Sarasota Art Museum
A beautifully restored historic high school housing dynamic contemporary art exhibitions, offering a unique cultural experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission all day!
Sarasota Art Museum
Best Time
Free admission all day!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored historic high school housing dynamic contemporary art exhibitions, offering a unique cultural experience.
"Three floors of stunning art! Love the use of the light streaming through the windows!"
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the second Sunday of the month for free admission! :ticket:
👟 'Future Now' Exhibit
Don't miss the 'Future Now' exhibit on sneakers and their cultural impact. :sneaker:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
The entire building
Explore the stunning blend of gothic and midcentury modern design in this former high school.
Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Galleries
Discover thought-provoking art, from sneakers to social justice themes, always something new.
Family Day Activities
Museum-wide
Engage kids with fun, art-focused activities on the second Sunday of each month.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Architecture and Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the second Sunday of the month for free admission! :ticket:
👟 'Future Now' Exhibit
Don't miss the 'Future Now' exhibit on sneakers and their cultural impact. :sneaker:
👨👩👧 Family Fun Sundays
Kids love the Family Day activities on the second Sunday! :child:
💡 Check Exhibit Schedule
Exhibits rotate every 4 months, so check what's on before you go. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the second Sunday of the month for free admission! :ticket:
👟 'Future Now' Exhibit
Don't miss the 'Future Now' exhibit on sneakers and their cultural impact. :sneaker:
👨👩👧 Family Fun Sundays
Kids love the Family Day activities on the second Sunday! :child:
💡 Check Exhibit Schedule
Exhibits rotate every 4 months, so check what's on before you go. :calendar:
🍽️ Bistro Bites
The on-site bistro is a great spot for a bite or a coffee break. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sarasota Art Museum for its stunning architecture, engaging contemporary art exhibitions, and family-friendly atmosphere, especially on free admission Sundays. While some find the regular admission price a bit high for the museum's size, the unique experience and the opportunity for free visits make it a worthwhile cultural stop.
"Three floors of great exhibits! Love the use of the light streaming through the windows! Three floors of stunning art! This was my first visit - second Sundays are FREE! Incredible flamenco musician - brought tears to my eyes!! Also a talented vocalist!
The gift shop is also delightful beautiful books, one of a kind cards, elegant wraps, lovely hand carved wood cutting boards, jewelry, so much more!
This will be a regular stop for me!"
Susan N
"One of my favorite daytime activities is checking out any kind of museum, especially art galleries. This adorable museum can be the most pleasant use of an hour or two, and is in a great location just off of downtown Sarasota and very close to Siesta Key Beach.
I’ve heard all about the Ringling Museum of Sarasota, of course, but didn’t know of the smaller Sarasota Art Museum that’s also on the Ringling campus. It’s not actually that small of a building, but compared to the average museum it’s a little on the smaller side with 3 floors and not all the space completely taken up.
First I must say that the staff here made half the experience. Everyone was smiling and so kind and willing to help- Martha helped us at the desk and Karen was super sweet as well.
I thought the layout of the museum was a little odd, but it is the historic site of the original Sarasota High School which they tried to still keep parts of so I’m guessing they had to work with what they had. Nonetheless, we were given a trifold pamphlet with a “map” laying out where everything was- except they don’t include the newer and rotating exhibits so it’s really not actually helpful.
There’s a main and colorful staircase or an elevator you can take to the higher floor galleries where they change out exhibits here and there. I really enjoyed the “Future Now” exhibit that was all about sneakers and how they’ve fit into culture and impacted it over time. They had a really impressive collection for this exhibit. And, they even had a fun interactive scavenger hunt where you had to find a list of shoes on display, mark them, and then you got a free sticker if you returned it to the front desk. The inner child in me loved this.
The other exhibit I was not a fan of as the content was mostly really dark subject matter, and the artist clearly created from a place of pain and trauma but it was honestly a little disturbing. It wasn’t the type of art that speaks to me as much personally, but if that’s something you enjoy don’t miss this one.
Normal admission for an adult is $20. I don’t think this is a worthy price unless there are new exhibits that really truly interest you and you’re dying to see. Even then, every second Sunday of the month it’s free admission all day so I would definitely come back then. We didn’t try the bistro but it is nice that there’s an option for food if you stay awhile. I’d say you really only need a solid hour or so to get through the whole museum."
