Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

Art After Dark at the MFA
2025-12-18 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy! Check our Calendar of Events for special programming.

Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, December 18, 2025
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion [SOLD OUT]
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion

In conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light | Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.
Presented in partnership with Book + Bottle, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity, moral tension, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines, lively, guided conversations, and exclusive in-gallery experiences, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.
While Caravaggio and his male contemporaries rose to fame, the contributions of women artists from the period were often overshadowed or erased. In the centuries before, during, and since the Baroque period, art collectors largely centered their acquisitions on male painters, leaving generations of women’s artistry overlooked. Today, scholars and curators are reexamining that history, amplifying the voices and legacies of women who pushed boundaries then and now.
This session takes that conversation into literature with Lauren Groff’s celebrated novel Matrix, which reimagines the life of Marie de France, a historic visionary cast out from royal court and thrust into leadership of an impoverished abbey. Fierce, sensual, and richly imagined, Groff’s heroine becomes a force of creativity, faith, and defiance in a world that struggles to contain her power.
What to Expect:

6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.
6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.
7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.

Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion
Thursday, December 18, 2025
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members.
Tickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club!
SOLD OUT

Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

About Book + Bottle

Book + Bottle is a bottle shop, an independent bookstore, a coffee café, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate, friendly, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off.
They’re an independent, woman-owned, values-driven, sustainably run, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place.
About Lauren Groff’s Matrix

Matrix (2021) by Lauren Groff reimagines the life of the 12th-century poet Marie de France after she’s sent from Queen Eleanor’s court to an impoverished English abbey. In precise, incantatory prose, Groff follows Marie’s evolving vision and authority as she navigates faith, desire, and the politics of a women’s community—blending historical detail with a quietly uncanny atmosphere. The result is a fierce, immersive meditation on creativity, power, and belonging—without giving away where Marie’s path leads.
See ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times:

November 20, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization
December 18, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion
January 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
February 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
March 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular

Images:
Jusepe de Ribera, St. Thomas (detail), c. 1612, Oil on canvas, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi, Florence, Italy
Organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.

Language Tour Series | Russian-Speaking Tour with Natalie Velez featuring In Caravaggio's Light
2025-12-21 14:00 - 15:00
Русский: Приглашаем вас в Музей Изобразительных Искусств (MFA) на новую серию экскурсий на иностранных языках! Каждое третье воскресенье месяца в 14:00 экскурсовод музея проводит обзорную экскурсию на языке, отличном от английского. Эти экскурсии — прекрасная возможность: ближе познакомиться с коллекцией музея, встретить единомышленников, улучшить знание изучаемого вами языка.
Участие в экскурсии включено в стоимость входного билета, но предварительная регистрация обязательна, так как количество мест ограничено.
Заинтересованы в экскурсии, но не можете прийти в эту дату? Музей изобразительных искусств (MFA) также предлагает экскурсии на русском, испанском, португальском и немецком языках по запросу. По всем вопросам и для записи пишите нам на: tours@mfastpete.org.
Караваджо: Тьма и Cвет, Kуртизанки и Cвятые
На экскурсии, в которой представлено одно из самых известных произведений Караваджо — Мальчик, укушенный ящерицей, доцент Музея Изобразительных Искусств, Наталия Велез, расскажет о сопротивлении художника традиционным нормам, его скандальном выборе моделей, а также художественных инновациях, которые продолжают вдохновлять не только живописцев, но и скульпторов, сценографов и кинорежиссёров.
English: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent, practicing your language skills, or just beginning your journey, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture.
Docent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Interested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more.
Caravaggio: Darkness and Light, Courtesans and Saints
In this tour, featuring one of Caravaggio’s most famous works, Boy Bitten by a Lizard, MFA docent Natalie Velez will discuss the artist’s resistance to conventional norms, his scandalous choice of models, and his artistic innovations that continue to inspire not only painters but also sculptors, stage designers, and filmmakers.
Language Tour Series | Russian-Speaking Tour with Natalie Velez featuring In Caravaggio’s Light
Sunday, December 21, 2025
2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER
Check out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language.
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT NATALIE VELEZ/О НАТАЛИ ВЕЛЕЗ

English: In 2009, Natalie Velez moved from St. Petersburg, Russia to St. Petersburg, Florida. Natalie credits her relocation for opening a new world for her: that of American contemporary art and how it can alter the ways in which we visualize and conceptualize the world.
Natalie earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the State University for Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in philosophy and aesthetics in visual art from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, headquartered in Maine (IDSVA). In her research, she explores the intersection of politics and cross-cultural art collaborations.
Natalie’s professional experience includes working as an international education and business consultant, art gallery owner, and educator of arts and philosophy. She presented her work on the relations of arts, aesthetics, and philosophy during her residences in Mexico and Italy, as well as at institutions such as the University of Tampa, Eckerd College, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Русский: Натали Велез переехала в Санкт-Петербург, Флорида, из Санкт-Петербурга, Россия, в 2009 году. Она получила степени бакалавра и магистра в Санкт-Петербургском государственном институте культуры.
В настоящее время Натали работает над кандидатской диссертацией по философии и эстетике изобразительного искусства в Институте докторских исследований в области визуальных искусств (IDSVA), расположенном в штате Мэн. Её исследование сосредоточено на пересечении политики и межкультурных художественных коллабораций.
Натали является консультантом по международному образованию и бизнесу, владеет галереей и активно занимается образовательной деятельностью в области искусства и философии. Она представляла свои работы, посвящённые связям между искусством, эстетикой и философией, во время своих резиденций в Мексике и Италии, а также в таких образовательных и культурных учреждениях, как Университет Тампы, Колледж Эккерд и Музей Изобразительных Искусств (MFA).

Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
2025-12-28 15:30 - 18:00
Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world.
The experience continues at the St. Pete Pier, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching, a visit to a local bird sanctuary, learning about our area’s history, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative, with all supplies provided, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience.
This partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations.
Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Sunday, December 28, 2025
3:30 PM–6:00 PM
$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)
Children under 3 free
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC
Art & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm
Sunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 5:00 pm
TICKETS

New Year's Eve (21+) | Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light
2025-12-31 21:00 - 2026-01-01 00:30
This New Year’s Eve, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg hosts the city’s most dazzling celebration—Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light. Inspired by the drama and radiance of In Caravaggio’s Light, this all-inclusive, art-filled night is designed to impress from the first toast to the final firework.
✨ What’s Included:

Open Bar, All Night – Celebrate freely with complimentary drinks throughout the evening.
Chef-Curated Dining – Indulge in elegant food stations and desserts by Constellation Culinary Group.
Exclusive Gallery Access – Enjoy rare, intimate entry to the Hazel Hough Wing (9:00–10:30 PM).
Live DJ – Dance into 2026 with high-energy sounds from Tampa Bay DJ Company.
Aerialist Performance – Be captivated by a stunning aerial performance adding drama and spectacle to the night.
360° Video + Photo Booths – Capture every glamorous moment.

The Midnight Moment
Raise a glass for a champagne toast at 11:45 PM, then step onto the terrace for a front-row view of downtown St. Pete’s fireworks as we ring in the New Year in unforgettable style.
Dress to impress—this is St. Pete’s most luminous way to welcome 2026.
MFA Member Exclusive BenefitMFA Members enjoy access to a VIP Fireworks Viewing Area—the best vantage point for the midnight spectacle. Not a member? Join today!

New Year’s Eve (21+)
Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
9:00 PM–12:30 AM
Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
$200 per person | 21+
*Each ticket includes open bar, chef-curated stations and desserts.
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi is organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-01-01 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy! Check our Calendar of Events for special programming.

Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, January 1, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

Sensory Saturday | Hands-On with Curious Creations Co.
2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00
The MFA welcomes families with children with sensory sensitivities to explore the galleries on the 1st Saturday of every month, from 10 am to 12 pm. During this time, all rotating audio components will be turned down or muted to ensure a calm environment.
Visitors can also join our Sensory Saturday Hands-On program for activities filled with sensory play. Explore and experiment with non-toxic, sensory-friendly materials in the Membership Garden. All ages are welcome, though activities are generally geared towards ages 2-10. This month’s projects are inspired by the museum’s Mesoamerican collection; learn about jade, learn dig up gems, or make your own! When registering, please select a time slot: either 10–11 am or 11 am–12 pm.

Sensory Saturday at the MFA | Hands-On with Curious Creations Co.
Saturday, January 3, 2026
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
REGISTER FOR 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
REGISTER FOR 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
If you would like to participate in the hands-on activities, registration is required at $5 per person. Only register those participating in sensory play.
All visitors must also purchase a museum admission ticket to have access to the galleries, as the activities will be in our Membership Garden within the museum. MFA Members get free gallery admission.
MFA ADMISSION
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT CURIOUS CREATIONS CO.

As a mom to two energetic boys, Celine understands the importance of keeping little hands and minds engaged with fun, screen-free activities. She began creating sensory bins to encourage her oldest son to explore, learn, and play independently—and what started as a simple solution quickly grew into a true passion.
Through her business, Curious Creations Co., Celine designs sensory kits, toys, and learning materials that spark curiosity and creativity while promoting fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and imaginative play. Each item is lovingly handcrafted to bring joy, learning, and a little magic into every home.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or watching your child dive into a world of discovery, you can trust that they’re engaged in meaningful, enriching play. Celine is grateful for every family that makes Curious Creations Co. part of their journey—your support means the world!

Sensory Saturdays is part of our Picture of Health initiative. Picture of Health is a comprehensive initiative that explores interconnected notions of well-being transcending geographical and temporal boundaries, leveraging the MFA Collection as a starting point. This program fosters a holistic investigation of health, encompassing cognitive, physical, physiological, emotional, civic, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions, all with the aim of nurturing a sense of wellness within our community.

Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts
2026-01-06 11:00 - 12:00
MFA Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts with Natalie Velez and Brett F. Harvey
Join MFA Docent and Ph.D. Candidate Natalie Velez and contemporary artist Brett F. Harvey for a thought-provoking gallery talk that bridges intimidating physicality and pensive vulnerability. Within the special exhibitions In Caravaggio’s Light and Baroque Continuum, see how these notions have been continuously evolving from Caravaggio, the Caravaggisti, and the contemporary.
Harvey is captivated by the patterns of culture and civilization that human beings repeat over and over. He uses emblematic materials of our contemporary civilization to help question the perspective of our culture—referring to lessons that have been learned, forgotten, and rediscovered countless times.

