I love that theres a new museum in Sarasota. However, I believe it needs some improvement. The space is wonderful and there are interesting things to look at but yet my group still maintained a level of boredom. There just isnt much here. What is there had little to no information about the piece. We werent even able to learn about the artists vision. The only information available was the date it was created and the title. The bistro space looked nice and smelled delicious but we did not dine in. Staff was friendly and the gift shop pleasant. If youre there to see any of the original interior details of the old school, you will be disappointed. All that is left is the entrance lobby. $15 is steep in my opinion but it is a non-profit. If youre going to visit, make sure the museum is filled. This is an art museum so exhibitions rotate. When they set up for a new exhibit, youll find the 3rd floor space (and maybe more) unavailable for viewing for at least a few weeks. Just be sure you dont go during that transitional time. We went there during one of those times. We spent a lot of time looking at everything and we were still in and out in less than 1 hour. Overall we were disappointed but saw the potential. Afterward, I wrote the Museum an email to express our disappointment and no one ever responded. I would not go back and I would not recommend it to anyone else.

This is the worst way Ive ever spent my money ever.Theres hardly any exhibits and its very basic things. Very disappointing. Would not recommend5 stars so hopefully someone saves their money.

Brand New Museum opened to the public on December 9, 2019Designed by K/R Architects in partnership with executive architect Lawson Group Architects, the Sarasota Art Museum is a 20,000-square-foot space that spans across two historic buildings on the Sarasota High School campus, united by a central courtyard. Specifically, the museum makes use of Leo Elliott’s 1926 Collegiate Neo-Gothic building, as well as the adjacent, more modernist 1960 Paul Rudolph construction. The combined result is a diverse array of gallery spaces ranging from the quintessential white box look to more adventurous, industrial rooms. It also incorporates a variety of purpose-built niches in stairwells and other unexpected nooks for the display of site-responsive installations. The range of gallery aesthetics serves to both contextualize works that will span from the postwar era to the present, and foster an ongoing dialogue between the gallery and the exhibiting artists.

Incredibly successful project of re-purposing Sarasota High Schools aged building to the Sarasota Art Museum in conjunction with the Ringling College of Art + Design. It took a while, it took some money, but the results will provide Sarasota with an art venue with traveling exhibits and classroom experiences for young and old to take in and enjoy with regular visits to see and experience the newest exhibits and classes. A truly great refurbishing that competes and accents the art on display. Dont just visit, become a member of SAM. Watch out MOMA, SFMOMA and Cranbrook, youre going to see more of Sarasota Art Museum and so will many others.

Visit Bistro! It is great! Delicious food and great service.

Dont waste your money. Paid $15 to see a bucket of leaves and some rugs.

Fabulous spot. Beautiful building, friendly staff, extremely well curated. Highly recommend.

We waited a long time for this museum to open and the wait was worth it! Housed in an architecturally interesting building, the space is a delight. The galleries are spacious and well lit. The art is modern and interesting. Spend an hour or more taking it all in. Cant wait for the cafe to open. There is a well situated courtyard where you will be able to eat. Enjoy!

Great brand new museum!Very nicely revamped old high school turned into modern art museum.Some cool outdoor art and fun interactive exhibits.They are working on outdoor seating cafe projected to open July 2020.

Im thrilled with the Sarasota Art Museum! It is absolutely gorgeous. Ive taken my house guests twice in one week! The exhibits were great, the gift shop is posh. Im excited for the cafe to open. Stunning, simply stunning! Oh, and I became a member.

I went for the Vic Munoz exhibit which was brilliant. The museum itself is very clean and nicely redone. I loved that they had a kinetic exhibit outside for the kids to play with and explore. My only suggestion is to get some signage.

We spent a delightful few hours at the Sarasota Art Museum. The building is beautiful, and the contemporary art presented one surprise after another. We loved the many inventive works by Vik Muniz, and Christian Sampson’s color-saturated Vita in Motu installation on the third floor was a terrific way to end our visit. The museum also had a film of Vik Muniz talking about his work. I especially appreciated the headphones available to listen to the audio. We have been in many museums where it’s difficult to focus on the art because of audio being blasted throughout the gallery. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the gift shop is wonderful.

