Uncover the Magic: 5 Hidden Gems You Must Find at FloridaRAMA

You've explored the vibrant Strawberry Room, danced under the Shrimpfinity disco ball, and marveled at the Cosmic Dreams mural. But what if we told you that FloridaRAMA, St. Pete's most delightfully bizarre immersive art experience, holds even more secrets? Beyond the dazzling main attractions, a world of quirky, thought-provoking, and downright strange installations awaits those curious enough to seek them out. These hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered.

Grab your sense of adventure, because we're pulling back the curtain on 5 hidden gems you absolutely need to discover on your next visit to FloridaRAMA.

Phil Roach’s Peek-A-Boo Peephole Diorama

Featured within the 8-foot zoetrope installation Bait Ball, this work by Phil Roach invites you to peek in closely through a peephole that reveals a miniature diorama depicting an underwater scene. Discovering these little unexpected treasures truly adds another layer of magic to your FloridaRAMA adventure.

The Illuminating Gaze Diorama by Lucky LeRoy

Keep your eyes peeled for The Illuminating Gaze diorama, a captivating piece that subtly plays with perspective and presence. FloridaRAMA artist Paul LeRoy Gheres’ diorama combines their love of art history with iconic Florida structures and stories. This work draws inspiration from French artist Marcel Duchamp, inviting guests to peer through holes in a wooden door to catch glimpses of an elaborate and glittering display portraying Andy Warhol’s trip to Miami, Florida to experience the famous art deco architecture. The scene encased in the ever-recognizable Brillo Box mimics the historic photo of Warhol in front of what is now known as the Versace Mansion.

Mysterious Portal to the Bay

For a truly transportive hidden experience, seek out A Mysterious Portal to the Bay by artist Mike Hicks. This isn't just a painting; it's a room-sized, single-viewpoint immersive installation that places you directly beneath a bridge on a warm summer night. You'll "see, smell, and feel" the elements as if you're actually there, with a forced perspective revealing a dazzling Tampa Bay skyline in the distance. It's a remarkably faithful and subtly eerie recreation of a familiar Florida landscape, offering a brief, atmospheric escape that’s both haunting and beautiful. It's a testament to FloridaRAMA's ability to pull you into unexpected realities.

With every angle intentionally composed, this installation creates a powerful illusion when viewed from a specific vantage point. It's a reminder that how we see something can be shaped entirely by where we stand, and what we choose to focus on. As one of FloridaRAMA's most intricate hidden gems, it invites guests to slow down, recalibrate their senses, and engage with their surroundings in a deeper, more immersive way.

Coffee Table Dioramas in the Mermaid Star Motel Lobby

Once "checked-in" to the Mermaid Star Motel, your FloridaRAMA adventure begins, while a crucial hidden element sits in plain sight. Don't just walk past the seemingly ordinary coffee table. Take a closer look and uncover miniature dioramas referencing exhibits such as the motel pool, the Fountain of Life, and other installations around FloridaRAMA. The open drawers provide clues that are part of the larger mystery of the motel owners and "The Missing Sunnymooners." These tiny, intricate scenes could offer cryptic clues to the motel's strange narrative, proving that even a simple piece of furniture can hide a world of secrets.

CentCom Space Panther Easter Eggs

CentCom is an unmissable, bright orange cupcake-shaped structure within FloridaRAMA, a vibrant amalgamation of Florida references. It playfully pays homage to everything from retro Futuristic concept houses to the actual U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, even incorporating a design nod to the beloved Florida ice cream chain, Twisty Treat. However, there is even more to see within this space cat space craft. Look closely to find playful Easter eggs that allude to the intergalactic feline passengers, including catnip and a lightly used litter box.

Plan Your Visit to see these hidden gems!

Want to uncover these hidden installations yourself? Plan your visit and step inside one of the most delightfully weird immersive art experiences in St. Pete. Tucked inside The Factory St. Pete arts district, FloridaRAMA is open rain or shine and offers a full sensory adventure that’s perfect for families, curious tourists, and art lovers alike.

FloridaRAMA is one of the best hidden gems in St. Petersburg, a place where every corner holds a surprise, from secret dioramas to full-room illusions. General admission includes access to all featured exhibits, including the five hidden installations highlighted above. Check our calendar for special events and rotating surprises, you never know what you might find.

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