The plethora of cultural amenities in Sarasota have earned her the title of Florida's Cultural Coast. A haven for performing artists, painter, writers and art enthusiasts, Sarasota features a world-class ballet company, numerous area playhouses, two symphonies and a host of galleries throughout the region.
 

Legendary residents and strong contributors to the foundation of the Sarasota art community, John and Mable Ringling gifted the Ca'd'Zan to Sarasota with  an impressive array of art, architecture and amazing gardens overlooking Sarasota Bay. The Historic Asolo Theater featuring theatrical, musical and dance performances, while the Ringling Museum of Art showcases a spectacular collection of paintings and sculpture by the Old Masters.

The Historic Asolo Theater was originally created in Asolo, Italy in 1798 to honor the 15th-century exiled Queen Catherine Cornaro of Cyprus. The theater was dismantled and brought to the Ringling Sarasota Estate in the early 1940's. Now recognized as one of the country's premier art and historical treasures featuring world-class performances and exhibits, courtyard concerts and educational opportunities for all ages.

 

MUSEUMS

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Museum of Asian Art
South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium
Sarasota Classic Car Museum

BALLET

The Sarasota Ballet

LIVE THEATRE

Asolo Theatre
Banyan Theater Company
Florida Studio Theatre
The Players of Sarasota
Venice Little Theater
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe

OPERA

The Sarasota Opera

SYMPHONY/MUSIC

Florida West Coast Symphony
The Gloria Musicae Singers
Jazz Club of Sarasota
Key Chorale
Sarasota Concert Band
Sarasota Folk Club Inc.
Sarasota Pops
La Musica
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Venice Symphony

ART FILMS

Sarasota Film Society - Burns Court Cinema
Sarasota Film Festival