Became an initial member and visited for the first time. The Vik Muniz exhibition was spectacular. The space and layout gave everyone a chance to step up close and then far back, which was necessary to take in this artists work. Since there will not be any permanent exhibits, I look forward to returning again and again for a new perspective on the changing exhibitions. I am so glad that we are now fortunate to have this type of museum in Sarasota. It was a long time coming and well worth the wait.

Nice place. Enjoyed the engagement. Fun, exciting. I played a little but did learn. Fun place to be. entering, nicely restored school into a museum.

Great renovation, beautiful exhibits. A fine addition to Sarasotas cultural scene.

Surprisingly well conceived.comfortable, fun, soon with bistro.

Stunning new facility providing a much needed venue for contemporary art. Exciting to see how they put it all together. Inaugural exhibition a must see.

Beautifully restored with interesting exhibitions.

I am writing this on the opening day.Any review older than 3 days prior to this is fake.This museum is absolutely splendid! The architecture, the layout, the schedule of rotation of pieces will all put Dali on notice.My favorite so far is the dichroic exhibit on the third floor.It consists of a number of Windows which are covered with various colors and shapes of acrylic sheet which then cast down onto reflective surfaces across the hall that then reflect up onto a wall. The result changes throughout the day with both the weather and the time as the suns angle changes.

Great small art museum in a historical high school building. The art work was beautiful and moving.

Interesting collection- well organized and displayed- fascinating renovation of the prior high school building- informed friendly and helpful staff and explanatory materials

Super regional art museum with unique exhibits in a repurposed high school. Well done and worth a visit.

Off to a good start, my wife and I enjoyed the art, especially the background materials explaining the artists life and approach to creating their works.

Great place to visit and view the art. Nice use for the old school.

An afternoon at the Sarasota Art Museum left me feeling inspired and connected. What a wonderful time!

Very cool building however if youre not a fan of modern art this might not be the best fit for you.Better off waiting for the art shows downtown

The space was beautifully renovated and the opening exhibition of work by Vik Muniz was great to see.The gallery had beautiful wood floors which were made from the buildings original material and a lovely outdoor space on the second floor that overlooked the courtyard. Definitely worth a visit

What a great art space. They even filed it with great art! Both the Color and Vik Muniz exhibits were well worth the price of admission. Since three exhibits addre temporary, were cant wait to see what comes next.

A very small exhibit area. The $15 admission price is steep compared to what it has to offer.

Awesome staffCame in early to meet me. Super helpful.Im very grateful

Great site specific artwork in stairwell and hallway of the new Sarasota Modern Art Museum. Even more significant as the museum is in a repurposed high school!

Beautiful! The Vik Muniz exhibit is fabulous! Dont miss it!!

I love being on the grounds there... You are transported back to an earlier time of Sarasota, when the circus was established here and the colorful people who brought it... Its an amazing place to be so close to...

Great venue with knowledgeable staff was a pleasure to interact with them

Very impressive what they have done with the place

Excellent new arts venue and campus downtown

Great exhibits and not too crowded

Very disappointed. I wish I had asked for my $30 dollars back for myself and my guest.

You need to give this museum a look. Take time to explore the art.

Wonderful way to repurpose the building.

$15 to get in is absolutely ridiculous. 10 out of 10 upset

This place is beautiful and amazing.

Wonderful! Only compliant is how short it is!

The museum isnt open yet, but had a wonderful experience meeting some of the staff. Am looking forward to coming back when the building opens in December. In the interim, the museum hosts artists talks. I attended one and wad fascinated tio listen to the curator discuss the work of this particular artist.

Great school. Very clean campus

It was full of art ! If you like art and arnt the person who does art but arnt doing art and feel like being impressed by artists and thier art go too aee thier art

Not to bad. Parking was a little rough but food wasnt bad at all. Clean restaurant are always a plus. Friendly staff. If Im ever back in town again I will stop by and eat again.

Really nice

Went last week. What a learning and sensory treat! Wow!! Dont miss this treasure.

Phenomenal museum

Awesome Museum in awesome art

Loved this beautiful building because I graduated from there in 1972

Cool historical

Not open yet, but will be nice

Outstanding

Not accessible

Beautiful