Our History
The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida was founded by art collector and philanthropist Margaret Acheson Stuart (1896-1980) and reflects her vision of providing outstanding examples of world art in an inviting, elegant setting.
As its first president, Mrs. Stuart established an endowment of $1 million to acquire new artworks and to care for and beautify the grounds. She also donated significant works from her art collection. The City of St. Petersburg provided the four-acre waterfront site for the construction of the building. The original wing of the museum was designed by architect John Volk. According to Volk, “a museum should give a feeling of permanence and that is what I have tried to do with this building.”
The MFA opened to the public in 1965–the first art museum in the city. Rexford Stead served as the museum's first director.
The Marly Room, an auditorium seating 220, and a sculpture garden, both made possible with funds from Mrs. Stuart, were added in 1974. Moreover, the late Charles W. Mackey (Mrs. Stuart’s nephew), the Board of Trustees, and then Director Michael Milkovich raised substantial funds to double the galleries from ten to twenty and to construct a second floor for administrative offices, a classroom, and a library by 1989.
The Marly Room, an auditorium seating 220, and a sculpture garden, both made possible with funds from Mrs. Stuart, were added in 1974. Moreover, the late Charles W. Mackey (Mrs. Stuart’s nephew), the Board of Trustees, and then Director Michael Milkovich raised substantial funds to double the galleries from ten to twenty and to construct a second floor for administrative offices, a classroom, and a library by 1989.
The Hazel Hough Wing, designed by Yann Weymouth and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), opened to the public March 22 and 23, 2008. The $21.2 million for construction was raised largely from private donors. At approximately 39,000 square feet, the wing more than doubled the Museum’s space.
The signature two-story glass Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory connects the original building to the Hazel Hough Wing, providing a community gathering place, opening up the MFA to its spectacular setting. Located within the Conservatory are Café Clementine and the MFA Shop. Overlooking the bay, the Conservatory provides a beautiful backdrop to weddings and special events.
The Bombax Tree
The Bombax tree on our South lawn was planted by the Museum’s first Director, Rexford Stead (1923-1983). It was close to 3 feet high when was planted right after the museum opened in the Spring of 1965 to commemorate the 50-year-old building that stood on that spot.
The building at 201 Beach Drive had housed the Art Club (now the Morean Arts Center located at on Central Ave.) and served as the temporary administration building for the early days of the museum. Mrs. Margaret Acheson Stuart, founder, and Rexford Stead both had offices there starting in 1962 during the planning and development stage of the MFA. The building was torn down in the Spring of 1965 after the completion of the museum’s construction.
The Bombax tree on our South lawn was planted by the Museum’s first Director, Rexford Stead (1923-1983). It was close to 3 feet high when was planted right after the museum opened in the Spring of 1965 to commemorate the 50-year-old building that stood on that spot.
The building at 201 Beach Drive had housed the Art Club (now the Morean Arts Center located at on Central Ave.) and served as the temporary administration building for the early days of the museum. Mrs. Margaret Acheson Stuart, founder, and Rexford Stead both had offices there starting in 1962 during the planning and development stage of the MFA. The building was torn down in the Spring of 1965 after the completion of the museum’s construction.