Raegan “R Lin”
"The Sarasota Art Museum (SAM), housed in a beautifully repurposed 1927 high school, offers a compelling contemporary art experience. With 15,000 ft² of flexible gallery space, SAM operates as a “kunsthalle,” showcasing rotating exhibitions that span sculpture, painting, mixed media, and immersive installations. Its architecture melding gothic and midcentury modern creates dynamic settings, from crisp white rooms to industrial niches. Visitors praise its thoughtful curation and the engaging Bistro café, though some note the admission may feel steep for its scale. Education is woven into the museum’s DNA, with classes, talks, and lifelong learning programs rooted in its connection to Ringling College. SAM is a refined cultural anchor intellectually stimulating, architecturally unique, and vibrant in spirit."
Serge El-Khazen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sarasota Art Museum is located in downtown Sarasota, easily accessible by car. Parking is available nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from many downtown hotels and attractions.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the museum, there are several public parking garages and street parking options in the surrounding downtown Sarasota area.
Sarasota's public transportation system, SCAT (Sarasota County Area Transit), has routes that serve the downtown area, making it possible to reach the museum via bus.
Yes, the museum is conveniently located near other downtown Sarasota attractions, including theaters, restaurants, and the bayfront.
Many visitors find that walking is a great way to explore downtown Sarasota and its attractions, including the art museum. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is typically $20. However, the museum offers free admission on the second Sunday of every month, which is a great way to save!
Yes, the museum offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month. Check their website for any other potential discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel.
The museum's hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While not always required, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events or during peak times, can save you time. For free admission days, arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the Sarasota Art Museum offers a membership program, which can provide benefits like free admission, discounts, and exclusive event access.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibitions that span various mediums like painting, sculpture, mixed media, and installations.
Absolutely! The museum hosts a Family Day on the second Sunday of each month with kid-friendly activities. The 'Future Now' exhibit also featured an interactive scavenger hunt that kids enjoyed.
Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the museum's exhibits. However, you might want to linger longer if you plan to visit the bistro or attend a special event.
Yes, the museum has a delightful gift shop offering a curated selection of books, cards, jewelry, and handcrafted items.
The museum is housed in a historic building, but efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. Elevators are available to access different floors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum features a bistro that offers food and drinks, making it a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
The bistro typically offers a selection of light fare, coffee, and beverages. It's a nice option for a casual meal or a refreshing drink.
Being in downtown Sarasota, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the museum, offering a wide range of culinary choices.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries of most museums, including the Sarasota Art Museum. It's best to enjoy your refreshments at the bistro or outside.
The bistro's operating hours may differ from the museum's general hours. It's advisable to check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm the bistro's availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in the galleries, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the artwork. Always check for specific signage.
While personal photography is often permitted, commercial photography or videography usually requires special permission. Flash and tripods are typically not allowed.
The museum's unique architecture, with its blend of historic and modern elements, offers many great photo opportunities. The galleries themselves, with the art on display, are also prime spots.
Sharing photos of the art on social media for personal enjoyment is usually encouraged. Tagging the museum is a great way to show your appreciation!
Exhibits like 'Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks!' were noted for their visual appeal and unique subject matter, making them great for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Even outside of Family Day, the museum's contemporary exhibits can be captivating for younger audiences. The interactive elements found in some exhibitions, like scavenger hunts, add an element of fun and discovery.
💰 Budget Travelers
If your visit doesn't align with a free Sunday, consider the value proposition. While the $20 admission might seem steep to some, the rotating exhibitions mean there's always something new to see.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Keep an eye on their exhibition schedule, as the collection rotates approximately every four months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Architecture: A Historic Gem
This architectural fusion provides a unique canvas for the museum's programming. The 15,000 square feet of flexible gallery space allows for diverse installations, from large-scale sculptures to intimate mixed-media works.
Exploring Contemporary Exhibitions
Visitors often praise the thoughtful curation and the variety of artistic mediums presented.
Family-Friendly Fun at SAM
Beyond dedicated family days, exhibits can also be interactive. The 'Future Now' sneaker exhibition, for instance, included a scavenger hunt that was a hit with younger visitors, offering a sticker as a reward.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit