This is a must see spot. The fun artwork is very interesting at every turn. You can’t miss this while driving down 41 south of the Ringling Museum.

If one thing stands out during this COVID19 isolation it is missing the simplicity of joy when visiting Marietta’s museum of beauty and happiness. I pray you are well and that we can play in the light of your gifts to our community, of which their are so many. Thank you and God bless and keep you and your wonderful volunteers.

Forget The Dalí! This is one of the best art galleries Ive ever been to. So many cute, unique pieces interwoven into a beautiful garden with passionate volunteers everywhere to tell you about the art. I was probably the youngest person there, but do not miss this! Well worth the $5 donation but you should give more!

Museum of Art and Whimsy, such an appropriate name for such a fun museum! Highly recommend for all ages. Lots of color and different kinds of art. Something for everyone!

Great whimsical art museum. lots of people to tell you anything you want to know about the pieces. its free tho they ask for a $5 donation per person. cant use a camera inside but cell phone pics are fine. took my niece and nephew and they had a great time.

Awesome truly whimsical museum ! Volunteers were wonderful and full of knowledge! Worth the trip ! Only 5.00 donation as entrance fee.

There is so much to see, you need to visit 2 or 3 times to really see everything there. The people are very friendly. The museum is free, they ask for a donation, no one approaches you... there is a fish bowl on the counter for donations.

One fabulous womans vision demonstrates how art should be curated and displayed. A very happy place. My first picture is the owner. With the help of many happy volunteers, her mission is to support the arts by buying and exhibiting fun & whimsical creations.

The place was amazing and the staff was great. The founder was in the building when we went and she spent about 30 minutes with us. Its a great spot to visit on a cool afternoon. The staff are all volunteers and its only donation to enter.

A wonderland of creativity. A must visit! Donation admission makes it an affordable outing. So much art to take in were going to have to go back for a second look!

Plan your stay in Sarasota around this museum’s very limited hours and you want be disappointed. Suggested $5 donation to come in and spend an hour exploring paintings, sculptures, and (sometimes) performance art.There is art everywhere you look. They have a huge selection that won’t disappoint, local artists scheduled for lectures and book signings, and the volunteer staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Fun place to spend a couple of hours. $5 admission paid on the honor system.

AMAZING PLACE! Rode by this spot daily for years and never even thought about what it was. Went during the Christmas holidays to entertain out of town guests. It is great, beautiful. We will go back now periodically. EVERYONE should stop. Free, for a donation, great way to spend a little time in a stunning setting.

Lovely little place with very friendly staff. Definitely recommend. Hint: Look in the restrooms, too. Art is everywhere.

Our first time visiting. We will go back. The art is creative, whimsical, relaxing, engaging...need I say more? The volunteers were knowledgeable and friendly. We felt welcome.

1 of a kind fun museum. Artist talk included. Lots of additions & changes from same time last yr, even free parking lot is interesting w/ gardens & sculptures. A MUST see afternoon! Not open very often.

This place was amazing. Its free, but you will want to leave a donation once to see all the pieces of art and sculptures here.

Absolutely a must when visiting Sarasota. Puts a big smile on your place!

This is such a fun place to visit! We really enjoyed looking at all the different forms of art.

This is the most AMAZING PLACE EVER! The tour guides that randomly appear next to you are always right time right place, as if they could read my mind.I love whimsy, and this museum does not disappoint. I felt like a wide-eyed child as I wandered through, and I think that is Marietta Lees overall meaning: To see this through young eyes, no matter our chronological age. It truly is a Smiley Place.THANK YOU for being the highlight of my first vacation in six years!

This wonderful unique museum is only open a few hours a week. And a few months a year! Don’t miss it. And read the captions, sometimes a lot of the fun is in the title and the description.The volunteers areEverywhere and friendly and informative. I’ve learned a lot from them. Indoors and outdoors and even some sculptures in the parking lot.I bring everyone here who comes to visit me. There is no café or gift shop.But occasionally I have contacted the artist when I see something I like because many of them are in America

Awesome stain glass & other interesting art

Loved the whimsical pieces here! The volunteers were helpful and it made me laugh. Great place to visit and a great buy for $5. Limited hours so check the website!

Most wonderful place to visit. Staff are so kind and informative. I would highly recommend if your in the area stop by and see all the pieces of Art on display. The Flower Gardens, especially, my favorite, the orchid, are stunning! Had a very good time with my grandchildren, will definitely go back again. My granddaughter has even asked me to call to see if they can finish painting a bench back.

