Arts and Crafts Museum Debuts World-Class Collection

PHOTO/ JOE BRENNAN @MAACM

The highly-anticipated Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM) in downtown St. Petersburg opened its doors Sept. 7. Founded and funded by local businessman, philanthropist and collector Rudy Ciccarelli, the museum is the fi rst in the world dedicated to the American Arts and Crafts movement.

The museum will showcase remarkable examples of fi ne and decorative art from the period which swept the country between 1890 and 1930. A reaction against the mass production of the Industrial Revolution, the movement promoted simple and functional designs, hand crafted with quality materials.

A stunning 137,000-square-foot building that houses the collection is a work of art itself. Designed by award-winning Tampa-based architect Alberto Alfonso, the five story museum features architectural elements such as a grand atrium, skylights, and a dramatic spiral staircase. Some 40,000 square feet of gallery space will feature both temporary and permanent exhibits including some of the rarest objects from the movement including furniture, pottery, tiles, metalwork, lighting, leaded glass, paintings and photographs.

A slate of programs is aimed at engaging the community with the collection, including Family Days on the first Saturday of each month, which include art making, performances and family-friendly guided tours. Third Thursdays will feature themed activities, performances, art making and demonstrations.

The museum also features a café for coffee, light lunches and desserts, and Ambrosia, a fine dining restaurant with American and Italian cuisine. Both are open Tuesdays through Sundays. An events venue offers 3,700 square feet of space, and a Vintage Bar with an 18-foot Brunswick Mont Oro bar from 1900 and hand-crafted pub tables.

The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is located at 355 4th Street N., St. Petersburg. The museum is closed on Monday; admission $25 adults, $23 seniors, $20 active military, fi re, police, $10 youth 6-17, free for children 5 and under. (727) 943-9900; museumaacm.org

Safe cabinet (c. 1901)

Lidded jar with daisies (c. 1903)