The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is set to become the latest addition to the world class museums we are so fortunate to have here in St. Petersburg. The $90 million dollar project is an architectural dream and will include unique features meant to seamlessly combine a modern feel with the tradition of the aforementioned movement.
The museum is a passion project for Tarpon Springs businessman Rudolfo Ciccarello, and will become the third self funded museum to open in St. Pete in recent years (James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art and Imagine Museum). This self funded trend is fantastic for the community and a testament to why we have such a vibrant art scene.
Ciccarello is the founder of Florida Infusion Services, a company dealing in the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs. His collection of metalwork, ceramics, paintings, furniture, lighting, prints, and photography from 1890 to 1930 is considered to be one of the best in the world.
The American Arts and Crafts Movement was a complement to the Industrial Revolution. Much of the creative landscape took on a focus of craftsmanship, utility, and simplicity. You can see these principles portrayed beautifully in much of the art from this period.
The 137,100 square foot facility will include a 100 seat auditorium, an upscale restaurant, a library, a gift shop, and 40,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum is set to be completed in mid summer and is projected to attract 175,000 visitors and 18,000 hotel stays annually, all of which sounds great for the local economy.