MFA Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts with Natalie Velez and Brett F. Harvey
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT BRETT F. HARVEY

Born in 1985 in Boston, Massachusetts, Brett F. Harvey currently works and resides in Naples, Florida with his wife, artist Lauren Amalia Redding and two sons. He attended the New Hampshire Institute of Art, notably studying under James Aponovich and Marcus Greene. During that time, Harvey spent five weeks studying at the Florence School of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy, which proved transformative. Though he obtained his BFA in Painting, his primary interest became sculpture, especially due to exposure in Italy.
After spending a couple years as an assistant preparator at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, Harvey attended the New York Academy of Art. There, his concentration was in sculpture and anatomy. He studied under sculptors Harvey Citron, Randy McIver, and Robert Simon. Harvey also painted under Steven Assael and Odd Nerdrum. Though he was dedicated to sculpting at this point, it was Nerdrum who instilled what would become a dominant principle in his own work: “It all goes back to the Greeks.”
Harvey lived and worked in Queens, New York for seven years following graduate school. During that time, he worked as a fabricator and the lead installation specialist for a prominent contemporary artist. This afforded him the opportunity to expand and refine his fabrication experience, and also to travel. Simultaneously, Harvey continued to make his own work and exhibit it primarily in New York City and the Northeast.
In 2018, Harvey and his wife, Lauren Amalia Redding, partnered to found H&R Studio in Naples, Florida, where they both maintain their own studio practices. In addition to creating his own artwork, which is represented by Method & Concept, Harvey still performs high-end art installation on a freelance basis.
ABOUT NATALIE VELEZ

In 2009, Natalie Velez moved from St. Petersburg, Russia to St. Petersburg, Florida. Natalie credits her relocation for opening a new world for her: that of American contemporary art and how it can alter the ways in which we visualize and conceptualize the world.
Natalie earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the State University for Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in philosophy and aesthetics in visual art from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, headquartered in Maine (IDSVA). In her research, she explores the intersection of politics and cross-cultural art collaborations.
Natalie’s professional experience includes working as an international education and business consultant, art gallery owner, and educator of arts and philosophy. She presented her work on the relations of arts, aesthetics, and philosophy during her residences in Mexico and Italy, as well as at institutions such as the University of Tampa, Eckerd College, Grace College, and the Museum of Fine Arts. She spoke at the 60th International Congress on Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University and present at the 11th in vivo Dubrovnik Conference on the Philosophy of Art at The Inter-University Centre in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Images:
Brett F. Harvey, Language, 2020, gypsum cement, weathering steel and oriented strand board, 67 1/4″ h x 20″ w x 17 1/4″ d (171 cm h x 51 cm w x 44 cm d), unique
Brett F. Harvey, Lithic, 2021, engineered cementitious composite and weathering steel, 92″ h x 20″ w x 45″ d (233 cm h x 51 cm w x 115 cm d), edition 1 of 3
Brett F. Harvey, Self portrait while modeling Temple Tempo Template, 2022.

Teen Arts Council Q&A Meet-up
2026-01-08 17:00 - 18:00
If you’re curious about applying to join the Teen Arts Council here at the Museum of Fine Arts, come and stop by to meet some of the members of our last cohort! The previous TAC Members will share their thoughts and memories on their experiences. This is a great way to see the museum if you haven’t been in a while and a casual way to meet like-minded peers. Come ready with questions about how to apply and what could make you a strong candidate. The MFA is free for high school students on Thursday nights so make an evening of it!
Check out our Teens Program page to learn more about upcoming opportunties.
Teen Arts Council Q&A Meet-up
Thursday, January 8, 2026
5:00 PM–6:00 PM

FREE for High School Students!

Not yet a member? Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
Become a Member

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-01-08 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy! Check our Calendar of Events for special programming.

Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, January 8, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

Studio Saturdays at the MFA
2026-01-10 09:00 - 11:00
Please join the Museum of Fine Arts every second Saturday of each month for a free art making activity! The MFA will host a casual pop-up studio station in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory to make art to take home and to interact with members of your community. Enjoy Café Clementine while you make some art or browse the MFA Shop for art-centric books, gifts, and art supplies to take more art home with you.
Did you know the MFA has a jade collection from Mesoamerica? Explore Mesoamerican art by making your own ‘jade’ accessories! During this month’s free art-making program, visitors can learn about just one part of our museum collection and apply it to something they can wear today.

Studio Saturdays at the MFA
Saturday, January 10, 2026
9:00 AM–11:00 AM
FREE FOR EVERYONE! The entire program takes place in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory, right next to Café Clementine—where MFA Members enjoy 15% off.

Not yet a member? Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
Become a Member

Homeschool Hours
2026-01-14 10:00 - 12:00
Homeschool groups and families are invited to join us as we look at the culture, history, math, and science of art! Every month we will explore a new idea or special exhibition through hands-on fun. All Ages Welcome; Geared Towards Ages 5-14.
This month, explore objects in our galleries highlighting Art of the Americas. Learn about cultures such as the Olmec and Maya, discover the natural materials artists used, and get inspired to create. Try your hand at mask-making, nature sun prints, and more as you weave geology and the natural world into your own art.

Homeschool Hours at the MFA
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER FOR HOMESCHOOL HOURS

Not yet a member? Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
Become a Member

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-01-15 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy! Check our Calendar of Events for special programming.

Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, January 15, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

[SOLD OUT] Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00
Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith

Please note that this event is at capacity and tickets are no longer available.
In conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light | Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.
Presented in partnership with Book + Bottle, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity, moral tension, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines, lively, guided conversations, and exclusive in-gallery experiences, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.
While Baroque artists celebrated divine light and sacred ecstasy, they also revealed the shadows of human weakness through figures caught between transcendence and ruin. Caravaggio himself embodied this tension, living a life marked by violence, instability, and excess even as he painted scenes of profound spirituality and grace. His work, and his struggles, underscore the fragile line between sin and salvation that has fascinated artists and audiences for centuries.
This session takes that exploration into contemporary literature with Kaveh Akbar’s acclaimed debut novel Martyr!. Following Cyrus Shams, the newly sober son of Iranian immigrants, the novel navigates grief, addiction, obsession, and faith with humor, poetry, and raw honesty. Cyrus’s search for the truth through martyrs, memory, and art unfolds as both a portrait of human vulnerability and a testament to resilience.
What to Expect:

6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.
6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.
7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.

Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
Thursday, January 15, 2026
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members.
Tickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club!
ORDER BOOK

Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

About Book + Bottle

Book + Bottle is a bottle shop, an independent bookstore, a coffee café, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate, friendly, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off.
They’re an independent, woman-owned, values-driven, sustainably run, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place.
About Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr!

Martyr! (2024) is poet Kaveh Akbar’s debut novel—a razor-bright, darkly funny portrait of Cyrus Shams, a young Iranian American searching for meaning as he wrestles with grief, addiction, and the idea of martyrdom. Moving between the Midwest and New York’s art world, the book blends realism and dreamlike turns to explore faith, family, desire, and what it takes to live purposefully.
See ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times:

November 20, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization
December 18, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion
January 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
February 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
March 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular

Organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.

Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Alice Dasenbrock
2026-01-18 14:00 - 15:00
Español: Por favor únete a nosotros en el Museo de las Bellas Artes (MFA), St. Petersburg cada tercer domingo a las 2 p.m. para nuestra nueva serie de Giras de Idiomas! Cada mes, un docente del MFA liderará un recorrido en un idioma distinto del inglés, ofreciendo una oportunidad excepcional para disfrutar la vasta colección de arte del museo. Ya sea que hables el idioma con fluidez, quieras practicar tus habilidades, o estés buscando una forma ingeniosa de comenzar a aprender, estos recorridos por el museo son una excelente manera de conectarte con otros a través del arte y la cultura.
Estas visitas guiadas públicas son gratuitas con la entrada, pero se recomienda registrarse en antemano para saber cuántos participantes esperar. ¡Las plazas son limitadas! ¡Inscríbase hoy!
¿No puedes asistir esta fecha, pero te interesa reservar una visita guiada en un idioma distinto del inglés? El MFA ofrece actualmente visitas guiadas en ruso, español, portugués y alemán. Para más información, escríbenos a tours@mfastpete.org.
English: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent, practicing your language skills, or just beginning your journey, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture.
Docent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Interested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more.

Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Alice Dasenbrock
Sunday, January 18, 2026
2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER
Check out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language.
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT ALICE DASENBROCK/SOBRE ALICE DASENBROCK

English: Alice Dasenbrock is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and studied at the University of Cincinnati. She taught high school Spanish for 30 years. During the summers, Alice visited Spanish-speaking countries to improve her language skills, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain.
Alice and her husband developed an interest in art while traveling to art museums in nearby cities. She also incorporated lessons about the art of Spain and Latin America into her teaching, including class visits to the Cincinnati Art Museum.
After retiring, Alice wanted to continue studying both art and Spanish in Florida. Now, she teaches Spanish in an adult education program and, of course, gives tours at the Museum of Fine Arts here in St. Petersburg.

Español: Alice Dasenbrock es originaria de Cincinnati, Ohio, y estudió en la Universidad de Cincinnati. Enseñó español en una escuela secundaria durante treinta años. Durante los veranos, Alice visitó varios países de habla hispana para profundizar su conocimiento del idioma, incluyendo México, Costa Rica, Ecuador y España.
Alice y su esposo desarrollaron un interés por el arte al visitar museos durante sus viajes. Además, Alice solía presentar a sus estudiantes lecciones sobre el arte de España y América Latina, las cuales incluían visitas al Museo de Arte de Cincinnati.
Después de jubilarse, Alice quiso continuar aprendiendo sobre arte y español en Florida. Actualmente, enseña español en un programa para adultos y, por supuesto, es guía del Museo de Bellas Artes aquí en St. Petersburg.

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-01-22 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy! Check our Calendar of Events for special programming.

Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, January 22, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
2026-01-25 15:30 - 18:15
Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world.
The experience continues at the St. Pete Pier, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching, a visit to a local bird sanctuary, learning about our area’s history, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative, with all supplies provided, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience.
This partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations.
Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Sunday, January 25, 2026
3:30 PM–6:15 PM
$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)
Children under 3 free
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC
Art & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm
Sunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 5:15 pm
TICKETS

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-01-29 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy!
This special Art After Dark evening will feature MFA Teen Poetry Night, a powerful spoken-word performance showcasing the voices of the 2026 MFA Teen Poetry Fellows. After four weeks of exploring the galleries and drawing inspiration from artworks spanning nearly 5,000 years, these young poets bring their reflections to life through original poetry performed live in the galleries—offering a moving, fresh perspective on the collection and the creative power of the next generation.
Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, January 29, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

MFA Teen Poetry Night
2026-01-29 18:00 - 19:30
Join us in the galleries for an unforgettable evening of original poetry and powerful voices as the MFA presents Teen Poetry Night, a spoken-word performance led by the 2026 MFA Teen Poetry Fellows.
Over the course of four weeks, these high school poets explored the museum’s galleries, drawing inspiration from artworks spanning nearly 5,000 years of global creativity. Guided by MFA educators and community poet mentors, these fellows transformed visual art into original poems that reflect their perspectives, experiences, and imaginations.
This special event brings their work to life through live spoken-word performances in the galleries, celebrating the creativity and talent of young writers in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the MFA in a brand new way – through the voices of the next generation of artists and storytellers!
MFA Teen Poetry Night
Thursday, January 29, 2026
6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)*
*Program ticket includes Art After Dark admission from 5:00 PM–8:00 PM! Arrive early or stay late to explore the MFA Collection Galleries, Special Exhibitions, and MFA Shop!
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT THE STUDENT POETS

Adeline Wager
Hello! My name is Adeline Wager. I am currently seventeen years old and I have always been passionate about art. Ever since I was little, I thought it was incredibly interesting how people could put their unique feelings and ideas together to create something amazing. I soon realized the same could be done with the written word. I think it is important for us to be able to look at these different forms of expression and see how they can be used as tools for a better understanding of the world around us.

Anderson Dell
Hi! My name is Anderson, and I am a current Junior in the International Baccalaureate Program at St. Pete High. Over the past few months, I’ve fallen in love with all forms of art – even more so with the MFA. Writing, in my eyes, has been so sterilized by school standards, yet it’s an art, and should be explored as such. I’m here because I want to learn to craft scenes and worlds through my words.

Cambree Treadwell
I’m a 16 year old girl. I’m in my junior year at Northeast High School. I’ve always adored creating art and learning about all forms of it and different cultures. I love anything to do with expressing myself, so creating art, creative writing, fashion and poetry are my true passions. I love exploring the beauty of using your voice to create a masterpiece through any medium.

Carter Lehart
Carter is a Junior in the finance academy at Northeast High School where he is a member of the national honors society, national English honors society, key club, and student government, chair member of the Gay-Straight alliance, and the vice-president of the pep club. His writing revolves around emotion and memory and the complex contradictions of life.

Kaitlynn Shields
I’m currently a sophomore at Brandon High School, and I’m excited to be part of the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete Teen Poetry Fellowship. I previously was on the teen Arts Council, which was an amazing experience that let me see how a museum really works behind the scenes. That experience also gave me insight into how artwork is displayed and how artists think about presenting their ideas. I live in Hillsborough County, but I love visiting art museums all over Central Florida. Exploring different museums has helped me understand how many ways art can tell a story. Even though I have minimal experience with poetry, I’m really looking forward to learning more about the writing process. I’m especially interested in how poetry connects to visual art and how the two can inspire each other. I hope this fellowship helps me grow both as a writer and an artist. Most of all, I’m excited to challenge myself and discover new ways to express my ideas.

Kyara Ocasio
Hi! My name is Kyara, I am a 10th grade student who has a great passion for the Culinary arts and creative writing such as poetry. My two biggest goals in life is to attend the Culinary Institute of America and see the Cologne Cathedral. I love to implement truth and visceral aspects in my poetry, as well as seeing the beauty in imperfections. I betray fairytales as I prefer the rawer and truly sensitive parts of humanity. I love seeing the Yin in life while embracing the Yang because both sides are equally beautiful and true.

Julianna Mejia
Julianna Mejia is a senior at East Lake High School where she serves as Editor of her school’s Creative Writing Club and Secretary of Quill and Scroll (Journalism Honor Society). She is also the Director of Literary Programs of her school’s chapter of National English Honor Society. In the Fall, she plans on majoring in English- Creative Writing with a minor in Psychology. While she specializes more in short story writing, Julianna enjoys the imagery and emotional depth of poetry.

Maria Caballero
Maria Caballero is a junior at East Lake High School where she holds a position as a member of her school’s National English Honor Society and Creative Writing club. She wants to go NYU, where she plans to major in Journalism. Maria has a passion for fashion and politics so she hopes to be able to write about either in the future.

Nancy Engle
Nancy Engle is a senior at Northeast High School enjoying a schedule chock-full of art related classes. She enjoys drawing and editing the school’s literary magazine, Soundings (which she’s been doing since sophomore year independently). Poetry has a special place in her heart, as it was the trigger for a breakthrough in her social anxiety. She’s had a great time among her fellow poets, historical artwork, and wonderful mentors who have shown her how to analyze artwork beyond base level observations. She greatly looks forward to hearing everyone’s work come to fruition and will be sad to leave the workshop behind.

Owen Lindenburg
Owen Lindenburg is a junior at St. Pete High School in the IB program. The arts have always been very important to Owen, specifically photography and poetry. Owen has participated in art competitions for instance scholastics and the 14th congressional district art competition having some photographs be featured in museum exhibitions. They have been writing poetry for a few years and their style focuses on transporting the reader directly into the perspective and topic Owen writes with and about, that being the political and social issues of today. Owen believes the best possible way to express that is through the arts with special focus on poetry. They believe poetry is a perfect way to use words to voice activism and hopes this passion will lead to some needed change for tomorrow.

