Founders & History

The James Museum was founded in 2018 by Tom and Mary James as a gift to the St. Petersburg community and beyond. Tom James grew up right here in St. Petersburg and still calls it home along with Mary. Their two sons Huntington and Courtland and their families also live in the Tampa Bay region.

Years ago, when their travels took them out West, they were captivated by the art, landscapes and wildlife. The art of action and attention to place created by contemporary artists greatly moved them, and they began to amass a significant collection that speaks to their interests in history, storytelling and human connection.

While often relating scenes from the past, most of the art in The James Museum Collection was created in our own era. Tom and Mary James share a passion for supporting living artists, especially those who portray subjects of American Western history, American Indian cultures, and wildlife from around the world.

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.