Naples Guide to the Arts
With its plentiful performing arts venues, art galleries, and art-focused events, Naples is a favorite destination for art lovers. In between beach days, residents and visitors to our sunny Gulfside paradise can enjoy world-class performances and exhibits, shop original works from local artists and those around the world, and even hone their own skills at artist-led classes and workshops.
PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Artis—Naples (5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard). Artis—Naples hosts more than 800 concerts, performances, exhibitions, and educational events for children and adults each year, with a unique range of programs, including music, film, dance, comedy, lectures, and exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists. See upcoming productions…
Gulfshore Playhouse (755 Eighth Avenue South). This professional theatre company produces a range of performances each season, from dramas to comedies and classic musicals. See upcoming productions…
The Naples Players (701 Fifth Avenue South; Sugden Community Theatre). This community theatre company has been a longtime institution in Naples. Its volunteer actors, directors, designers, and crew stage several productions year-round, including six as part of its youth theatre education program, KidzAct. See upcoming productions…
Opera Naples (2408 Linwood Avenue). Opera Naples brings internationally acclaimed artists to perform some of the world’s most beloved operas, both at the Wang Opera Center and on the main stage at Artis—Naples. See upcoming productions…
TheatreZone (13275 Livingston Road). TheatreZone offers professional, Broadway-quality musicals and concerts in an intimate, 250-seat theatre. See upcoming productions…
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Amy Art (28 10th Street South). Amy Art is the home of Scouted artist Amy Moglia Heuerman. Formerly a successful children’s illustrator, Amy has transitioned her focus to large-scale abstract paintings, as well as florals, coastal scenes, and more whimsical series, like “The Girls,” which showcases the joy of the inner child. Her gallery in the Naples Design District is open most days during season, or by appointment.
The Baker Museum (5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard; Artis—Naples). The Baker Museum is one of the foremost fine art museums in Southwest Florida. Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, the museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. See current and upcoming exhibitions…
Naples Art Institute (585 Park Street). This 16,000-square-foot facility in downtown Naples features six studios, a main exhibition hall, galleries, one of the area’s largest art resource libraries, and a shop. Each year, its professionally curated exhibitions feature works by visual artists—local and from around the globe. See current and upcoming exhibitions…
Naples Botanical Garden (4820 Bayshore Drive). This 170-acre, world-class botanical garden also plays host to art exhibits and installations throughout the year. Visit the gallery in Kapnick Hall, or stroll the gardens to see large-scale installations by artists from around the world. They also host art-focused events and programming for children and adults. All are included with regular Garden admission. See current and upcoming exhibitions…
ARTS DISTRICTS
Naples Art District. Comprised of more than 100 professional artists’ working studios and galleries, the Naples Art District encompasses sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, glass and mosaic artisans, photographers, painters, and more. The district hosts events and art classes for those seeking to hone their own skills under professional guidance.
Naples Design District. This walkable creative quarter near downtown Naples is home to several art galleries, interior design shops and studios, and locally owned shops and restaurants.
ANNUAL ARTS EVENTS
Art Alive! Open Art Studio Tours (Held monthly in the Naples Art District). Meet dozens of professional artists and watch them at work during these free monthly open studio tours.
Art Fest Naples (Held in January at Fleischmann Park). This outdoor invitational art festival is a local favorite and has taken place annually in Naples for more than 25 years.
Art in the Park (Held in February, March, and April at Mercato). A series of monthly outdoor juried art fairs during season, featuring works from approximately 40 professional artists from around Florida.
Naples Downtown Art Fair (Held in March on Fifth Avenue South). Presented by Naples Art Institute, this annual fair features works from approximately 220 professional artists from 32 states in mediums including ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood.
Naples New Year’s Art Fair (Held in January on Fifth Avenue South). A top-ranked national art fair, this annual tradition is considered a premier caliber outdoor show due to its high quality of art, engaging artists, and festive atmosphere.
Plein Air Fest (Held in January at Naples Botanical Garden). Find inspiration in nature as over a dozen local artists work in the tradition of painting en plein air (“in the open air”). Visitors can ask questions, engage in conversation, and gain insight into a variety of artistic practices. Art-themed family activities provide a hands-on experience, and aspiring artists of all ages are invited to get creative and make their own piece of plein air art to take home.
The Scout Guide Naples Guide to the Arts is presented by Artis—Naples.
