THE ARTS CENTER, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-7872). With five separate galleries, The Arts Center boasts a wide range of art by locally, nationally and internationally known artists. Upcoming summer exhibits include Nancy Cervenka: Coming into Focus; Where Two Roads Meet: The Photography of Peter Schreyer & Rick Lang; Love – Lost & Found: Polaroids by Barbra Oosting; Ric Savid: Portraits from Italy; Artful Pride III; and The Star-Spangled Banner: Word & Image High School (all May 27-July 10). Other summer exhibits: Marks & Metaphors: 2005 Members Exhibition, Enigma: Mixed-Media Works by Rose Marie Prins, and Rebecca Skelton: Rondo (LL July 22-Aug. 21). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Free Admission. www.theartscenter.org.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (800-777-9882). The museum's largest permanent installation is Cuban Missile Crisis, highlighting the tense events of October 1962. Traveling exhibits pass through the museum on a regular basis; the main one of the moment is A Century of Jewelry & Gems 1785-1885: The Collection of Nancy and Gilbert Levine (through June 5). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $5 for ages 6-18 (special exhibits cost more). www.floridamuseum.org.
GULF COAST MUSEUM OF ART, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). Currently, GCMA exhibits Sean Sexton: A Pastoral Life Inside/Out, featuring oil paintings and sketchbook/journals by a Florida artist who also makes a living as a rancher (through June 26); and Temples of Light, illuminated outdoor sculptures and site-specific installations by Linda Howard. Coming up: Pinellas County High School Survey 2005, a juried exhibit of works produced by high school students throughout Pinellas County during the 2004-05 school year (June 5-July 31); and Studioworks Exhibition, another juried exhibit, this time featuring works by the museum's students and instructors (July 10-Aug. 14). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students with valid I.D., and free for museum members and kids 12 and younger. www.gulfcoastmuseum.org.
LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART, 600 Klosterman Road, Palm Harbor (727-712-5762). Much of the museum's permanent collection includes works by figurative expressionist Abraham Rattner (1893-1978) and his stepson, Allen Leepa (b. 1919). LRMA currently hosts Yunta: A Spaniard in Paris, featuring oil paintings and pen-and-ink drawings capturing scenes of everyday life (through July 10). Upcoming: Fragile Florida: Watercolor Paintings by Taylor Ikin (July 14-Sept. 4). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. on Thurs.), 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior, and free to children and students. www.spjc.edu/central/museum.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg (727-896-2667). MFA's impressive permanent collection contains approximately 4,000 works. Current exhibits: Life is a Catwalk, featuring 20 photographs by Columbian artist Jaime Avila (through June 12); Connoisseurs of Clay: Collecting Contemporary Ceramics, 70 objects offering a comprehensive view of the potential of clay (through July 24); Untangling Intaglios and Other Print Processes Made Plain, a selection of prints from the permanent collection (through July 24); Jacob Lawrence: Toussaint L'Ouverture, a portfolio of 15 prints based on a series of paintings completed in the 1930s (through July 24); and Wedgwood Pottery: From Ancient Greece to Fairyland (through Nov. 13). Upcoming: A is for Ambrotype: An Introduction to Photographic Processes (June 18-Sept. 11); and Splendors of Meiji Japan, Spotlight on the Collection: A Selection of Post-1950 Art, and John Scott: I Remember Birmingham (Aug. 6-Oct. 23). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students with I.D., $4 for ages 7-18, and free to children 6 and younger. www.fine-arts.org.
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg (727-823-3767). The most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali's works in the world, including several key masterworks. TRACES (of the avant-garde): A New Commissions Gallery, is the museum's new, multi-purpose space for artists whose works reflect the spirit of Dalí and the avant-garde. The inaugural exhibit showcases the works of Catalan video artist Jordi Colomer (through May 31). Also showing: Dalí Revealed: Land, Myth, Perception and God features works from the museum's permanent collection exploring the four thematic areas that the artist was most preoccupied with during his career (through Oct. 31); and Tilting at Windmills: Dali Illustrates Cervantes' Don Quixote, featuring illustrations by Dalí created for Miguel Cervantes' classic novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha (through Oct. 30). 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.), noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for students, and $3.50 for children 5-9. www.salvadordalimusuem.org.
TAMPA GALLERY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS, 1627 W. Snow Circle, Old Hyde Park Village (813-251-1800). The nonprofit photography museum exhibits Development of Perception: The Child's Journey, a show of images and writings created during TGPA's monthly Children's Literacy Through Photography Program (May 20-June 26). Upcoming: Fifth Annual Member's Exhibition (July 29-Aug. 28). 6-8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission (donations welcome). www.tgpa.org.
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). The museum's major ongoing exhibit, The Classical World, is an installation of more than 400 Greek and Roman antiquities, mostly drawn from the museum's permanent collection. Other exhibits include Arte 2005: Latin American Photography (through July 3); Bud Lee: Picture Maker, a career retrospective of 60 images by the beloved Plant City photographer (through July 10); Understanding Form and Function: Why Was This Made? (through July 10). Upcoming: Who Am I?: Exploring Identity (July 24-Oct. 16). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, $3 for students and kids over 6, free for children 6 and younger, and free admission for all 5-8 p.m. Thurs. and 10 a.m.-noon Sat. www.tampamuseum.com.
USF CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, located on West Holly Drive at USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. (813-974-2849). USF CAM maintains the university's art collection, featuring more than 3,600 works. CAM is currently exhibiting Los Carpinteros: Inventing the World, a survey of 35 drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures and installations by a collective of young Cuban artists who reside and work in Havana, Cuba (through July 15). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 1-4 p.m. Sat. Free admission. www.usfcam.usf.edu.
HISTORICAL
FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg (727-820-0100). The museum's permanent collection includes History, Heritage and Hope, an exhibit detailing the history of Holocaust victims and survivors; Milt Kohn Holocaust Collection, one of America's largest private collections of Holocaust letters and artifacts; and Heroes: Courage and Sacrifice, an expanded "Wall of Heroes" that shares the stories of 21 unsung heroes of the Holocaust. The museum currently hosts Perpetrators, a series of prints by American artist Sid Chafetz (through May 31); Art from the Heart, an exhibit celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of mentally and physically handicapped individuals living in the community (through June 5); and Imagined Landscapes, featuring works by William Pachner (through June 26). Upcoming: Holocaust Wood Carvings and Hitler Youth (June 10-Aug. 25); Identity Pending: Aharon Gluska and Selections from the Permanent Collection (July 9-Oct. 16). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and noon-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 seniors and students with I.D., and $3 ages 18 and younger. www.flholocaustmuseum.org.
HERITAGE VILLAGE, 11909 125th St. N., Largo (727-582-2123). This 21-acre park features 27 historical structures reflecting turn-of-the-century lifestyles of Pinellas pioneers. Docents in period costumes offer tours and demonstrate embroidery, basket making, quilting, weaving and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Free admission (donations accepted). www.pinellascounty.org/heritage.
HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM, located on the University of Tampa campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891). A National Historic Landmark, the museum's housed in what was once the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. Exhibits include original artworks from private collections, period sporting goods, clothes and décor. Currently on display: American Brilliant Period, Rich Cut Glass, a collection of cut glass created in America at the industry's peak (1876-1916) that exemplifies the art form (through Dec. 31). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., and noon-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is a requested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. www.plantmuseum.com.
SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM OF REGIONAL HISTORY, 329 Bayshore Blvd. S., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Descriptive dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery tell the story of Florida's first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and youths, and free for children under 12. www.safety-harbor-museum.org.
ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY, 335 Second Ave. N.E. (on The Pier approach), St. Petersburg (727-894-1052). Vision traces the history of St. Pete and Pinellas County from prehistoric times to today with creative displays and hundreds of historic photos and objects, like a dugout canoe recovered from Crescent Lake in St. Petersburg. Other highlights include the World's First Airline exhibit, a gallery devoted to St. Pete neighborhoods and much more. Noon-7 p.m. Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, $3 for ages 7-17, and free for kids 6 and younger. www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org.
YBOR CITY STATE MUSEUM, 1818 Ninth Ave., Ybor City (813-247-6323). The museum honors the history of Ybor City's founders, workers and culture via photographs and artifacts from 1886 through today. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 5 and younger. www.ybormuseum.org.
SCIENCE AND HANDS-ON
THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF TAMPA, 7550 N. Boulevard, Tampa (813-935-8441). The museum's Kid City is a miniature outdoor metropolis with streets, sidewalks, park benches, shade trees, picnic tables, and 16 child-sized buildings representing the various businesses found in a typical city. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $5 for ages 1 and older; free entry to children 11 months and younger.
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater (727-441-1790). See estuary tanks containing dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and fish, as well as a mangrove and sea grass exhibit. CMA also rescues and rehabilitates injured creatures. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for ages 3-12. www.cmaquarium.org.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-273-4000). See indigenous sea creatures, an invasive species exhibit, limestone caverns, underground aquifer, beaches and marshlands, hands-on shark and ray exhibits, and more. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for ages 11 and younger (kids 2 and under enter free). www.flaquarium.net.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS: THE HANDS-ON MUSEUM, at Sunken Gardens, 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8992). This touchy-feely museum has interactive exhibits for children to grow and play on. The playroom is for kids 6 and younger. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids. www.greatexplorations.org.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300). Highlights include two replica diplodocus dinosaur skeletons; the Saunders Planetarium; BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; and the IMAX Dome Theatre, which features an 82-foot hemispherical movie screen. Current exhibit: SPACE: A Journey to Our Future, ecucating visitors on space exploration of the past, present and future (through May 31). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for kids 2-12. www.mosi.org.
THE PIER AQUARIUM, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-895-7437). Giant tubes bubbling with sea life lead from The Pier lobby to the second-floor aquarium. Tanks feature native and tropical fish, sharks and other creatures, and displays focus on Florida's ecosystem. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon-6 p.m. Sun. Admission is $2 for adults, kids 12 and younger enter free (Sunday admission free for all). www.stpete-pier.com.
This article appears in May 12-18, 2005.