Tampa Museum of Art opens downtown

TAMPA - The long-awaited opening of the Tampa Museum of Art attracted quite a crowd Saturday morning.

>> Photos: Museum behind-the-scenes

The 66,000-square-foot museum sits on the waterfront in downtown Tampa, next to the newly opened Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the future home of the Glazer Children's Museum.

The three are meant to be the cornerstone of the downtown Tampa Arts District.

"This is a new and very important public space for the city of Tampa and I truly believe it's going to be the focal point of cultural activity and family fun for generations to come," Mayor Pam Iorio said.

A traveling exhibit from French artist Henri Matisse will be showcased at the museum through April 18.

The park is located off of Ashley Drive, just north of Kennedy Boulevard.