Nestled on the lush Tarpon Springs campus of St. Petersburg College, the Leepa‑Rattner Museum of Art (LRMA) opened its doors in January 2002. Born from the visionary generosity of abstract-expressionist Allen Leepa and housed within an architectural marvel, LRMA has matured into a vibrant hub where art, education, and community converge.
A Legacy Origins in Passion and Philanthropy
Allen Leepa—artist, educator, and son and stepson to Abraham Rattner and Esther Gentle—donated a deep and diverse archive of works in 1996. This corpus laid the foundation for LRMA’s paramount collection: vibrant tapestries, evocative stained glass, masterful prints, drawings, sculptures, and paintings by Rattner, Gentle, and Leepa himself. Augmented by prints and paintings from luminaries like Picasso, Chagall, Rouault, Moore, and Ernst, this collection now exceeds 6,000 objects.
The 2010 acquisition of the Gulf Coast Museum of Art’s collection further enriched LRMA with nearly 275 objects—showcasing contemporary Florida artists and southeastern craftspeople through photography, mixed media, ceramics, and fine art.
A Building as Art
LRMA’s architectural design, by Edward C. Hoffman Jr., is itself a work of art. The sweeping skylit galleries evoke the prow of a ship, a fitting homage to the region’s seafaring legacy. In recognition of its design excellence, the museum earned the Tampa Bay AIA’s 2002 H. Dean Rowe Award, and in 2012 was named one of Florida’s top 100 architectural gems.
The 53,000 sq ft structure encloses three integrated buildings: the museum proper, an art education center, and a library—all unified under one sweeping roofline and multiple gallery spaces.
Stewards of Excellence
Accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums—an honor held by only about 6% of U.S. museums—LRMA stands as a hallmark of professionalism and public trust. Under the current leadership of Executive Director Christine Renc‑Carter, the museum has reinforced its dual mission to preserve and share its rich collections while enriching the Tampa Bay creative landscape.
Exploring the Collections
LRMA’s galleries are grouped into captivating thematic zones:
- Leepa–Rattner–Gentle Collection: This core includes figurative expressionism, prints, sculptures, and archival materials chronicling the careers of Rattner, Gentle, and Leepa, woven together with works by Picasso, Moore, Chagall, Rouault, and Léger.
- Gulf Coast Collection: Focused on contemporary Florida and southeastern artists, this collection features fine crafts, ceramics, mixed media, and modern photography from luminaries like Clyde Butcher.
- Works on Paper Gallery: Celebrating two centuries of printmaking, this gallery spans works from Goya and Manet to Miró, Baskin, and contemporary printmakers like Lousia Chase, Donald Saff, and Donald Sultan.
- Interactive and Education Center: A lively space designed for hands-on engagement, programs, and lectures, engaging audiences of all ages. A focal point is an interactive mural of Pablo Picasso’s Guerinca (1937)–the world’s only full-scale reproduction of his masterwork authorized by the artist’s estate.
- Temporary and Special Exhibits: The James W. Mitchell, Jr., and Center Galleries rotate exhibitions, spotlighting everything from retrospectives to Florida architecture.
Programs and Public Engagement
LRMA thrives as a participatory space, offering:
- Docent tours every Sunday at 2 p.m.
- Monthly lectures, family workshops, children’s camps, concerts, and film screenings.
- Classes for students, community art events, internships, and volunteer opportunities—extending the museum’s academic roots.
Planning Your Visit
Located just off U.S. 19, at 600 E. Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, the museum welcomes visitors:
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10–5; Sunday, 1–5 pm; closed Mondays.
- Admission: Suggested donation of $10. Free to students, children, and active military.
- Etiquette: No food, drink, oversized items, or flash photography; masks and accessibility services available.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant, with sign-language upon request.
Resonating With Community
Visitors frequently describe LRMA as “a sanctuary of art, expression, and deliverance,” drawn to its passionate staff, serene environments, and cultural depth. Residency in academia amplifies its community impact—connecting students, locals, and travelers alike.
The Museum’s Quiet Revolutions
LRMA transcends being merely a display space. It’s a living canvas weaving modernist legacies with southeast Floridian creativity and civic aspiration. It upholds educational partnerships, supports regional artists, and pioneers interactive technology and accessible digital archives through its online portal.
Final Impression
The Leepa‑Rattner Museum of Art stands as an essential cultural cornerstone in Pinellas County. It celebrates artistic lineage, architectural elegance, and inclusive education, all while inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and discover beauty across its galleries. More than a museum, LRMA is a magnet for curiosity, connection, and colorful stories—painting the history and promise of Florida’s Gulf Coast, one exhibition at a time.
Galleries: James W. Mitchell, Jr., Center, Interactive
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art proudly presents Jeff Whipple: Past, Present, Future, a retrospective celebrating over four decades of provocative, concept-driven work by Florida-based artist Jeff Whipple. Known for his signature three-line motif known as the “spanasm” and a razor-sharp wit, Whipple’s multidisciplinary practice spans painting, video, performance, and installation, exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the absurdity of modern life. This exhibition traces the evolution of his singular visual language—from early existential compositions to recent works that invite viewers to consider how imagination shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. At turns engaging, irreverent, and delightfully bizarre, Whipple’s work offers a poignant, and at times humorous reflection on what it means to be human in an ever-shifting world.
This exhibition will include multi-media programs and performances and even a mini-golf course! Please check back for details.
Photos:
School group with Abraham Rattner’s The Last Judgement painting.
Fall 2025 Exhibition – A Legacy of Her Own: Women of the Gulf Coast Part II (August 9 – December 7, 2025) – Image: Virginia Beth
Sheilds, Kathy, from the Flesh and Blood Series, 1995, Ektacolor print, 27 x 33 in., LRMA Collection, St. Petersburg College, from the Gulf Coast Museum of Art Collection, GC1998.017.
Permanent Collection Galleries (installation shots)
Artistic Journeys: Abraham Rattner Early Years
Made in Florida: The Art of Giving
Artistic Journeys: Allen Leepa / Esther Gentle Gallery
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is home to the world’s only full-scale reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s masterwork “Guernica”authorized by the Picasso Estate.
Credit: Photo of Pablo Picasso, Reproduction of “Guernica,” 1937 © 2023 Estate of Pablo Picasso, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild Fashion Show, 2024, LRMA Interactive Gallery – featuring fiber artist Leanne Kroetsch
SPC student studying in the Abraham Rattner permanent collection gallery.
