Tom James: Master of the Art of Collecting

The 80,000-square-foot James Museum will house about 500 of the top works of art from his collection. In addition to over 30,000 square feet of gallery space, it will include a 2,500-square-foot indoor sculpture court, a Native American jewelry collection, a 120-seat theater, a large event space, kitchen, museum store and café.

“It’s difficult to create something that will evoke memories of where you were, what you saw, what you thought. I found art had a way of doing that,” the Raymond James executive chairman explained in a statement.

The museum will offer educational programs that highlight the work of Florida-based artists, the history of the West and wildlife, as well as guest lectures from members of the Cowboy Artists of America group.

“It’s a great team [behind the project], and it will be a wonderful showcase of the art which Mary and I have been passionate about collecting and now sharing with the public,” said James, who has given more than $50 million for the landmark project.

As Hank Hine, executive director of the Dali Museum said recently about the philanthropist and his wife: “Built entirely from the James’ private funds, this museum is being constructed in downtown St. Petersburg to spur the cultural and economic life of the city: in short, to build community in a manner parallel to their contributions to every other aspect of our civic infrastructure.”