Salvador Dalí Museum

The permanent home of the world’s largest collection of works by Dalí, this museum houses approximately 95 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, as well as 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures, and objets d’art. It is situated on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, providing a stunning backdrop for art enthusiasts.

John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Situated on the shore of Sarasota Bay, this extensive 66-acre complex features 21 galleries displaying European, American, and Asian artists such as Rubens, Velázquez, and Gainsborough. Additionally, the site includes Cà d’Zan Mansion, the Ringlings’ waterfront residence built in 1926, the Circus Museum documenting the history of the Ringlings’ craft, Treviso Restaurant, Banyan Café, and two gift shops, making it a comprehensive cultural destination.

Tampa Museum of Art

This massive 66,000-square-foot museum features modern and contemporary art while also housing a comprehensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Notably, one side of the museum’s exterior is adorned with 14,000 LEDs, making the building itself a masterpiece.

Contemporary Art Museum at the University of South Florida

Located next to the USF College of Visual and Performing Arts in Tampa, the museum features a permanent collection of over 5,000 contemporary graphics, sculpture multiples, photography, and works by renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg. Moreover, it offers an extensive representation of contemporary photography and African art, although guests should check ahead regarding exhibition schedules, as the museum occasionally closes between shows.

St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts

Founded by Margaret Acheson Stuart, this museum’s collection includes a variety of fine examples of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century European art, 19th and 20th-century American art, as well as significant Greek, Roman, pre-Columbian, and Asian works. This diversity adds richness to the cultural experience available in the area.