Downtown Sarasota’s Dolphin Statue
The Florida Gulf Coast stands out as a vibrant hub for arts and culture. Immerse yourself in the world of ballet, opera, and a wealth of museums – a realm brimming with possibilities! Can you envision your life or vacation amidst this cultural haven? Discover your ideal home or vacation getaway today!
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Situated gracefully along Sarasota’s picturesque bayfront, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stands as a pioneering force in Sarasota’s cultural evolution. The Van Wezel, often pronounced as “Van Wayzull,” offers an extensive array of performances by world-class artists, catering to the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida’s residents and visitors.
This season, boasting more than 100 events, the Van Wezel continues its time-honored tradition of presenting dazzling Broadway musicals, renowned national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, and a captivating mix of classical, modern, and ethnic dance. The venue also hosts over 50 performances and events presented by esteemed organizations like the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Concert Association, and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series.
Sarasota Ballet of Florida
With its expansive repertoire and the skillful artistry of its dancers, all of whom reside in and contribute to Sarasota, The Sarasota Ballet has earned both national and international acclaim. Garnering rave reviews in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Dance Europe, Dancing Times, and numerous others, The Sarasota Ballet has been invited to perform at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, City Center, the Joyce Theater in New York City, and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Driven by its mission to enrich lives, evoke emotions, and strengthen the community through the art of dance, The Sarasota Ballet shines as a local treasure.
The Sarasota Opera
Whether you’re an opera novice or a seasoned aficionado, Sarasota Opera provides an ideal setting for experiencing world-class performances. The Sarasota Opera House, intimate in scale like European opera houses, accommodates fewer than 1,200 seats, ensuring exceptional acoustics and a close connection to the performance.
Sarasota Opera’s repertoire caters to all tastes, offering an intriguing blend of familiar and lesser-known works. The Verdi Cycle and the American Classics series ensure that opera enthusiasts of all backgrounds find something to pique their interest. Productions of standard repertoire, lauded by critics, provide the perfect introduction for newcomers, with simultaneous English translations displayed above the stage.
The John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art
Nestled in Sarasota, the splendid Ringling Museum preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It houses the State Art Museum of Florida, the enchanting and historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, Art Library, Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. While the grounds and gardens are open for free exploration (admission is required for museum entry), the Museum of Art offers complimentary admission on Mondays.
The Florida Orchestra
The Florida Orchestra enriches the lives of Tampa Bay residents by delivering captivating live symphonic music. Recognized as a prominent performing arts institution in Tampa Bay, it ranks among the finest orchestras in the United States.
The Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art offers a diverse range of art-related events. Its collection features renowned Greek and Roman antiquities, alongside twentieth-century and contemporary art. The museum’s program of special exhibitions blends contemporary and classical presentations, earning accreditation from the American Association of Museums.
MidFlorida Amphitheatre
Located in Tampa, the MidFlorida Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue renowned for consistently booking top-tier musical acts, offering both reserved seating and general admission options on the lawn.
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Nominated as one of the United States’ top five concert halls, Ruth Eckerd Hall is located just an hour north of Bradenton. This 2,184-seat auditorium hosts nationally acclaimed musical artists and theater performances.
