Growing up in Miami, Klaudio Rodriguez got his start in the art world cataloging collections for an art storage company. A lover of history, culture and storytelling, he saw museums as the pinnacle of where creativity, education and community intersect. After serving as chief curator at the Frost Art Museum in Miami and later as executive director of the Bronx Museum in New York, Rodriguez was invited to join the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, where he now serves as executive director. In this role, he works with the team and board to define the museum’s vision, shape exhibitions and programs, ensure financial sustainability and create a welcoming, inspiring space for all.
My father was a lawyer in his home country of Nicaragua, and my mother, who is Croatian, was a social worker. When we immigrated, they set aside their professions and took on whatever jobs they could to help us get by. Watching them work so hard, with such resilience and determination, left a deep impression on me. They taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work and treating others with respect—values that continue to shape who I am today.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of riding my bike with neighborhood kids for hours, exploring, playing games and sometimes getting into a little trouble. We would sneak into places we weren’t supposed to be, only to race home before dinner. Those days were full of freedom, adventure and laughter, and they taught me independence, resourcefulness and how to make the most of every moment.
As a kid, I once told my parents I wanted to be a bus driver because I thought it would be cool to meet all kinds of people and travel to different places. Later, I dreamed of working at an aquarium because of my love for marine life. By high school, I knew I wanted to do something creative and connected to history. For a time, I considered becoming a historian or educator, but museum work proved to be the perfect blend of both.
Some of my most formative experiences were visiting museums wherever my parents took me. Each one opened a window into a world I hadn’t yet known, sparking curiosity about art, history and culture. In those spaces, I always felt comfortable and safe—a refuge during what could be a challenging childhood. Those visits shaped my understanding of how culture influences identity and inspired a lifelong passion for exploring the ways creativity and knowledge connect people and communities.
My first real job came during my senior year of high school, working the late shift at USA Today from 3 to 7 a.m. before heading to school. I took the job to help support my family, and it taught me an invaluable lesson: nothing is given, everything is earned, and hard work truly pays off.
I came to the Tampa Bay area to serve as executive director of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. What I love most about this region is its strong sense of community, natural beauty and the way it embraces growth while celebrating its unique character. It has been inspiring to see the cultural scene flourish, and my family and I have felt incredibly welcomed by the warmth and friendliness of the people here.
My business philosophy is to be creative, courageous and daring—to think big. Bold, imaginative ideas inspire, engage and connect audiences, and ultimately attract the support and funding needed to bring them to life.
The last few years have been a period of tremendous change, both globally and personally. With the challenges of the pandemic, I also got married, welcomed a daughter and moved cities. These experiences reinforced the importance of flexibility. The world shifts quickly, and true leadership means being able to pivot, adapt and innovate while staying grounded in your mission and values.
My biggest supporters have been my family, whose love and encouragement have been constant, as well as the many trustees and colleagues I’ve been fortunate to work with—people who believe in collaboration and shared purpose. I don’t look up to one particular person; instead, I’ve been inspired by mentors, colleagues and leaders in the museum field who balance vision with collaboration, creativity with pragmatism, and boldness with generosity. Beyond museums, I admire those who lead with integrity and curiosity, showing how purpose and passion can create meaningful impact in any sphere.
Outside of professional accomplishments, I’m most proud of my family. My eldest daughter is a nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit in Orlando, my son is pursuing law school in Miami, and my youngest, who just started 3K, keeps me busy at home. They inspire me every day and remind me of what truly matters beyond work.
In my youth, I was fairly adventurous and daring, trying bungee jumping, scuba diving and skydiving. These days, I prefer biking as a way to explore cities, towns and nature. Rides I’d love to experience include the Route des Vins, which winds through Germany and France past scenic vineyards and charming towns, and Chile’s famous Ruta 7 through Patagonia, offering breathtaking views of nature.
Here in St. Pete, I love exploring the neighborhoods, spending time with my family, tinkering around our home in Old Northeast and riding my bike through the city. When it’s just me, I enjoy visiting local breweries. With my wife, Emilie, and our daughter, Kiara, I love exploring parks, the pier or just hanging out at our pool.
What many people may not realize is that museums are as much about community, education and engagement as they are about art. Behind every exhibition is a massive collaborative effort involving curators, educators, designers, conservators, registrars, installers and countless other skilled professionals, all working to create experiences that resonate with and inspire visitors.
Too often, art is treated as something extra—an optional luxury—rather than an essential part of what makes us human. Art and culture are how we record history, tell stories and imagine new futures. They inspire empathy, build community and drive economic vitality through tourism, education and the creative industries.
As a museum director, I want my impact to be felt in the ways people experience and connect with art—through bold, creative exhibitions and programs that spark curiosity and conversation. My goal is to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within the museum, strengthen community engagement and ensure the museum remains a vibrant, inclusive and fun space.
The greatest honor of my life has been the trust placed in me to lead several significant art institutions that are integral to their communities.
In terms of personal passions, my greatest extravagance is my collection of about 25 watches. I see each piece as a study in design, craftsmanship and artistry—functional objects elevated to works of art. I’m also surprisingly handy, can fix almost anything around the house, and enjoy cooking and mixing cocktails, often testing new recipes with friends as eager volunteers.
A song I love is Everlong by the Foo Fighters, which captures the overwhelming rush of connection and intensity in life’s most meaningful moments. Its lyrics about fleeting but powerful experiences resonate deeply, expressing both urgency and vulnerability.
I’ve never really thought in terms of “I can’t.” While I recognize limits exist, I don’t like to let them stand in my way.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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