The James Museum has its roots in the deeply felt passion for art and culture shared by co-founders Tom and Mary James, and in the couple’s love for St. Petersburg, the city where they live.

Years ago, when their travels took them out West, they were captivated by the art, landscape and wildlife. The art of action and attention to place created by contemporary artists greatly moved them, and they began buying pieces not only for their personal pleasure, but also to help the artists earn a living. These two dedicated patrons of the arts collected works in oil, in ink, in stone; works that define genres yet defy labels; works that evoke the spirit of a wide open frontier and the beauty of life in the wild. Since their first acquisition, a vast artistic legacy has grown — one populated by emerging artists and living legends and filled with tribal tradition and classical finesse.

In building this splendid home for a part of their vast personal collection of Western and wildlife art, Tom and Mary also have succeeded in their aim to share their vision and devotion to art with you and thousands of others.