Museums

Florida International Museum World-class exhibitions are staged at St. Petersburg's Florida International Museum. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, it displays items from various Smithsonian and other museums on a rotating basis.

Museum of Fine Arts One of Florida's top art galleries is the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. Its comprehensive collections range from Greek and Roman antiquities to European and American fine art.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) The Museum of Science and Industry has a range of hands-on exhibits. Pedal a highwire bicycle, fly a virtual reality fighter jet, or experience the force of a hurricane.

Salvador Dali Museum The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg contains one of the world's largest collections of paintings by the late Spanish surrealist. His works are displayed on a rotating basis, and there are guided tours exploring his offbeat career.

Tampa Bay History Center the Tampa Bay History Center is a $52-million facility that promises an interactive stroll through time. Visitors can design their own citrus labels and cattle brands, walk through a reconstructed turn-of-the-century cigar store, join in a cattle drive by climbing into spring-loaded saddle seats and try their hand at Seminole weaving and fabric arts. Exhibits cover everything from the Seminole Indians to Florida's first European explorers and sports teams.

Tampa Museum of Art Located downtown, the Tampa Museum of Art (TMA) has an important collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as a wide range of modern and contemporary American Art. TMA is constructing a new 66,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tampa, set to open in Fall 2009. The museum will become a nationally recognized major art destination and premier venue for residents and visitors. The museum offers numerous programs for all ages, including Art After Dark, an after-hours museum event that offers live music, performances, entertainment, culinary delights, libations and so much more. Sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times and tbt* Tampa Bay Times.