The fall season is a prime time for art houses to bring in a featured piece or two for public viewing. Some works may just be stopping in for a month while others could become similar to that friend who ends up staying on your couch longer than expected. Here are a few choice venues accommodating special guests.

The Dali Museum
1 Dali Blvd
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 823-3767
thedali.org

Named after the skilled 20^th-century Spanish painter, Salvador Dali, the waterfront museum is visited by travelers from all over the world. Actor Joe Manganiello (Alcide from “True Blood”) lauded the museum in an interview earlier this summer with yours truly saying, “it is one of the best museums in the world” that he has visited. Going on display in October are works from Salvador himself, on loan from the National Museum of Spain (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia). The assortment of paintings, which can be seen until March 2013, range from early-life depictions, nudes and some the artist’s final works done in 1983.

The Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Drive NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-2667
fine-arts.org

With Florida being a golf course haven, it’s quite fitting that the most famous piece depicting the sport is stopping by for a few rounds. “The Art of Golf” is a more-or-less art time capsule; as many artists from numerous centuries have contributed to inspire this exhibition. The main attraction will be Charles Lee’s 1847 oil-on-canvas depiction of a famous foursome match on the Old Course at St. Andrews. A visual history lesson of sorts will be on hand staring November 3^rd and will hang around until February 17^th. For the laymen, to gaze upon Lee’s rendering reminds one of staring at a Where’s Waldo page.

Related: Best Places For Glass Art In Tampa Bay

Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 274-8130
tampamuseum.org

Ripped from the pages of his 2003 published work, Henri Cartier-Bresson, the great mid-20^th-century photographer, has captured some of the world’s most stunning events in history. Many of his images have transcended into textbooks for the art form. He was also a noted painter and drawer and all of his emotional works, including a few that have never been published, will dress the TMA beginning October 6^th and remain there until January 13^th.

Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 254-1891
plantmuseum.com

One of the most engaging eye catchers in the downtown area is located on the campus of the University of Tampa. The architectural gem will be featuring an array of 19^th-century pieces that were inspired by Japanese and crafted by the Western world, and vice versa. One of the highlights of this showcase will be vases, ceramics and furniture from the Meiji era that were once housed in the Tampa Bay Hotel. The purpose of this display is to show that art from all over the world is somehow related. Other works, borrowed from local museums and New York City, will also be rotated in through December 23^rd.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum
1925 4th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 821-8992
greatexplorations.org

The old adage, “who says learning can’t be fun,” rings true with this exhibit that was homegrown so to speak. Kids will have a blast tearing through Frank Baum’s life-size Oz storybooks. As they literally play in these more-or-less wholesome pop-up picture pages, the little guys will also be learning fundamental values which are pertinent to a child’s development via the interactive tour. Having an assortment of programs to go with the sizeable educational adventure should lead to repeat visitors throughout the season.

Related: Best Organizations Giving Back To The Tampa Arts