Free Museum Day: These four St. Petersburg museums are free Saturday

Arts Alive! Free Museum Day, an annual event that used to overlap with Smithsonian Magazine’s Free Museum Day, is coming to St. Petersburg this weekend. It’s produced by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, the City of St. Petersburg and local participating organizations. The Smithsonian’s Free Museum Day has been paused this year.

Arts Alive! Free Museum Day is happening Sept. 23. Don’t expect to just breeze through the local participating museums, though. A few have specific criteria and all recommend reserving tickets ahead of time, as it can become quite crowded.

The following museums are participating:

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg will offer free admission to residents of Pinellas County with a valid ID. 355 Beach Drive NE. 727-896-2667. mfastpete.org.

The Dalí Museum also offers free admission to Pinellas County residents with ID. This does not include the new “Dalí Alive 360°” experience, which can be purchased for $15. Online reservations are highly recommended. Upon arrival, guests will need to show their pre-reserved ticket and ID. Walk-ups will be available as space allows. 1 Dalí Blvd. (Bayshore Drive and Fifth Avenue SE). 727-823-3767. thedali.org.

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art recommends reserving your time slot ahead of time once registration opens. Limited walk-up tickets will be available at the door for residents of any county, but this doesn’t guarantee entrance without a reservation. 150 Central Ave. 727-892-4200. thejamesmuseum.org.

Imagine Museum is requiring timed tickets (also for residents of any county) and will have commemorative items for sale in the gift shop. 1901 Central Ave. 727-300-1700. imaginemuseum.com.

For more information, visit stpeteartalliance.org.

Where should I park during Free Museum Day?

Parking is available in any of the downtown garages. Rates vary. Use the ParkMobile app or visit the city of St. Petersburg’s website at stpete.org. Consider riding the SunRunner, St. Petersburg Trolley Downtown Looper or the Central Avenue Trolley for museum-hopping. Visit psta.net for routes and schedules.