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Naples may be known for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets, but there's so much more to do in the jewel of Florida's Paradise Coast. This beautiful Florida city also has a vibrant and thriving art scene that has helped turn Naples into a vacation destination.
Art creates opportunities for cognitive development no matter our age. Emotionally, it’s an outlet and can help people in many ways and gives a sense of self. So, if you're ready to explore Naples' cultural scene, check out these museums, performing arts centers, and galleries around Collier County.
Related Blog: Celebrate the Arts at These Cultural Attractions in Naples, Florida
1. Naples Art Association
Tucked inside the Von Liebig Art Center in downtown Naples, the Naples Art Association is a non-profit organization that has worked to establish Naples as a hub for contemporary art that features local and international talent. Their galleries are free to visit and showcase a variety of exhibitions, placing a focus on featuring work from Florida artists. If you're curious to learn more about their artists, the Naples Art Association also offers different classes and workshops throughout the year. Be sure to check out their annual Naples National Art Florida in late February, which is considered one of America's Top 10 art festivals.
2. The Marco Center for the Arts
Founded in 1969 by a group of seven artists and art patrons with the goal of establishing Marco Island as a cultural destination, the Art League of Marco Island has helped to support the local arts scene and bring a wide variety of visual arts to the area. The Marco Island Center for the Arts offers free several galleries that showcase local, national, and international talent. Throughout the year, they also hold classes and workshops taught by accomplished arts, covering everything from visual to performing arts. If you'd like to bring some art home with you, stop by their gift shop, which carries items made by local artists.
3. Naples Arts District
Home to more than 70 artist studios and galleries, the Naples Arts District has become a model for other city art districts. The non-profit organization behind the arts district celebrates art in a variety of mediums, from painters and ceramicists to photographers and silversmiths, and helps to promote art education by hosting classes and workshops year-round. The one-half square mile isn't very walkable—the studios are spaced out and there are no sidewalks— so the non-profit recommends driving from studio to studio. Most of the studios and galleries are located on or near Shirley Street.
4. Artis-Naples
Previously known as The Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Artis-Naples is the home of the Grammy-nominated Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. They perform more than 140 orchestral and chamber concerts during their season, which takes place between September and June. Throughout the year, Artis-Naples also hosts performances from the Miami City Ballet, various Broadway performances, and concerts from top musical artists.
5. The Baker Museum
Located on the grounds of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the Baker Museum holds more than 4,000 objects in its permanent collections with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century art from American and Mexican artists. They maintain 17 galleries, an art library with more than 4,200 books, and an outdoor sculpture garden. On the last Wednesday of the month from 6pm to 9pm, visitors can get free admission during Art After Dark, their monthly celebration of art and local entertainment.
6. Naples Performing Arts Center
The Naples Performing Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts organization that teaches music, drama, and dance classes to the community. Throughout the year, their students hold performances and recitals to show off their skills. Proceeds from the performances help to fund scholarships, which the Center says benefits nearly 80% of their students.
7. The Naples Players
The Naples Players has been around since 1953 and has continued to provide season after season of wonderful performances. They offer classes for every level and interest. The classes on performance range from “intro to dance” to “audition prep” for our major season shows – and everything in between! One of their most popular is their KidzAct program that provides classes for kids and teens ages 4-18 where they can learn all about theatrical skills.
8. Gulfshore Playhouse
The Gulfshore Playhouse is Naples’ premier theatre and education center. Founded by Kristen Coury, her vision was to unite the best working professional actors and designers from across the country to create Broadway-caliber theatre in Southwest Florida. They are currently in construction for a 45,000 square foot Education Center which should open next year.
9. TheatreZone
TheatreZone is a non-profit theatre that has been showcasing Broadway shows, concerts, and special events since 2005. Throughout the years, TheatreZone has presented what we often refer to as the “lost treasures of Broadway” so audiences can enjoy shows they have never seen or not seen often, as well as Broadway classics. They are housed at the G&L Theatre, a intimate 250-seat theatre on the Community School of Naples.
At Moorings Park Communities, the best of Naples art scene is just a short drive away. However, each of our three campuses holds weekly art classes that invite creative expression of any medium. Just ask instructor Kim Willis. When you're ready to learn more about our luxury retirement community, contact us to become a resident of our premier community.