Patience Jenkins
Hi, my name is Patience Jenkins, And if I was to use 5 words to describe me, I would say I’m smart, honest, elegant, talented and perspective. I attend Gibbs High School. I’m in the beta program with a 4.1 cumulative GPA. One thing I love about myself is how expressive I am with my words. Which is how I came upon poetry. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to get mentored by poets and gain knowledge from other young minds.

Tamara Barjaktarovic
Tamara Barjaktarovic is a junior in the IB program at Palm Harbor University High School, where she serves as vice president of the Catholic Student Association and secretary of the Law Honor Society. She writes to explore the intersection of her love for travel and the impermanence of everyday moments. When not writing, she can be found on the golf course, reading classic literature, or advocating for civic engagement. In the future, she hopes to study law while continuing to write.

Zephyniis Wharton
Zephy is a student at Lakewood High School. She is part of the journalism program at her school and has spent much of her high school career writing about other people, but not typically herself. Poetry, like many, is used as an outlet for Zephy’s feelings. Much of Zephy’s poetry revolves around the themes of womanhood and coming of age. A major inspiration for Zephy’s poetry comes from music, including the songwriting styles of Fiona Apple and Amy Winehouse, as well as screamo bands like Novely, which push her to write. Zephy likes poetry because it lets her combine her love of writing into something more intimate.

Generous support for this program is provided by

The Queen’s Court, Inc.

Baroque Unbound | Immersive Opera with Nathan Felix
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:30
For one night only, the MFA presents an original immersive opera in partnership with acclaimed composer Nathan Felix. Inspired by exhibition, In Caravaggio’s Light, this site-specific performance will unfold across the museum’s campus, guiding audiences through the galleries on a layered emotional and musical journey that brings the drama and theatricality of the Baroque to life.
Known for his groundbreaking immersive operas, Felix brings his signature blend of historical depth and contemporary urgency to this new work. Through this exclusive performance, he reimagines the Baroque through a modern lens, exploring the emotions of guilt, loyalty, identity, and spiritual reckoning. Vocalists and musicians perform live throughout the museum, surrounding audiences with sound, guiding them through the performance, and making visitors part of the experience.
Don’t miss this extraordinary, one-night-only event, where the performers, the galleries, and the audience intertwine to create an unforgettable evening.
Baroque Unbound | Immersive Opera with Nathan Felix
Thursday, February 5, 2026
6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Marly Room
$40 for Members; $50 for Not-Yet-Members
TICKETS

ABOUT NATHAN FELIX

Nathan Felix (born 1981) is a Mexican-American composer known for his immersive operas and experimental films. Felix has premiered 16 operas, 4 symphonies and various chamber works in Spain, Japan, Australia, Bulgaria, Portugal, China, Sweden, Denmark, Mongolia and the United States and has been featured on the BBC, MTV, NPR, TPR & PBS. Felix, a non-award winning composer, often focuses on telling Latinx themed and minority stories that highlight border issues, underserved communities and his hispanic heritage. He is the current recipient of Opera America’s prestigious IDEA Grant for his work, Faces in the Flames with librettist Anita Gonzalez. Felix also serves as the founding director for the Opera Austin Festival. –www.Electrochestral.com

Organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.

Sensory Saturday | Hands-On with Curious Creations Co.
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00
The MFA welcomes families with children with sensory sensitivities to explore the galleries on the 1st Saturday of every month, from 10 am to 12 pm. During this time, all rotating audio components will be turned down or muted to ensure a calm environment.
Visitors can also join our Sensory Saturday Hands-On program for activities filled with sensory play. Explore and experiment with non-toxic, sensory-friendly materials in the Membership Garden. All ages are welcome, though activities are generally geared towards ages 2-10. Learn about the building blocks of art by creating texture, shapes, colors, and more in your own artwork to take home. When registering, please select a time slot: either 10–11 am or 11 am–12 pm.

Sensory Saturday at the MFA | Hands-On with Curious Creations Co.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
REGISTER FOR 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
REGISTER FOR 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
If you would like to participate in the hands-on activities, registration is required at $5 per person. Only register those participating in sensory play.
All visitors must also purchase a museum admission ticket to have access to the galleries, as the activities will be in our Membership Garden within the museum. MFA Members get free gallery admission.
MFA ADMISSION
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT CURIOUS CREATIONS CO.

As a mom to two energetic boys, Celine understands the importance of keeping little hands and minds engaged with fun, screen-free activities. She began creating sensory bins to encourage her oldest son to explore, learn, and play independently—and what started as a simple solution quickly grew into a true passion.
Through her business, Curious Creations Co., Celine designs sensory kits, toys, and learning materials that spark curiosity and creativity while promoting fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and imaginative play. Each item is lovingly handcrafted to bring joy, learning, and a little magic into every home.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or watching your child dive into a world of discovery, you can trust that they’re engaged in meaningful, enriching play. Celine is grateful for every family that makes Curious Creations Co. part of their journey—your support means the world!

Sensory Saturdays is part of our Picture of Health initiative. Picture of Health is a comprehensive initiative that explores interconnected notions of well-being transcending geographical and temporal boundaries, leveraging the MFA Collection as a starting point. This program fosters a holistic investigation of health, encompassing cognitive, physical, physiological, emotional, civic, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions, all with the aim of nurturing a sense of wellness within our community.