Fun place for pictures. Wish it was open when we went.

MARCH 2020: Closed until at least April 2.We were *so* excited to visit and planned our vacation around their extremely limited hours. We arrived at 1pm on a Thursday to learn from the owner that she had trouble with staffing and will not be open until at least April. Wed encourage her to update the website and google listing to reflect this! Several other disappointed visitors expressed regret at being unable to visit.

Nice place to visit. Its a happy place

The artwork is beautiful, the volunteer staff as well as the owner are well versed and friendly. Highly recommend to art lovers.

Amazing collection of artwork. A great place to go even if you dont consider yourself artsy.

Awesome and fun. Plan ahead, as they are only open Th, Fri, Sat, 1 to 4 pm. Check for updates. Beautiful artwork inside and outdoors.

Adorable place! My grandson loved it. Beautiful collection with vibrant colors.

A fun, relaxing place to walk through. I always bring my guests here. You will not be disappointed.

Wish they were open more often but they are all volunteer. A fun place to visit and have some wonderful art.

A fun and interesting place. I thought it was for little kids, but it turned out to be a great place for adults tio.

FUN...for all ages...the volunteers make this museum memorable. Go inside, outside, cafe and more to see a variety of art.

So very cool! Go if you can, dont hesitate! A visual feast.

Greatest place to visit. Wish shed sell some of the items.

Give me a five star rating although I dont know why. It is part whimsical,, hot Museum and pause Park. Even this computer iis confused as you can tell by the Miss Spellings and changes no matter what I do. The first time around it called it a pot Museum and it is gone from there into an arc of science fiction.If you have nothing to do go visit . You will have to figure out when they are open. Their hours are whimsical dot-dot-dotYou see what I mean?

A different place to go see....into art.. awesome!!!! So many things to see that are indescribable!!! Look it up 1st as to when they are open. Youll love it!!!!

Wow, every time you go there theres something fabulous that you havent seen before. Its fun for all ages!

A fun, colorful museum where you can enjoy all kinds of art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Fun place with all sorts of whimsical art pieces on display. Delightful in all respects.

A whimsical collection of art.

Simply the best!A great place for adults to let the little kid inside, thrive and delight in a wonderous, magical place.

Very cool place. If you like art at all youll be amazed!!!

My kids had fun

This place is a lot of fun. It is easy to find on route 41. Although there is no charge, theres a suggested donation of$5 per person. All of the artists are living and they exhibit at the local art festivals.Make sure to bring your camera. Some of the whimseys are fun to photograph. The garden space in the back is chock full of outdoor fun sculptures.An hour or so is probably all that you need, unless there is a busload of tourists there.

Awe inspiring. While it is an art museum, it is curated by one woman. Whimsical describes much of art, and you will be smiling and exclaiming over much of it. There is art both inside buildings, and huge art throughout the lovely shaded gardens, with lots of places to sit and relax. Great for both adults and kids.

Fun gallery lovely garden! Lots of stuff you wouldn’t find anywhere else!

I would give them all my money if i could! Absolutely a total whimsical experience. Id live there if i could. Every one is smiling and it’s just over all a happy place. To be blunt it’s definitely my own personal Disney land but it’s cheaper for my pocket. All you gotta do is give a donation there is no real entry fee. LOVE everything about this place.

Absolutely fascinating museum worthy of everyone seeing. It is only open Thursday thru Saturday, has ample free parking, just a very short walk from the highly recommended La Quinta Hotel, and across the street from the Barnum College of Art and design. Dont miss it!

Literally such an amazing place!! would highly recommend!!

Definitely a must see. Absolutely delightful. What a treat! Was so pleased to be able to thank Marietta Lee personally for sharing her beautiful, whimsical artwork and gardens.

This place is so fun to visit Whimsical and artsy had a great time there

This is such a delightful place. Inside theres a lot of art work and other cool stuff, then the garden area is just filled with whimsical things and beautiful plants and flowers. It isnt open every day, so be sure to check their hours before you go. There is a nominal donation to go in. This little museum is great for kids, adults, everyone - I highly recommend it.

What a fun whimsical place! There are many different types of are displayed. All of it upbeat, fun, unusual, bright colors. The garden is full of orchids, bird of paradise, palms, etc. Loved it!

