Location: Sarasota
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6 Art Museums in Sarasota That You Shouldn't Miss
What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
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1. Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 81eddie - Brooklyn, United States
This museum is so chockfull of original memorabilia . Its housed on his estate in about 6 buildings. Its amazing the history and artifacts and art that he bought and saved . The recreations model of the workings of the circus are fantastic . I had a shop in Penn station and we used to sneak in Madison square garden when the circus came to town . We helped walk the elephants up the ramp into the arena garden. Pre 9/11. We spent over 4 hours touring the grounds and exhibition . The art collection is worthy of being in the Museum of art in any major city. It's worth buying the full package ticket. You can pack a lunch basket there are picnic tables . Also, a restaurant .The gardens are beautiful in season . The ringings are buried on the site. I think the grounds are about 155 acres . American history at it's best.
2. The Ringling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,113 reviews
The Ringling is located in Sarasota, Florida and preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library, two Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are free to visit, and the Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
The Circus Museum is closed for renovations as are an art gallery. The new Kotter-Koville Glass Museum is at the entrance to Ringling and is free to view. It has beautiful and diverse glass pieces; worth a visit. Admission--free with NARM, MARP, and ROAM memberships--provides admission to the fantastic Tibbals Learning Center, the grounds around Ca'd'Zen, and the truly outstanding and extensive art museum. Additional fees are charged to view Ca'd'Zen for the first floor or other floors. It used to be free to do a self-guiding of first floor and a fairly reasonable charge for two other floors. Now there is a high price, which is understandable when considering the very costly upkeep of the property. Still such high prices exclude this family. Ringling is for all ages and necessitates hours to enjoy.
3. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Temporarily Closed until April 2, 2020 due to coronavirus-19 concerns. We will reevaluate this as time goes on
Reviewed By daderdoc - Owings Mills, United States
Drove by this place on our way to our hotel and noticed some interesting sculptures by the side of the road. Decided to give it a try and glad we did. From the parking lot into the building into the gardens this place is a treasure trove of art talent and whimsy that is sure to put a smile on your face. Helpful knowledgeable staff who obviously enjoy their work. Only ask for a small contribution with no admission fee. A place not to be missed
4. Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion
5. Sarasota Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Anchoring the Ringling College Museum Campus, the Sarasota Art Museum has 15,000 square feet of dedicated exhibition gallery space, Bistro, Shop, auditorium for educational events, performance and film, a sculpture courtyard and extensive grounds and facilities where one can engage with site-specific and site-responsive art experiences. Our Bistro, Shop, and Grounds are OPEN on TUESDAYS, our galleries are CLOSED.
Reviewed By MarkWBoca - Boca Raton, United States
The completely re-built old high school offers a superb environment for its displays of contemporary art. Although there is plenty of free parking, exiting onto Tamiami Trail can be difficult. Sarasota Art Museum has no collection of its own, so it rotates visiting exhibits. The third (top) floor features the art of Brazilian-American artist Vik Muniz. The best place to start the Muniz exhibit is the video in the “Wunderkammer” (German for wonder Room). Vik Muniz gives a 15 minute TED Talk in the video, which serves as a great introduction to his art in the rest of the floor. The second floor displays a variety of abstract modern art. Every place there are friendly, knowledgeable volunteer docents, who delight in discussing the art with visitors. On the first floor, there is a small but excellent museum shop and a cafe is planned for the future. On each floor, there are individual unisex, handicapped accessible bathrooms. I know that some may consider reviewing rest rooms weird, but such quality amenities should not be taken for granted.
