Morean Arts Center
The Morean Arts Center is not just one gallery — it is an entire arts campus spread across several locations in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The main center at 719 Central Avenue hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art from regional and national artists. Just across the street at 720 Central Avenue, the Chihuly Collection occupies a magnificent 10,000-square-foot space designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso specifically to showcase the iconic glass artwork of Dale Chihuly. Featuring 18 installations spanning several of the artist's most celebrated series, it is one of only a handful of permanent Chihuly exhibitions in the world and a bucket-list destination for art lovers. Admission to the Chihuly Collection includes a live glass-blowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Studio, located behind the main arts center, where you can watch skilled artists shape molten glass in real time — a mesmerizing experience for visitors of all ages. The Morean Center for Clay, located on 22nd Street South, rounds out the campus with ceramics studios, classes, and exhibitions. Taken together, the Morean Arts Center offers one of the most complete and immersive arts experiences you will find anywhere on the Gulf Coast, and it all starts with a walk down Central Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center? expand_more
The Chihuly Collection is a permanent exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass artwork housed in a purpose-built 10,000-square-foot space designed by architect Albert Alfonso. It features 18 installations and is one of the few permanent Chihuly collections in the world.
Where is the Morean Arts Center? expand_more
The main Morean Arts Center is at 719 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. The Chihuly Collection is directly across the street at 720 Central Avenue, and the Center for Clay is at 420 22nd Street South.
Can I watch glass blowing at the Morean? expand_more
Yes. Admission to the Chihuly Collection includes a live glass-blowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Studio, where you can watch artists shape molten glass in real time.
Does the Morean Arts Center offer art classes? expand_more
Yes. The Morean offers classes and workshops in glass, clay, and other mediums through its Glass Studio and Center for Clay locations, with options for beginners through advanced students.
Is the Morean Arts Center good for families? expand_more
Absolutely. The live glass-blowing demonstrations are a hit with all ages, and the multi-location campus encourages exploration. The Chihuly Collection is especially captivating for younger visitors thanks to the vivid colors and dramatic scale of the installations.
More to Explore
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
A one-of-a-kind museum on Central Avenue bringing the spirit of the American West to downtown St. Pete through more than 500 paintings, sculptures, and artifacts across nine immersive galleries.
freeFall Theatre
One of St. Pete's most adventurous professional theatre companies, freeFall delivers bold mainstage productions, original musicals, intimate cabaret nights, and classic film screenings on the Central Avenue corridor.
Duncan McClellan Gallery
A world-class contemporary glass art gallery and working hotshop housed in a beautifully converted industrial building, featuring rotating exhibitions by over 100 internationally recognized glass artists — all with free admission.