Wonderful place to go that will make you smile. Beautiful artwork. The volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable about the place. We loved it.

Amazing museum that made me smile as soon as I entered the parking lot. Being around all of that amazing whimsical art made me feel so happy and carefree.

It is a great place to see all kinds of art.

Impossible not to smile when you walk these grounds. Love the imagination and whimsy.

Fun place. Very unique art and sculptures. Very children friendly also. Definately worth the trip. $5 donation for entry.

It was delightful, recommend for all. Not a retail establishment, lots of eye candy

An impressive collection of contemporary artists and artisans. Mariettas is a fully happy experience! We realized that we hadnt stopped smiling from the time we entered the parking lot at the Structure Garden to the time we exited the Museum as we left!

Spectacular. Will go Everytime I go to Sarasota. Staff is Perfecto. I wish Miss Marietta would do a project in Delray beach, FL. Or somewhere in Palm Beach county FL. Thanks again

Beautiful place! Friendly people! Must see! Even if they are closed, the parking lot sculptures are well worth it!

Fun place with cool artwork. Docents are great and know so much about the stories behind the art.Too bad its not open more.

Very interesting small museum. Worth the trip

Great way to spend a little time in a stunning place!

It’s a wonderful place to visit! So much to see! Amazing and wonders! Beautiful local artists presentation!

Great fun and very interesting. Must go again.

If you are feeling down this is the place to go. There are so many things to look at. Make sure you give a donation so this wonderful place goes on.

This is such an interesting museum for all ages. The layout, the art, the metal sculptures, the outdoor gardens with pathways winding through so many things to see. The presentation is certainly on the whimsical side but there is some serious art on display resulting from the work of serious artusts. I often bring my visitors to Sarasota to this museum because its so different and so light-hearted. Dont miss it but its not open every day. Check the schedules on the website or call.

A wonderful, happy place to visit. A collection of whimsical art, art with a sense of humor and beautiful art. Always puts a smile on my face when I visit this museum.

Great collection of whimsical art. Excellent facility and gardens. Its a small museum but well worth a visit. Suggested contribution $5. Art is professional, fun, and thought-provoking. Ive heard some folks think is is a place for kids but I didnt see that as the intent.

They were closed when we went by but all the statues are super cool. The giant Flamingos are amazing!

This place was so fun to walk around & see all the art some were beautiful art, some was whimsical...nice little gardens & paths...tables & chairs to sit down & chairs on the big porches, provide small snacks, Definitely an Awesome place to visit...

This is a magical world of art, flowers, music from the boomer era, always something new to see, comfortable seating here and there for you to sit and absorb the unique ambiance.

Great whimsical art in a beautiful setting

Old and dusty just like the (old dusty women) working there. Not worth the trip or donation my money was better off given to a random on the street. I will never return thereare better museums to visit with such tasteful art and worth your time and effort that wont leave you feeling like your money was wasted. The upside was (Don) I wish I knew (his) last name he was such a gentleman and very helpful and resourceful and extremely lively unlike his peers (The Old Sea Hags ) working there.Thanks (Don) because of you my experience wasnt in vain because of you and the artist you represented and informed me of I rate you a (10 stars)Those (Old Sea Hags) poor tasteless excuse for existence let alone women those hags will get a zero from me. THE LORD SEES YOUR WAYS HES ALWAYS WATCHING AND HE SEES YOUR WICKEDNESS AND KNOWS YOUR WICKED HEART.

Most unique place Ive been in a very long time. Calm, peaceful and tranquil. Knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff.

Not to be missed, whimsical art only begins to describe the experience. A bonus, the originator is on site. This place is many times bigger than I thought, you will return.

