Don't Miss These Exhibitions Now On Display

From science, art and history museums to botanical gardens, plan a day (or weekend) of exhibition exploration at one of our cultural institutions—showcasing interesting subject matters – from skyscrapers made of LEGOs to rare orchids and World War II memorabilia – now on display for a limited time through winter. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Orchid Show 2022: Capturing the Perfect Shot (Now - December 4)

As the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic plants – including orchids – Selby Gardens hosts its annual Orchid Show to explore the beauty and diversity of orchids through new interpretive themes. With a variety of supplemental programs and events in the duration of the exhibition,  this year’s Orchid Show celebrates the fine art and meticulous science of flora photography. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Downtown Sarasota campus provides 15 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history. There is a significant focus on botany, horticulture, education, historical preservation, and the environment. Enjoy also the onsite cafe, a beautiful gift/plant shop and Michael's on the Bay food truck. 

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Towers of Tomorrow With LEGO® Bricks (November 22 – March 18. 2023) 

The Bishop Museum presents an interactive exhibition for all ages that features 20 astonishing skyscrapers from North America, Asia and Australia constructed in breathtaking architectural detail by Ryan McNaught, one of only twelve LEGO® certified professionals in the world. Visitors will be inspired to create their own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old are encouraged to use their imaginations to add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition.

Whether you're amazed by manatees, fascinated by fossils, or dazzled by planetariums, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature will inspire you to see the world differently. This interactive museum on the waterfront in Bradenton encompasses a newly-renovated Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, state-of-the-art Planetarium and the Mosaic Backyard Universe for the kids, as well as a cool gift shop.

Sarasota Art Museum

Journeys to Places Known and Unknown: Moving Images by Janet Biggs and peter campus (Now – January 15, 2023)

This is the first exhibition on view at SAM dedicated to video and digital media. Looking at the contrasting ways two artists of different generations – Janet Biggs and peter campus – use moving images, you'll explore intersections of science, philosophy and spirituality. Their works speak to how humans can experience time as both progressive and immediate.

Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) is located in a historic and iconic building of architecture. It has 15,000 square feet of dedicated exhibition gallery space, the artsy Bistro to dine at for lunch, gift shop, an auditorium for educational events, performance and film, a sculpture courtyard and extensive grounds where you can engage with various art experiences during your visit.

Hot Tip: Enjoy free admission at SAM every second Sunday of every month!

The Ringling

A Decade of Collecting (Now – January 22, 2023)

On display in the Museum of Art,  enjoy an eclectic survey of artworks acquired for the permanent collection over the past eleven years. As the State Art Museum of Florida and a division of Florida State University, The Ringling’s collections are constantly expanding to provide access to current contemporary works in all media as well as historical ones. The 100 works in this exhibition, which have been chosen to demonstrate the breadth and diversity of the collecting efforts at the museum, represent less than 1% of what has been acquired since 2011. Featured works include a very rare Dutch roemer (drinking vessel) from 1678, contemporary photography by such international artists, paintings, sculptures and so much more.

Located in North Sarasota, The Ringling – the State Art Museum of Florida – is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the U.S. Spend a day or two exploring the 66-acre estate of John and Mable Ringling, which also includes the Circus Museum, Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan on the bayfront, The Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens, The Ringling Grillroom restaurant, gift shop and more. 

Hot Tip:  The Ringling offers free admission to its grounds and Museum of Art on Mondays!

Venice Museum & Archives

Life on the Venice Army Air Base: The Vaughan Pitman Collection (Now - January 2023)

Featuring newly donated photos by U.S. Army Photographic Technician Vaughan Pitman, who was stationed in Venice in 1943, don't miss an opportunity to view these recently discovered treasures. The exhibition hopes to give the viewer a lens to what life was like on the Venice Army Airbase during the World War II era. 

Located near Historic Downtown Venice, the Venice Museum & Archives (VMA) collects, preserves and interprets historical and prehistorical material relating to the city of Venice and its neighboring communities. VMA has a collection of 30,000+ photographs, archives, objects, and publications pertaining to area history and is housed in the historic 1927 Triangle Inn building.