The Museum of Fine Arts opens the doors of its new $21 million Hazel Hough Wing to the public this weekend with free admission and family-friendly activities. Two exhibits — Unveiled: Rarely Seen Art from the Collection and Mrs. Stuart's Legacy — offer a glimpse of treasures from the museum's permanent holdings. Also on view: contemporary artist Peter Sarkisian's video-sculpture, "Extruded Video Engine II," a recent gift to the museum from its namesake, Hazel Hough, in honor of her husband William. On Saturday, festivities include the city's first Art Parade (an annual tradition in Cleveland, where MFA director John Schloder previously presided), and a pre-parade mask-making workshop for participants. As a grand finale, The Cleveland Orchestra blows into town Monday night with superstar violinist Midori in tow and a bill that features — appropriately enough — Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. A portion of proceeds benefit the museum. MFA Grand Opening Family Day, Sat., March 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (March Maskness Workshop, 10-11 a.m., $5, and Art Parade, noon, free), Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667, fine-arts.org; and The Cleveland Orchestra with Midori, Mon., March 24, 7:30 p.m., Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, $35-$65 general/$125 VIP, 727-898-2100, mahaffeytheater.com.
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2008.