Penny Lane Forever: Beatles Museum Heads to the Heart of St. Pete

By Avery Anderson

If all you need is love—and maybe a drum kit played by Ringo Starr—then you’re in luck.

Penny Lane, the beloved Beatles museum currently nestled in downtown Dunedin, is making a major move. In early to mid-2026, the not-for-profit museum will open its doors in a brand-new home in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The new space, located at 146 2nd Street North inside the Palais Royale building, promises to be a haven for fans of the Fab Four—bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before.

Founded in 2017 by Dr. Robert Entel, a local radiologist and lifelong Beatles aficionado, Penny Lane has quietly built a reputation as one of the largest and most significant Beatles collections in the world. With over 1,500 items in the archive—including instruments played by the band, autographed artifacts, vintage toys, slot machines, and even strands of Beatles hair—Penny Lane isn’t just a museum. It’s a time capsule, a shrine, and a rock history classroom rolled into one.

So why leave Dunedin now?

“St. Petersburg is the ideal place for Penny Lane,” Entel said. “It’s beautiful, vibrant, eclectic, and a true destination. Plus, it has a national reputation for the arts. We knew it was the right move.”

Currently operating out of a modest storefront on Broadway, the museum’s new digs will be more than four times larger, clocking in at 2,100 square feet. That means room to finally show off many of the treasures that have long been in storage—Beatles clothing, vintage jukeboxes, pinball machines, and even a full drum set once played by Ringo himself.

The new space is being designed by Creative Arts Unlimited, the Pinellas Park-based firm behind installations like Saigon Blonde. Known for their bold, immersive work, the team is crafting a fully themed experience meant to transport visitors straight to Liverpool. From the building’s Beatles-inspired façade to a walkthrough timeline of the band’s rise from local club gigs to global superstardom, the new Penny Lane will be both a feast for the eyes and a celebration of sound.

Visitors can expect a vibrant, rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere—and it won’t just be about looking. The museum plans to host special events, from school tours to retirement parties, and even feature live Beatles-era music at select gatherings. And yes, the expanded gift shop will be stocked with more gear for Beatles fans to bring home.

For Entel, it’s all about keeping the legacy alive.

“The Beatles weren’t just a band. They were a revolution,” he said. “We want people to feel like they’ve stepped into a different world—one where music and culture changed forever.”

As construction begins, anticipation is already building. Penny Lane’s move adds another major gem to St. Pete’s cultural crown—and gives Beatles fans a new reason to twist and shout.

To follow along as the museum gets ready to open its doors, visit pennylanemuseum.org or follow them on Facebook.