Collier County, the Paradise Coast that includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, is also known as Florida's Cultural Paradise, with an amazingly diverse arts and cultural community that offers something for everyone. The area is home to over 40 arts organizations, six museums, 100+ art galleries and artist studios, and more than 500 artists and entertainers. Close to 50 art festivals are held during the year at various locations throughout the county. Other offerings include free concerts in the park, jazz on the beach, strolling entertainers at downtown locations, gallery walks and exhibit openings. Naples was named "The #1 Small Art Town in America" by author John Villani in his book The 100 Best Art Towns in America.
Upcoming Special Event:
Celebrate the Arts Month - November, 2007 - A month-long, county-wide celebration of music, dance, theatre and the visual arts. Over 100 events scheduled at venues throughout the county. Sponsored by the United Arts Council. (239)263-8242. www.celebratethearts.org (Note: Web site is operational after 9/1/07).
Arts & Cultural Destinations in Collier County:
Art League of Marco Island - presents art exhibits, educational programs in the arts for all ages, annual outdoor festivals. 1010 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island. (239) 394-4221. www.marcoislandart.com
The von Liebig Art Center - home to the Naples Art Association with world-class exhibits, outdoor festivals and art classes. 585 Park Street, Naples. (239)262-6517. www.naplesart.org
Naples Museum of Art - features collections of American modernism, 20th century Mexican art, Chihuly glass, traveling exhibitions. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. (239) 597-1900. www.thephil.org
Philharmonic Center for the Arts - performing and visual arts complex that hosts over 400 performances annually and is home to a resident orchestra and the Naples Museum of Art. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. (239) 597-1900. www.thephil.org
Sugden Community Theatre - home to the Naples Players with year-round theatre performances and special events. 701 5th Ave. S. (239) 263-7990. www.naplesplayers.org.
Marco Players - live community theatre offering comedies, dramas and musicals on Marco Island. (239) 642-7270.
Opera Naples - local professional opera company serving southwest Florida. (239) 287-8694. www.operanaples.com
TheatreZone - professional regional theater company housed at the G&L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Rd. (239) 449-2323. www.theatrezone-florida.com
Classic Chamber Concerts - concerts performed in season at Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 434-8505. www.classicchamberconcerts.org.
Naples Concert Band - free outdoor concerts at Cambier Park in downtown Naples. (239) 263-9521.
www.naplesconcertband.org
Norris Center - Naples city-operated facility that is home to concerts, theatre productions, arts classes. (239) 213-3058. www.naplesgov.com
Collier County Museum - The main county museum showcases 10,000 years of southwest Florida history, five acres of native gardens, special programs and exhibits. 3301 Tamiami Tr. E. (239) 774-8476. www.colliermuseum.com.
Immokalee Pioneer Museum - 15-acre living history museum; listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. (239)658-2466. www.colliermuseum.com.
Museum of the Everglades - located in a 1920s building in Everglades City; listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 105 W. Broadway, Everglades City. (239) 695-0008. www.colliermuseum.com
Naples Depot Museum - built in 1927, it served as the Seaboard Air Line Railway's southern-most west coast terminal. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. 1200 5th Ave. S. (239) 262-6525. www.colliermuseum.com.
Holocaust Museum - offers tours and educational seminars. 4760 Tamiami Trail North. (239)263-9200. www.swflhm.org.
Palm Cottage - home to the Naples Historical Society; offers tours and lectures. 137 12th Avenue S. (239)261-8164. www.napleshistoricalsociety.org.
Naples Botanical - features Tropical Mosaic Garden, butterfly house and Uplands Preserve. Hosts special events and art festivals. 4820 Bayshore Dr. (239) 643-7275. www.naplesgarden.org
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