Florida has always had a flair for the dramatic — but FloridaRAMA takes that spirit and turns it into something you can walk through, touch, and get completely lost inside. Formerly known as Fairgrounds St. Pete, FloridaRAMA is an arts and entertainment destination with an immersive art experience, rental venue, gallery space, and café located in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District. Part contemporary art museum, part digital playground, part Florida roadside attraction, and part escape room, FloridaRAMA blends sound, light, sculpture, scent, and storytelling into a vibrant, hands-on experience that invites guests of all ages.
FloridaRAMA is the brainchild of Liz Dimmitt, who drew inspiration from immersive artists like Yayoi Kusama. When she launched the exhibition in 2021, she worked alongside Mikhail Mansion, a tech innovator whose expertise in computer programming infused the space with moving televisions, scent machines, and interactive elements that push the boundaries of traditional art. The result is something St. Pete — and honestly all of Florida — has never quite seen before.
What to Expect Inside
Spanning over 20 uniquely designed rooms, FloridaRAMA is an adventure in itself. Guests can follow a nonlinear narrative, uncover hidden scavenger hunts, and interact with the exhibits in ways that make each visit one-of-a-kind. FloridaRAMA has partnered with 80+ artists, most of them local, to create a captivating world of playful installations that celebrate original Florida stories. There’s a sense of discovery around every corner — and that’s entirely by design.
The first thing you’ll see when you walk in is a seemingly three-dimensional mural that takes you on the “road” to the space. Next, there’s the neon mermaid tail advertising the “Mermaid Star Motel” you’re about to step into. To your left is a replica of a motel room, open suitcases and all, with the TV still “on” and the tentacles of a plush cephalopod protruding from the far corner of the bed. To your right is the motel office — check in, then check out the vintage room keys. It’s campy, clever, and completely immersive.
A massive room invites you to discover an unexplored Florida wilderness under a starry sky — you can spot the constellations through a telescope yourself. Crickets chirp and the elusive Florida panther lurks in the distance. Whimsy takes over when you venture further: the Strawberry Room melds Strawberry Shortcake with Alice in Wonderland. Another room invites you to marvel at a mermaid’s shell-encrusted vanity and her glamorous accoutrements. Yet another room contains dioramas depicting local artists’ many takes on life in Florida — it’s like walking into a reptile house in a zoo, except that each glass encasement is its own Florida-inspired thought experiment.
From Ray’s Lampscape Lab, a glowing maze of color-drenched lamps that feels infinite, to the playful surprise of the Upside-Down Motel Pool overhead, FloridaRAMA stacks delight on delight. You’ll spot a space-age Twistee Treat spaceship, groove beneath the shimmering Shrimpfinity Disco Ball, and smile at the kid-approved pirate ship ball pit. Guests are encouraged to lie back on the lounge chairs and look up to see the reflection of the water above — a playful and disorienting installation that challenges your perception of reality.
One room is dedicated entirely to shrimp, with a giant shrimp cocktail sculpture and a shrimp disco ball honoring the state’s massive seafood industry. Another room is filled with miniature dioramas capturing quintessential Florida scenes, from the lush Everglades teeming with gators and crocs to the neon-lit motels of Old Florida that once lined Highway 1. Look up to meet life-sized manatees drifting above the Bait Ball, then say hello to the two-headed gator — a cheeky wink at Florida folklore.
Games, Events & Extras
Guests can find clues to a mysterious narrative and gamify their experience by adding on an immersive scavenger hunt. It’s a fantastic way to extend your visit and dig deeper into FloridaRAMA’s layered storytelling. The venue also hosts a robust calendar of events, including hands-on craft workshops, family-friendly dance parties, drag performances, and matchmaking nights.
The FloridaRAMA gallery features uniquely curated selling exhibitions by local and national artists each month. The gallery is free to visit and offers visitors and collectors the opportunity to view and collect work by local artists — located by the café and ticketing desk, and open daily. Before you leave, don’t forget to swing by the gift shop, where Florida souvenirs and locally made art pieces offer a chance to take home a piece of the experience.
Atmosphere & Décor
From the (free!) parking lot, the space looks like your average run-of-the-mill Florida building — but once you step inside, you are transported to a neon, eclectic archive. The transformation is genuinely startling in the best possible way. This high-tech, multimedia art exhibition is a wonderland of neon lights, infinity mirrors, soundscapes, and one very unforgettable shrimp-shaped disco ball.
The work of local and international artists is on display throughout this multi-room space, and each room and corridor has its own vision and aesthetic. Visitors can explore a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art and performance, all while discovering the unique perspectives of the artists who call Florida home. The result is a space that never feels repetitive — each room is a total sensory reset.
Neon lights and colors accent many of the artworks at FloridaRAMA, lending the whole venue a vibrant, after-dark energy that feels equally exciting whether you’re visiting in the afternoon with kids or on a Friday night with friends. Unlike other art museums, this is an immersive experience where you’re encouraged to touch everything.
Other Considerations
How much does it cost to get in? FloridaRAMA is open Thursday through Monday, with general admission priced at $27 for adults. The attraction also offers discounted rates for Florida residents and group discounts. The art gallery, café, and free Wi-Fi lounge are free to visit at the entrance — a nice bonus even if you’re just passing through.
Is it good for kids and families? The FloridaRAMA experience is perfect for date night or a day of family fun. It works well with young kids, older kids, or as a fun date. The hands-on, touch-everything philosophy means little ones are actively encouraged to explore — not told to keep their hands to themselves.
How long should I plan to spend there? It’s a condensed experience that packs plenty of visual surprises into about 90 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick cultural break. That said, adding on the immersive scavenger hunt is a great way to squeeze more time and adventure out of your visit — and many who do it find it significantly extends the fun.
What’s the best time to visit? You’ll find it less crowded during the week, though going early on Saturday or on Sunday gives you some breathing room. If you want to experience FloridaRAMA as part of the greater art scene, aim for Saturday night — especially the second Saturday of the month, when the legendary St. Pete Second Saturday ArtWalk takes place.
Is parking easy? There’s plenty of parking at FloridaRAMA, and there’s also a lot across the street if things get busy. It’s also right off the Pinellas Trail, so you can easily bike in from downtown St. Pete.
Any honest caveats to know? FloridaRAMA is genuinely creative and unlike most things you’ll find in Tampa Bay, but it’s worth setting your expectations accordingly. If you play the scavenger hunt game, it can extend your visit — but overall it’s a shorter experience than comparable immersive attractions. First-timers who lean into the interactive elements and the optional add-ons tend to get the most out of it. Go curious, go open-minded, and go ready to wander.
FloridaRAMA
📍 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Website: https://www.floridarama.art
