This post is an advertorial written by an organization that serves the museum field. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of AAM or its employees.

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The city of Clearwater, Fla., is embarking on an exciting new venture to reimagine its iconic Main Library as more than just a place for books. With its expansive structure located on prime downtown waterfront, the library has long been a cornerstone of the community. Yet, its current use no longer fully captures the vibrant potential of the space. Now, the city of Clearwater is calling on visionaries from museums, cultural institutions, and the arts to breathe new life into this architectural landmark, transforming it into a dynamic cultural hub that serves the future of the city.

The city seeks forward-thinking proposals to activate a minimum of 10,000 square feet within the library’s 92,000-square-foot space, inviting creative partners to integrate exhibits and interactive amenities. The goal is to transform the building into a cultural destination that not only preserves the distinctive Robert A.M. Stern architecture of the building but also offers a cutting-edge experience for residents and visitors alike. Proposals are expected to merge art, education, and entertainment in a way that invigorates the building while embracing the evolving need for cutting-edge technology.

Library and Downtown Features

Located in the heart of downtown Clearwater, the Main Library boasts sweeping waterfront views of Clearwater Harbor Marina and is adjacent to Coachman Park, which underwent an $84 million revitalization in 2023. The park features a 4,000-seat amphitheater, The BayCare Sound, a popular splash pad, green spaces, and public art installations. To the south, the Harborview Hotel, a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, is poised to enhance the area with its sustainable design and retail offerings. These developments create a vibrant backdrop for the transformation of the library into a must-visit cultural center.

World-Class Beach Destination

Clearwater, known for its world-class sugar sand beaches and thriving outdoor sports scene, is positioned to also become a premier destination for the arts. Tampa Bay’s cultural landscape is already rich, being home to more than 4,000 arts and culture establishments, and the integration of a cultural museum within the library would further solidify Clearwater’s role as a hub for creativity, learning, and community engagement.

Under the city’s revitalization efforts, “Reimagine Clearwater Main Library: A Cultural Destination,” the city seeks partners who are ready to reimagine what the future of libraries can be for the masses. The library, with its storied history of providing access to knowledge, is now poised to evolve into a vibrant center for the arts—one that goes beyond the written word to embrace visual arts, performances, music, and community-driven creativity. This a space where partnerships with museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions will transform the library into a space that reflects the city’s growing cultural fabric.

Project Goals

The library’s transformation represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional library functions and contemporary cultural needs. By integrating a museum, the library can serve as a dynamic space for exhibits, interactive art installations, performances, and workshops. The museum’s diverse programming can attract audiences of all ages and backgrounds, creating an inclusive, accessible cultural environment that engages visitors in meaningful dialogue and exploration.

A museum tenant would breathe new life into the library, preserving its role as a community touchstone while elevating it to a dynamic center for learning, culture, and creative expression. The partnership would seamlessly blend the library’s literary mission with the visual arts, creating a space where creativity and knowledge intersect. By hosting rotating exhibits, performances, and lectures, the library would offer more than just books—it would become a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can engage with the arts in new and immersive ways.

Submitting Proposals

The city invites proposals from museums and cultural organizations experienced in transforming spaces for public use. The goal is to establish a collaborative partnership that will rejuvenate the library, drawing new visitors and strengthening the community’s connection to the arts.

The transformation of the Clearwater Main Library into a cultural center represents a bold step forward for the city. It is an opportunity to preserve the library’s rich legacy while adapting it to meet the needs of a changing cultural landscape. By embracing the arts, Clearwater can cultivate a space where creativity and learning flourish, enriching the community for generations to come. Through this revitalization, the Main Library can continue to serve as a beacon of intellectual and cultural engagement, shaping the future of the community while honoring its past as the revitalization of downtown Clearwater continues to evolve.