Homeschool Hours
2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00
Homeschool groups and families are invited to join us as we look at the culture, history, math, and science of art! Every month we will explore a new idea or special exhibition through hands-on fun. All Ages Welcome; Geared Towards Ages 5-14.
This month spotlights Modern Art, where the elements of art take center stage over explicit subject matter. Explore how artists use color, shape, and line to evoke emotion and express ideas beyond the visual.

Homeschool Hours at the MFA
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER FOR HOMESCHOOL HOURS

Not yet a member? Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
Become a Member

Art After Dark at the MFA + Jazz Night with Chaunces Trio
2026-02-12 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy!
Experience the sounds of one of St. Pete’s most exciting emerging jazz ensembles, Chaunces Trio, as they gain momentum across Tampa Bay. Start your Valentine’s celebrations early with an evening of live jazz and exclusive after-hours access to the MFA’s collection. Wander the galleries by night, enjoy a drink from the cash bar, and browse the MFA Shop for a perfect date night.
Art After Dark at the MFA | Jazz Night with Chaunces Trio
Thursday, February 12, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

About Chaunces Trio
St. Petersburg drummer Chance Reynolds, alongside bassist Cooper Madden and vibraphonist Eric Zabala form the Chaunces Trio, a jazz-based instrumental outfit, taking influence from traditional and contemporary styles.

Studio Saturdays at the MFA
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00
Please join the Museum of Fine Arts every second Saturday of each month for a free art making activity! The MFA will host a casual pop-up studio station in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory to make art to take home and to interact with members of your community. Enjoy Café Clementine while you make some art or browse the MFA Shop for art-centric books, gifts, and art supplies to take more art home with you.
This Valentine’s Day, stop by the MFA to create handmade letters, gifts, and more for your loved ones. This month, we’re also welcoming a special guest group, WondrVoices, a locally based nonprofit that uses art to foster emotional connection for individuals facing cancer. Art can reduce stress, spark meaningful connections, and help people feel less isolated. WondrVoices collects and delivers handmade cards to patients in our community—so in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, join us in creating cards for those in need, along with special creations for your own loved ones.

Studio Saturdays at the MFA
Saturday, February 14, 2026
9:00 AM–11:00 AM
FREE FOR EVERYONE! The entire program takes place in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory, right next to Café Clementine—where MFA Members enjoy 15% off.

Not yet a member? Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
Become a Member

Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Nelson Lees featuring "In Caravaggio's Light" and "Baroque Continuum"
2026-02-15 14:00 - 15:00
Español: Por favor únete a nosotros en el Museo de las Bellas Artes (MFA), St. Petersburg cada tercer domingo a las 2 p.m. para nuestra nueva serie de Giras de Idiomas! Cada mes, un docente del MFA liderará un recorrido en un idioma distinto del inglés, ofreciendo una oportunidad excepcional para disfrutar la vasta colección de arte del museo. Ya sea que hables el idioma con fluidez, quieras practicar tus habilidades, o estés buscando una forma ingeniosa de comenzar a aprender, estos recorridos por el museo son una excelente manera de conectarte con otros a través del arte y la cultura.
Estas visitas guiadas públicas son gratuitas con la entrada, pero se recomienda registrarse en antemano para saber cuántos participantes esperar. ¡Las plazas son limitadas! ¡Inscríbase hoy!
¿No puedes asistir esta fecha, pero te interesa reservar una visita guiada en un idioma distinto del inglés? El MFA ofrece actualmente visitas guiadas en ruso, español, portugués y alemán. Para más información, escríbenos a tours@mfastpete.org.
English: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent, practicing your language skills, or just beginning your journey, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture.
Docent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Interested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more.

Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Nelson Lees featuring In Caravaggio’s Light and Baroque Continuum
Sunday, February 15, 2026
2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
FREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members
Registration required.
REGISTER
Check out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language.
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT NELSON LEES/SOBRE NELSON LEES

English: Nelson is a semi-retired, multilingual international businessman who has had the good fortune to live, work, and study around the world. His professional journey spans the private sector with several global companies, along with executive leadership at USRowing and service as a Vietnam-era U.S. Army officer. An honors graduate of Monmouth College (IL), Nelson holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard Kennedy School and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is a member of Florida’s Advisory Committee to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), where he advocates with the U.S. Congress to place global economic development and diplomacy—including art and cultural exchanges—on equal footing with national defense.
Since moving to St. Petersburg, Nelson has remained engaged with the local international community, including participation in the St. Petersburg World Affairs Council and leadership at Eckerd College, where he serves as Vice President of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC). Nelson was immediately drawn to the MFA and its encyclopedic collection of art from around the globe and across the centuries. One of his greatest joys at the museum has been sharing how art can transcend language and cultural boundaries, offering a universal form of communication.

Español: Nelson es un empresario internacional multilingüe que ha tenido la buena fortuna de vivir, estudiar y trabajar por todo el mundo. Se ha desempeñado como ejecutivo en varias empresas globales y también sirvió como oficial en el ejército de los Estados Unidos. Es graduado con honores de Monmouth College (IL), tiene una maestría en Administración Pública de la Harvard Kennedy School y es egresado de la Harvard Business School.
Es miembro del Comité Asesor en Florida de la U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), abogando ante el Congreso de los Estados Unidos para que el desarrollo económico internacional y la diplomacia (incluyendo los intercambios artísticos y culturales) reciban el mismo reconocimiento que la defensa nacional.
Desde su llegada a St. Petersburg, Nelson ha participado activamente en la comunidad internacional local, incluyendo el St. Petersburg World Affairs Council y Eckerd College, donde se desempeña como vicepresidente de la Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC).
Nelson se sintió inmediatamente atraído por el Museo de Bellas Artes (MFA), St. Petersburg, cuya colección enciclopédica de arte de todo el mundo y a través de los siglos es única en Florida. Uno de sus mayores placeres en el MFA ha sido la oportunidad de compartir con los visitantes cómo el arte trasciende el lenguaje y las diferencias culturales.

