This string of museums has collections of local art and crafts with a clear focus on remarkable handiwork, including pottery and glass art.
The Morean Arts Center is made up of four separate attractions and should be on every art lover’s to-do list when visiting St. Petersburg. The Morean makes art accessible: In the studios you can see craftspeople at work, and at some exhibits you are invited to get creative yourself. This hands-on approach is integral to the center’s continued success.The Morean Arts Center encompasses a variety of museums and studios. The Morean Galleries and Glass Studio & Hot Shop are both located on Central Avenue. The Chihuly Collection is an attraction in its own right and is nearby on Beach Drive. It displays world-class glass art by a master glass sculptor. The final attraction, the Center for Clay, is all about pottery and is located in an old train station at 22nd Street South. The art in the Morean Galleries tends toward the modern and contemporary. Local artists are celebrated, and some of it can be purchased in the shop. See paintings by established artist Jasper Johns or browse the modern works by up-and-coming St. Pete artists.At the Glass Studio & Hot Shop you can watch glass being blown by resident artists. Enjoy a running commentary by an assistant and start to understand the method. Purchase some unusual glass art work in the adjacent glassware store, but only if you can safely take it with you on your trip of course! Watch potters at work and admire special kilns in the Center of Clay.Located in the heart of St. Pete, the Morean Arts Center is easy to get to, and the galleries are open daily, except on Sunday mornings, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Glass Studio and Center for Clay have more limited opening times. Check the website for details of the hours, workshops and what is showing at the time of your visit.
If you plan to visit all branches of the Morean, buy a St. Petersburg Arts Experience ticket. Jump on the St. Petersburg Downtown Looper trolley to visit the Morean Arts Center and other attractions in the city center.
