Naples has a thriving arts and cultural scene that offers a range of experiences for visitors and residents alike. Here are some of the notable arts and cultural attractions in Naples:
Artis-Naples
Artis—Naples is the premier destination for the visual and performing arts in Southwest Florida. This cultural complex is home to the Naples Philharmonic, which hosts a variety of classical and contemporary music performances throughout the year. They are driven to inspire, educate and entertain by presenting world-class events that enrich the diverse community.
Offering a unique range of programs — including music, film, dance, comedy, lectures and exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists — their multidisciplinary approach cultivates a broader appreciation for art in its many forms.
Baker Museum
Artis includes The Baker Museum, featuring rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, and the Hayes Hall, which showcases theater productions and Broadway shows. The Baker Museum is the foremost fine art museum in Southwest Florida.
Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, the Baker museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, The Baker Museum provides world-class exhibitions and educational opportunities for Southwest Florida’s diverse community.
Naples Art Institute
Founded in 1954, the Naples Art Institute promotes visual arts in the community. They organize exhibitions, art festivals, workshops, and educational programs. The von Liebig Art Center is their headquarters and houses galleries, studios, and classrooms. At the heart of the work lies a dedication to sparking curiosity, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting learning and growth within the community. Their mission is to enlighten, engage, educate, and enrich the community, building on Naples Art Institute’s history and position of leadership as a hub of visual contemporary art with a local and global footprint.
Naples Players
Known as one of the premier community theaters in the region, the Naples Players stage a diverse range of plays, musicals, and performances. Their Sugden Community Theatre provides a platform for local talent and visiting productions. The Naples Players was founded on January 19, 1953, an idea which originated a year earlier at the home of Henry and Mary Watkins. Its first production, I Remember Mama, was staged in what is now Gulfview Middle School on March 20, 1953.
For more than two decades The Naples Players staged rehearsals and performances out of local auditoriums, restaurants, and even patrons’ homes. It was not until 1975 that The Naples Players established a home base when a 40-seat playhouse was opened at 2363 Davis Boulevard. Having their own facility allowed TNP to focus on growing their classes and programs beyond just staged performances. Explosive growth followed and less than a decade later, they had outgrown their facility. After extensive renovations, the former Kon-Tiki Theatre was reopened as the new Naples Players theatre. A performance of Guys & Dolls was staged in March 1985 as the opening act.
Naples Botanical Garden
In addition to its natural beauty, the Naples Botanical Garden features various art installations throughout its grounds. The gardens often host sculpture exhibitions and art-related events. The beautiful botanical collection and sprawling natural areas of the Garden inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
They aspire to be a global leader in environmental education for all ages and audiences by offering engaging activities, accurate information, and impactful experiences that illuminate plants’ critical role in supporting all life on Earth.
Art Galleries and Festivals
Naples has a vibrant gallery scene, with numerous art galleries showcasing a variety of styles and mediums. The Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South areas are particularly rich in galleries, offering opportunities to view and purchase artworks.
The Naples Art District is Southwest Florida’s art gallery & art studio destination with 100 artists working, exhibiting, and teaching in unique studio spaces. Located just off Pine Ridge Road, the Naples Art District has the highest concentration of art galleries and working art studios in Southwest Florida. This Naples destination is a must-see for art collectors, art lovers, the local community, and tourists.
Naples hosts several art festivals throughout the year, including the Naples National Art Festival and the Naples Downtown Art Show. These events attract artists from across the country, showcasing their work and offering opportunities to purchase unique pieces.
Naples Historical Society
The mission of Naples Historical Society is to preserve Naples history and heritage for the community and future generations to enjoy. The society also hosts educational programs and events. The Naples Historical Society operates the Historic Palm Cottage, a preserved historic home that serves as a museum showcasing the history and heritage of Naples.
This 3,500 sq ft house-turned museum (which is Naples oldest house , built in 1895) is listed as a Landmark in the National Register of Historic Places (listed in 1982). The Cottage serves as the portal to Naples history and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of children, residents and visitors alike every year.
Naples International Film Festival
The annual Naples International Film Festival celebrates independent films from around the world. It features screenings, discussions, and special events, bringing the art of cinema to the community. It is a place for film lovers to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the art of film in a friendly, welcoming environment.
The festival typically screens more than 60 films over four days, introducing the best of independent cinema — and dozens of talented filmmakers — to the community.
Naples Performing Arts Center
The Naples Performing Arts Center offers performing arts education for children and adults. They provide a range of classes and workshops in theater, dance, music, and more. The nonprofit performing arts organization, provides excellence in arts education through a diverse curriculum, while fostering creativity, building self-esteem, developing the student’s love for the arts and equipping them with life skills. All students, regardless of their ethnicity, intellectual capabilities and financial status, should have the opportunity to participate in the arts and develop these life skills.
The city’s commitment to fostering creativity and showcasing diverse artistic expressions makes it an appealing destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Here you can get more information about Arts and Culture in Naples.