The Baker Museum in Naples
Southwest Florida’s home for the visual arts is the Baker Museum. The three-story, 30,000-square-foot museum houses 15 galleries, a glass dome conservatory, an educational resource room, a cafe, traveling exhibits and interesting permanent installations including not to be missed four Chihuly pieces. The Baker emphasizes modern and contemporary art along with several diverse programs. For example, NIFF, the annual Naples International Film Festival, is a place for film lovers, typically screening more than 60 films over four days introducing the best of independent cinema. The musical series ranges from Pops, Broadway, Chamber, Piano, and Dance.
Three lecture series in March and April include Atmosphonia, A Meditation on Sound and Light, a panel discussion on Entangled in the Mangroves, which highlights the impact of climate change on Florida ecosystems, and Florida Contemporary for a lively discussion of the state’s vibrant art scene.
Entering one of the galleries, one walks under a glass ceiling of over 600 Chihuly pieces giving an experience unlike any other. When asked how the red and blue chandeliers were cleaned, the answer was “very carefully!”
Past exhibits included Degas Ballerinas, The History of Baseball in Art and an extraordinary collection of exquisite gowns made of paper. You will find there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Baker. Simply explore the Baker Museum online to find out the fascinating goings on in this local gem, a gift to us all.
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 239-597-1900
artisnaples.org/baker-museum
