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Whether you are a first-time visitor to a glass museum or this is your first time visiting museums in Tampa or St. Petersburg, FL, the IM tours are designed with you in mind. When you take part in our free tours, self-guided tours or our group tours for 10 or more, you will be amazed at the history of contemporary glass art and the breadth of innovation and creativity the artists working with glass have produced.
Free with admission GUIDED TOURS OF OUR CONTEMPORARY GLASS
COLLECTION AT IMAGINE MUSEUM
The following tours are offered at specific times throughout the week. Make sure to book your admission ticket early, as we can only take so many reservations during these specific time periods.
What is Studio Glass? Where did it begin? Who were the early American artists that challenged the utilitarian, craft specific, factory created role of glass in society? Join us for a 30 minute introductory tour of the American Studio Glass Movement that began in the 1960’s with pioneer artists Harvey Littleton, Dale Chihuly and many others. You will be delighted comparing the early experimentations of these glass innovators to what is being created in America today.
American artists banded together in the early 1960’s to challenge the status quo of glass making, specifically in factories. Europeans, raised within the factory traditions, began to challenge their pasts and make room for new expressions in glass. Join us for a 30 minute tour of the International contemporary glass artists in the IM collection. Through comradery and collaboration, they shared their glass making traditions with the Americans, and the Americans provided them a special freedom for personal style development and communication that forever changed the factory dominance of glass art and craft around the world.
Free with admission SELF-GUIDED KID-FRIENDLY TOUR
Small glass creatures mysteriously escaped from our Museum Gift Shop and wandered into the contemporary glass exhibitions in the Imagine Museum. Where did they go? Who can find them? Why did they escape? Find out the answers to these questions and more when you take your family and go on our FREE kid-friendly Scavenger Hunt to find these special creatures. Be careful, it’s hard not to be captivated by these magical animals. You might have to purchase a few to take home with you. But, beware, there are some who like to create a commotion and will try to escape! Make sure you put them in a safe and happy place!
Let Imagine Museum customize a memorable tour for your family, group of friends, corporate clients, or your social or philanthropic groups. We promise, you will be inspired and uplifted by our contemporary glass museum and the captivating world of Studio Glass. Private Group Tours are available to parties of 10 or more. All safety protocols are observed.
In 1963, Harvey Littleton started the first “glass as an art material” graduate program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Soon after, Dale Chihuly, the foremost figure in American Studio Glass, received an MFA degree from the program and went on to study and lead the glass program at the Rhode Island School of Design for 10 years. Others followed, sharing new insights and techniques as “Studio Glass” art was beginning to take form.
From these early influential glass pioneers, American artists continued to work in new innovative ways, using the material and creating works of art not seen before. We want to share the significant advancements made by these pioneering artists to the overall visual dialogue of the late 20th and early 21st century.
As the world navigates through these unprecendented times, Imagine Museum brings the world to you. With our vast international collection of artworks created in glass, we not only will inspire and uplift you, but expose you to contemporary sculpture being conceived and executed by artists from around the globe.
From the Isle of Murano, to the European cities throughout the continent and beyond, contemporary artists have taken the traditions of each of their countries and found their individual expression in the glass material. The artists represented in the IM collection demonstrate how they too are breaking new ground in concept, technique and presentation. You will experience magnificent international sculptures that not only reflect humanities aesthetic similiarities, but also the varied cultural infusions of history, geography and place.
Any major changes in group size or cancellation must be made five days prior to the arranged date.
On the day of your visit:
Please call if you are running late
The number to contact is:
727-300-1700 ext. 119
The group leader must check-in at the Ticketing desk, located in the center of the Grand Hall.
Payment is required
in one transaction
1901 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 300-1700
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Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: Noon – 5 pm