Ive been to the Museum of Whimsy several times while visiting family near Sarasota and have watched it grow from its first initial building, to the opening of the sculpture garden/parking lot, and most recently saw the construction of the future gift shop & cafe buildings. Its a great, colorful place with a unique collection of artwork that you wont find anywhere else; even the buildings themselves have become works of art, with paintings and inlaid shells built in! I have never had a negative interaction with any of the staff here.Despite the claims of another reviewer, it has always been the case - and is clearly stated in several places - that photography is allowed and encouraged in the outdoor parts of the museum, but it is prohibited inside where the gallery of more recent works are on display. The reason given is that the artists who display their works are all currently living, working artists who value their intellectual property and dont want to have their artwork captured and reproduced without permission. As someone who is generally opposed to abuse of copyright protections, this feels like a completely reasonable desire on the part of the artists. While there are many things I wish I could take photos of, its actually a bit refreshing to put your camera away and focus on the experience of the artwork in the moment.My small disappointments with the Museum are the short hours and that its sometimes difficult to get information about the artists of specific pieces, though the volunteer staff present is usually knowledgeable. Online, many links from the Museums site to the artists pages are broken or the artists sites dont have pictures of what is on display at the museum. I was told last week that increasing access to information about the artists other works is a priority that volunteers will be working on this summer.Despite these flaws, the experience of visiting the Museum has always been a positive one, especially when sharing it with first-time visitors, and leaves me with a smiles, laughter, and feelings of inspiration. I highly recommend everyone visit this museum & art gallery on any trip to the Sarasota area!

Interesting place. Worth a stop.

This was a very cute and fun place. They only ask for donations and they have three rooms of interior art as well as outside art.

What a great place! Interesting art pieces with a fun feel.

Enjoyable relaxing couple of hours I always bring my visitors unless you are misserable prune you dont enjoy this beautiful place

They are not open year round, but it is definitely worth the wait. Will surely get back there.

Great place to visit and enjoy. Loved all the statues and unique art

So much fun. A real happy place. Only open in the afternoon. Just fun.

Fun and neat place for all ages. The volunteers are sweet and knowledgable people. And although it is a museum, it isnt like a typical one where you spend 2 hours and only get half the reading. Its art and theres only small cards with descriptions. Youre on your own to enjoy beautiful art.

A truly wonderful experience. Smiled at all the whimsical art during entire visit. Volunteers extremely personable. Best $5 Ive spent in years. Dont hesitate!

The Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy was a most pleasant surprise when we popped in on a whim! There is a lot of high level local art there of all varieties and it literally felt like a breath of fresh air to me! There are even some Highwaymen paintings there. Art is everywhere indoors and out. None of the art is for sale, so you are just there to enjoy and appreciate it! I highly recommend.

Whimsy and more. Wonderful place.

Always something new and different...... where you go to put a smile on your face!

Always delightful; always leaves you

The Marietta Museum of Whimsey Is Not So Whimsical After AllI am an award winning Artist and Visual Communicator who has been coming to the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy for the past 5 years. It has always been a pleasurable and comfortable experience to be in my element until today. We arrived at around 2:15 PM and were accosted by two women just as we stepped in through the front door. Have you been to the museum before?” asked one of the women. I said that we had been there many times. She then said, “Let me go over the rules of the museum. You can’t take your camera into the museum and can only take photos with your cell phone. I told her that I’ve taken hundreds of photos previously, but would only use my cell phone. The other woman quickly chimed in stating that we also could not take in my water bottle, that was in a case hanging from my wife’s shoulder, into the museum either, and we had to go back to our car and leave my camera and water bottle there before we could enter. I said that I was a disabled US Army Veteran and needed to have my water with me. She quickly retorted that, “We have water here!”I asked to speak to Mary Lee, who I know, and who owns the museum. She said these are the rules, and you must abide by them or you can’t come in. I told her that we are leaving, never to return, and that we are taking our monetary and verbal support with us.They were confrontational, arrogant, and a public relations nightmare for the Museum. They showed no common sense along with a blatant disrespect for those of us who proudly served our Country. My fellow Veterans should avoid this museum and spend their time and energy in more respectful and appreciative establishments. In 30 seconds, they wiped out the positive, comforting feeling I always had for the Museum. First impression is 75% of how anything is remembered. I’m sure many will walk away with an unpleasant impression of the Museum of Whimsy and spread their negative feelings. I will make sure I relate my experience, as I’ve written it here. As a result of how I was treated today,I will never be back and hope everyone who values their self-esteem in addition to my fellow Veterans avoid this establishment, as well.Bob Nemser

Nothing exciting interesting to look at but doesn’t have a wow factor

Quality stop for natives and tourists. Free entrance, donations accepted. Relax in the yard or in a display room. Snacks and drink provided in one of the rooms. Great way to spend a couple of hours. If you are a cat or stain glass lover, this is a must see.

If you like art, this is a fun place. If you think you are an art critic, go to Ringling Museum. I would go again.

Beautiful place....enjoyed seeing all the different art....everyone was so please tell to talk to