After one trip to Anna Maria Island, most just can’t get enough! There is always something to do or somewhere new to explore around our Anna Maria Island rentals.
While staying on the island, there are plenty of other Florida cities that are worth a day trip.
For art enthusiasts, St. Petersburg is the place to be for a limited-time exhibit featuring the life and works of Van Gogh.
About
From January to April 11, the “Van Gogh Alive” presents a nearly 40-minute immersive experience in the extensive works of the famous Dutch artist, whose post-impressionist works continue to awe the world long after his death. Before arriving in St. Petersburg, the exhibit appeared in cosmopolitan cities like Beijing, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome.
This exhibit projects more than 3,000 images at enormous scale, with a background set to classical music, beginning with Van Gogh’s early works from the Netherlands and transitioning to his time in Paris. There is no narration, although small blocks of text provide context for the pieces. Much of the art is self-evident, however, and portrays what stage of life Van Gogh was in: happy in Arles, France, or at his low point in Saint-Paul Asylum where he painted “The Starry Night.”
The exhibition is a must-see for all art enthusiasts. Timed-entry tickets are required and included in the price of admission. As opening week was sold out far in advance, be sure to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Per COVID-19 safety protocol, temperature checks, social distancing, and face coverings are required.
Hours & Pricing
The exhibit is on display from 10am to 6pm running Saturday through Wednesday and 10am to 8pm Thursday and Friday. Cost of tickets is $25 per adult, $23 per senior, educator, military member or first responder, $18 for college students or teens, and $10 for children ages 6-12.
Directions
“Van Gogh Alive” is located at the Salvador Dali Museum, at 1 Dali Boulevard, which is not far from Downtown St. Petersburg. It is also just a stone throw’s away from the St. Petersburg Albert Whitted Airport and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus. The closest major road is 5th Avenue South. It makes for one of the best day trips near Anna Maria Island.
Other St. Petersburg Attractions
Enjoy “Van Gogh Alive” before exploring the rest of St. Petersburg, which is well worth your time. Its downtown is filled with charming cafés, galleries, restaurants, and green outdoor spaces.
The La Déjà Vu Café is highly recommended, the perfect place for snacks and coffee in a quiet corner of downtown. For something heartier, Rococo Steak and Il Ritorno and provide fine dining while The Lure, The Cider Press Café, and Aropolis Greek Taverna offer something a little more casual.
Plan Your Next Visit
Whatever your preferences, there are plenty of ways to make a memorable day in St. Petersburg. At the end of the day, you can return from the city to the privacy of your Anna Maria Island vacation rental. Our beautiful Bradenton Beach vacation rentals are centrally located, often with stunning Gulf views. To learn more, contact us today!
History buffs will appreciate the St. Petersburg Museum of History where visitors can learn about the region’s past. In the Benoist Plaza, one can also enjoy the First Flight Monument, which commemorates the world’s first commercial flight launched over Tampa Bay.
Places like Spa Beach and Family Park provide wonderful opportunities to relax while overlooking the bay. Stroll along the coast for a pleasant sea breeze or suntan in one of many public lawn chairs. Numerous public piers are ideal for fishing or viewing the bay. There’s little shortage of things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida.