Exterior of Ca' d'Zan at The Ringling, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
 

Around the Landings

Culture: Art, Architecture, Events & Venues

 
 

Sarasota County is enriched by its visual and performing arts offerings and distinctive cultural experiences. Known as Florida’s Cultural Coast®, it’s where you can enjoy museums, art galleries and performing art venues all around town. No matter when you visit, there’s always an art attraction with something new and inspiring to see!

 
Watercolor illustration of the head of Michelangelo’s David sculpture
 

Visual Arts

Following World War II, Sarasota emerged as a nationally recognized art colony. Between 1945 and 1965, more than 1,000 artists and students were active in the area, including notable figures such as Syd Solomon, Jerry Farnsworth, Helen Sawyer, and Ben Stahl. Creative hubs like the Farnsworth School of Art on Siesta Key, the Hilton Leech School, and Art Center Sarasota—founded in 1926 as the Sarasota Art Association—helped foster this thriving community.

Today, Sarasota honors this rich heritage through institutions such as the Sarasota Art Museum, housed in the historic 1926 Sarasota High School building, and over 100 public art installations.

 
 
Aerial view of Sarasota Art Museum exterior at dusk, courtesy of Dylon Jon Wade Cox
 

Sarasota Art Museum

Ringling Museum of Art

 
Large open room with large paintings inside the Ringling Museum of Art, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
John Henry's 70-foot steel sculpture Complexus, courtesy of Dylon Jon Wade Cox
 

Public Art

Art Center Sarasota

 
Art Center Sarasota entrance and outdoor sculpture, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
Guests viewing scale model exhibit inside Architecture Sarasota, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
 

Architecture Sarasota

 
Watercolor illustration of people walking down art gallery hall
 

The Ringling

Aerial view of The Ringling courtyard and palm trees, courtesy of Visit Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, informally known as 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.

Exterior columns and arches in The Ringling courtyard, courtesy of Visit Sarasota Exterior of Asian Arts wing and interior of Circus exhibit at The Ringling, courtesy of Sarasota County Small stone sculptures in The Ringling Bayfront Gardens, courtesy of Sarasota County
 
 

Performing Arts

Sarasota is nationally recognized for its exceptional performing arts, offering a cultural depth rarely found in a city of its size. The Sarasota Ballet is celebrated for its classical excellence and innovative contemporary works, while the Sarasota Orchestra delivers world-class symphonic performances and educational programming throughout the year. Opera lovers enjoy the Sarasota Opera, renowned for its commitment to traditional opera, masterful productions, and its respected young artist program.

The city’s rich cultural fabric is further enhanced by its unique circus arts heritage, showcased through performances, training, and events that reflect Sarasota’s historic connection to the Ringling legacy. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents powerful, award-winning productions that celebrate African American stories, music, and artistry, adding important perspective and diversity to the arts scene. Rounding out this vibrant landscape, Florida Studio Theatre offers an intimate, contemporary theater experience known for bold storytelling, new works, and a wide range of performances that engage and inspire audiences.

 
 
Aerial view of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, courtesy of Dylon Jon Wade Cox
 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sarasota Opera

 
Audience view of performers on stage at the Sarasota Opera, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
Lead singer and the Pops Orchestra performing on stage, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
 

Pops Orchestra

Sarasota Orchestra

 
Large screen backdrop for the Sarasota Orchestra, courtesy of Dylon Jon Wade Cox
Side view of balcony seating and decorative ceiling of the Asolo Theater, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
 

Asolo Theater

Circus Arts Conservatory

 
Juggling performance at the Circus Arts Conservatory, courtesy of Visit Sarasota
Performers on stage of the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
 

Westcoast Black Theater Troupe

Florida Studio Theatre

 
Exterior of Florida Studio Theatre at night after rain, courtesy of Dylon Jon Wade Cox