Enriching art and culture in Tampa Bay

If you find yourself walking down Central Avenue in Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida and look up to see a building exterior reminiscent of the sandstone mesas of the American Southwest, you’re in the right place. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, complete with eight distinct galleries and over 400 works of art, is a cultural highlight of the Tampa Bay area.

Founded by Tom and Mary James as a gift to the St. Petersburg community and beyond, the James Museum is a love letter to the art, wildlife, landscapes and histories that captivated the pair during their travels out West.

When Raymond James was founded in the early 1960s, St. Petersburg and Tampa looked very different to the cities they are today. In conversations about the firm’s approach to investing in the community, Tom James consistently prioritized cultural and civic institutions, education-focused nonprofits and health and human services to help make Tampa Bay an attractive place for more people to visit, live and work.

As part of our commitment to supporting cultural institutions, Raymond James has made a meaningful contribution to the James Museum’s endowment. This contribution will help enable the museum to continue its work well into the future.

“Our firm has a long history of supporting the arts in our communities. We have a deep appreciation for Tom and Mary James’ efforts in establishing the James Museum and the important role it has played over the years in enriching the culture of the Tampa Bay area. By contributing to the museum’s endowment, we hope to ensure the sustainability of its work for generations to come.”
—PAUL REILLY, former Raymond James CEO

Reflecting its commitment to the community, Raymond James is proud to support the museum – built on the recognition that art and culture have the power to elevate the vibrancy of our cities and offer people of all ages valuable exposure to educational events and opportunities.

Programming highlights from the James Museum

The James Museum’s vision is to be an influential art museum that inspires every visitor. To realize that vision, the museum provides programs and experiences designed to inspire human connection and transformation through art.

Learning and exploration at the James Museum takes a variety of forms, from traditional museum tours to providing unique spaces to host events and exhibitions. Youth and family programs, spring break and summer art camps and youth organization initiatives empower young people in the Tampa Bay area to engage in the arts and American history. Supporting art-based education that aligns with school curriculum goals further help to foster empathy, critical thinking and deeper cultural understanding in young minds.

To date, the museum has hosted over 300 tours, helping more than 9,000 students learn about our shared history and often untold stories.

Through Art for All, which provides free admission and free educational opportunities for adults and children receiving food assistance, plus free bus transportation and admission for Tier 1 schools provides wider access to the James Museum.

To expand museum access further yet, programs like Art in Mind – an experience designed specifically for individuals living with dementia and their care partners – helps offer meaningful connection through art.

These more deliberate and tactile techniques are also being used for museum guests with special needs. Delivering sensory-friendly experiences through Sensory Mornings and the museum’s Quiet Room helps provide neurodivergent individuals and their families with special needs access to the museum in a comfortable, inclusive environment where they can explore the art on display at their own pace.

In 2024, more than 1,000 guests benefited from Art in Mind, Sensory Mornings and Art for All.

“The James Museum is an important community asset. As we move forward, we’re collectively focused on ensuring Raymond James maintains an active and meaningful partnership with the museum, benefiting not only our advisors and associates but the entire Tampa Bay community.”
—PAUL SHOUKRY, Raymond James CEO

As part of the firm’s relationship with the James Museum, Raymond James advisors and associates will have special opportunities to access the museum in the future.

Raymond James Cares

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. Learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy.

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