Art Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:30
Art Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO
EXPO CHICAGO Director, Kate Sierzputowski in conversation with MFA CEO, Klaudio Rodriguez

Join us for a special Art Market Hour at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg featuring a conversation between Kate Sierzputowski—Director at EXPO CHICAGO—and Klaudio Rodriguez, Executive Director & CEO of the MFA. Together, they will explore key trends shaping today’s contemporary art market, the role of EXPO CHICAGO within the global art ecosystem, and how collectors can thoughtfully engage with emerging artists and galleries.

Art Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO
EXPO Director, Kate Sierzputowski in conversation with MFA CEO, Klaudio Rodriguez
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for everyone. Advance registration is required.
REGISTER
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

ABOUT KATE SIERZPUTOWSKI
Kate Sierzputowski is a curator, art advisor, and cultural leader internationally recognized for her work in contemporary art and fair programming. She currently serves as Director of EXPO CHICAGO, one of the United States’ leading international contemporary and modern art fairs, where she oversees gallery relations, collector engagement, and strategic curatorial initiatives following her appointment to the role in November 2025.
Previously, Sierzputowski was Artistic Director of EXPO CHICAGO, where she led the fair’s curatorial and public programming — including talks, forums, and exhibition sectors — bringing together international curators, artists, institutions, and collectors to foster dialogue and cultural exchange.
Before joining EXPO CHICAGO, she co-founded BARELY FAIR, an international miniature art fair focused on small-scale exhibitions by artist-run spaces, and served as co-director of the Chicago-based artist-run gallery Julius Caesar. She also founded INSIDEWITHIN, a digital platform featuring artist interviews and studio visits, and has contributed writing to publications such as Hyperallergic, Teen Vogue, and Chicago Magazine.
Sierzputowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and has been active as a guest lecturer and speaker in academic and cultural settings. Her work bridges curatorial practice, market engagement, and institutional collaboration with a focus on emerging voices and innovative platforms in the art world

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-02-19 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy!
Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

[SOLD OUT] Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00
Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception

In conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.
Presented in partnership with Book + Bottle, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity, moral tension, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines, lively, guided conversations, and exclusive in-gallery experiences, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.
Baroque painters depicted the human body with unflinching honesty, portraying figures who were wounded, sensual, aged, and ecstatic. Sacred subjects were radically humanized for the first time in Western art, as Caravaggio and other Baroque artists emphasized the reality of dirty feet, lined faces, and visible scars.
This session turns to Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties, to explore how contemporary literature examines how physical form is perceived, regulated, stigmatized, and celebrated. This daring collection of stories shatters genre boundaries while mapping the realities of women’s lives and the critical eye society places on their bodies. From eerie horror to dark comedy, Machado’s tales bend psychological realism, science fiction, and fabulism into narratives that are simultaneously unsettling, provocative, and deeply human.
What to Expect:

6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.
6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.
7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.

Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
Thursday, February 19, 2026
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members.
Tickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club!
ORDER BOOK

Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER

About Book + Bottle

Book + Bottle is a bottle shop, an independent bookstore, a coffee café, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate, friendly, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off.
They’re an independent, woman-owned, values-driven, sustainably run, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place.
About Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body And Other Parties

Her Body and Other Parties (2017) is Carmen Maria Machado’s debut story collection, blending horror, fabulism, and realist tones into eerie, darkly witty tales about the body, desire, queerness, and the narratives society imposes on women. Across these genre-bending pieces, Machado pushes myths and pop culture into strange, luminous territory—provocative, unsettling, and fiercely inventive—without tipping any endings.
See ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times:

November 20, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization
December 18, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion
January 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
February 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
March 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular

Images:
Jusepe de Ribera, St. Thomas (detail), c. 1612, Oil on canvas, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi, Florence, Italy
In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi is organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.

Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
2026-02-22 15:30 - 19:00
Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world.
The experience continues at the St. Pete Pier, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching, a visit to a local bird sanctuary, learning about our area’s history, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative, with all supplies provided, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience.
This partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations.
Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Sunday, February 22, 2026
3:30 PM–7:00 PM
$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)
Children under 3 free
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC
Art & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm
Sunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 6:00 pm
TICKETS

Art After Dark at the MFA
2026-02-26 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for Art After Dark on select Thursday evenings throughout the year! Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy!
As part of Art After Dark, we’re also hosting Writer’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World, a special poetry experience in partnership with poet Ariana Kija Matondo. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore visual art through journaling, observation, and imagination, drawing inspiration from dreamscapes, memory, and collected ephemera. Open to all ages and experience levels, the workshop takes place Thursday, February 26, from 5:30–7:30 PM—just bring a journal and an open mind.
Art After Dark at the MFA
Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM Art After Dark Museum Admission
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg FL 33701
Free for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!)
GET TICKETS
Not yet a member?
Become a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!
MFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year, early access to special exhibitions, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine, special member-only exclusive events, and more. Bring the whole family!
BECOME A MEMBER
