Staycation options for families in Tampa Bay are fabulous. The attractions that bring hundreds of thousands of tourists here each year are a quick car or bike ride away. Here are some options for adventures and art at the Morean this holiday week.
Forget about chasing down the details of where the fireworks are happening. The Chihuly Collection explodes in vibrant colors and shooting star like shapes that look like perfect fireworks frozen in time. Enjoy taking your time in air-conditioned comfort and learning about the godfather of modern glass art Dale Chihuly. Adult tickets are discounted now and do not expire. Children under 5 are always free. Medical workers and First Responders are honored with $5 admissions for them and their families during this holiday week. (Plan to bring your work ID to take advantage of this amazing deal at the door.)
The Chihuly is also adding some red, white and blue fun to the experience this week. Each visitor gets to take a guess at how many red, white and blue pieces of glass art are displayed in the museum. Then they are entered in a drawing to win a red, white and blue glass flower hand made by US Veterans in our Operation: Art of Valor program.
Chihuly is admired and collected globally by those who admire his dramatic forms inspired by the powerful currents of oceans and the tranquility of hidden gardens and archeological forests. You can also be among the first to see the exclusive 2020 Studio Edition pieces created in Chihuly Studios earlier this year. If you haven’t seen the Chihuly Collection since the permanent collection was moved from Beach Drive 4 years ago, you will want to experience the art in its showcase facility.
The Chihuly Collection is adhering to City guidelines and face masks will be supplied if needed. Please pre-purchase your tickets online to support our touchless environment. You can also expect reduced capacity and social distancing practices to be followed during your visit.If you want to experience the Chihuly with your family or closest friends, consider booking a small group tour. Parties up to 6 will be hosted in an exclusive docent led tour and then enjoy 10 percent discounts in all of the Chihuly and Morean shops. Contact GroupSales@MoreanArtsCenter.org to reserve the time that is best for you and your guests this holiday week. For more details on how to prepare for your visit please review our FAQs.
The Chihuly Collection is open Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. They will close early with 4th of July hours from 10 am to 3 pm. Sunday hours are from 12 noon to 5 pm.While visiting the Chihuly Collection meander across the street to explore the Morean Arts Center. They are open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday, closed on 4th of July, and open Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm.At the Morean Arts Center, a sweet gift shop offers up reasonably priced locally made art. If you need some summer earrings, hand printed note cards, or some beach-inspired art for your walls the offerings to be discovered are larger than the space suggests. Get a preview of shop offerings in our online shop.The Pelican Proud exhibition, which honors the official city bird of St. Petersburg, is on display. The free galleries are setting up for new shows opening on July 11 so you may get a sneak peek at some of those highlights, and art created by students in the summer art camp program is on display in the children’s gallery.If your children like to create, consider enrolling them in one of the Morean’s summer art camps or virtual classes. Creating in clay, painting, found-objects and photography are all options this summer.
Visit www.moreanartscenter.org and the education or camps section for complete details.Locals love to have the inside scoop, and the hottest deals in locally made glass art can be found at the Morean Glass Studio. Select from timeless pieces created in red, white and blue to celebrate this week, or find the perfect wedding, anniversary or graduate gift while supporting a local working artist. The Morean Glass Studio is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday. They will close early at 3 pm on 4th of July. Sunday they are open from 12 noon to 5 pm.
Bike riding is a great family activity and many St. Petersburg businesses sit along the Pinellas Bike Trail. The Morean Center for Clay is a great place for a break from pedaling. Located at the corner of 5th Ave. South and 22nd Street and sitting right on the bike trail, the historic train depot station was built in 1926. The architecture of the space has been largely maintained while converted to one of the largest centers for clay in the country. Browse the hallways displaying clay art created by nearly 50 working ceramicist who create art ranging from sculpture and jewelry to functional tableware and coffee mugs. Take the virtual tour here to get the background on the history of the building before you snap on your bicycle helmet and head out. The Morean Center for Clay is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday of this holiday week. They will be closed on the 4th of July and will resume their 10 am to 5 pm Thursday thru Saturday Summer Hours on July 9th.
The Chihuly Collection
- 10 am to 5 pm Mon. thru Friday
- 10 am to 3 pm 4th of July
- 12 noon to 5 pm Sunday
The Morean Glass Studio
- 10 am to 5 pm Mon. thru Friday
- 10 am to 3 pm 4th of July
- 12 noon to 5 pm Sunday
The Morean Arts Center
- 10 am to 5 pm Mon. thru Friday
- Closed 4th of July
- 12 noon to 5 pm Sunday
The Morean Center for Clay
- 10 am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday
- Closed 4th of July
- Closed Sunday, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays thru Summer