Arts & Culture
More than a Colorful Picture
Immerse yourself in Southwest Florida’s culture, where a simple stroll through downtown Naples or Punta Gorda can lead to a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Visit the Florida Repertory in downtown Fort Myers — a highly reviewed theater by the Wall Street Journal. Take part in ArtFest — an annual celebration of artists from across the nation. And if you’re into gallery hopping, the cities of Naples and Marco Island offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy classical and contemporary galleries like the Artis-Naples Baker Museum and the Marco Island Center for the Arts.
![Profile of orchestra conductor with his arm raised.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-art.jpg)
![Young boy looking at model of lighthouse.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-history.jpg)
![Woman enjoying art at an outdoor art fair.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-festivals.jpg)
- Art
- History
- Festivals
![Profile of orchestra conductor with his arm raised.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-art.jpg)
Gain a Deeper Perspective
From museums to galleries and live performance theatres, Southwest Florida has something for everyone. Check out a variety of exhibits at the Naples Art Association, sign up for a class or workshop, or take your legs for a stretch along Naples Art District’s ½ mile of studios.
Explore the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers — a nonprofit visual and performing arts center with a theater that showcases 100 performances a year and three art galleries displaying 16 exhibit openings year-round. And if you’re interested in the classics, Punta Gorda Symphony delivers world-class orchestral performances to the community with several opportunities for young people to get involved.
![Young boy looking at model of lighthouse.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-history.jpg)
Respecting the Past and Looking to the Future
With a region as steeped in history as Southwest Florida, there is always something new to learn. And while the facts are extraordinary, it’s just as impressive to see how the past informs the present in cities like Naples, Punta Gorda and Fort Myers. Explore nearly 50 blocks of historic buildings and Victorian architecture in Punta Gorda, peruse the Blanchard House Museum of African American History to learn how African Americans have contributed to the development of Charlotte County or dive into Native American history at the Naples Historical Society and the Marco Island Historical Museum.
![Woman enjoying art at an outdoor art fair.](https://lifeinsouthwestfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/arts-culture-tabbed-content-festivals.jpg)
A Vivid Depiction of Community
Looking for a place to gather with art fans and connoisseurs alike? ArtFest Fort Myers is an annual juried fine arts festival that draws 90,000+ people from around the world. In Collier County, the Naples Art Institute holds regular events almost every month of the year, while the city’s ArtFest has been going on for 25+ years. The Punta Gorda Sullivan Craft Festival has also been a winter tradition for just as long, located just off the banks of the Peace River and the Gulf of Mexico.