Artis—Naples - Complex
The Artis Naples complex is Southwest Florida's prestigious fine art and performing arts center. It is home to the Naples Philharmonic and the Baker Museum, and it also hosts numerous musical and performance events throughout the year.
This performing arts complex, located on the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus, was first known as The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Referred to locally as The Phil, the arts center was built in 1989 through the dedicated efforts of founder Myra Janco Daniels. The venue brought in a variety of acts, from symphonies to dance to Broadway musicals.
It expanded in 2000 with the arrival of the Naples Museum of Art, totaling 30,000 square feet and three stories. The Museum of Art was later renamed The Baker Museum, in honor of Patty and Jay Baker who donated many pieces to the collection.
The Phil received its own renaming in spring of 2013, when it became known as Artis Naples.
At Artis Naples, the arts and educational enrichment go hand in hand. The complex seeks to enrich the lives of children and adults alike with a variety of events. Naturally, symphony performances are highly popular, with everything from international orchestras to piano and violin concerts to jazz ensembles making a splash. Artis Naples also hosts world-famous musicians and local budding talent, with the Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorale taking to the stage at regular intervals. Ballets, Broadway musicals and plays and other music concerts are also featured. Comedians and motivational speakers have likewise appeared on stage.
Artis Naples has hosted countless acts since its inception in 1989, and it often puts on more than 800 events a year. From musical acts like ZZ Top, Dennis DeYoung and Willie Nelson to more instrumental performances from Naples Philharmonic, Yanni, Berlioz Symphonie, Michael Feinstein and Elgar Cello Concerto, Artis Naples is intimately familiar with exceptional talent. The Miami City Ballet puts on regular performances, while musicals such as Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Something Rotten have brought in guests from around the area.
Artis Naples has two performance venues, Frances Pew Hayes Hall and the Myra J. Daniels Pavilion. The Hall offers just over 1,470 seats, while the Daniels Pavilion is a smaller venue with just under 300 seats.
Naples, located in Collier County, is an affluent city with strong ties to real estate and tourism. In fact, the area is popular with ecotourists who head out to experience the Everglades, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Residents are also committed to the arts, which have been part of the community since the 1950s. The Naples Players, Gulfshore Playhouse and Opera Naples attract thousands of guests each year. Visitors should check the listings at other great venues, such as Sugden Community Theatre or nearby Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center.
The Naples Half Marathon has been an annual occurrence since 1989, drawing in significant crowds and several Olympian participants.