Sarasota Art Museum: Contemporary Art in a Historic Setting

As the area's only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art, Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) invites visitors to experience world-class exhibitions across all media, celebrating the art of our time. 

Housed within the lovingly restored historic Sarasota High School building, the Museum has been reimagined to blend neo-gothic and mid-century modern architectural heritage with contemporary works of art. The result? A striking juxtaposition of past and present, where creativity ignites conversation and connection.

A Rotating Showcase 

Visitors viewing “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks,” February 9, 2025-May 4, 2025, Sarasota Art Museum. Photo by Harry Sayer.

Sarasota Art Museum’s cathedral-like gallery spaces come to life with an ever-revolving rotation of visual art exhibitions by national and international artists. With no permanent collection, SAM offers something new and exciting to see every time you visit! From thought-provoking installations, sculptures, and paintings to immersive multimedia experiences, SAM is at the forefront of today’s art world.

In addition to bringing art by high-profile, award-winning artists to our cultural coast, Sarasota Art Museum is also committed to supporting emerging artists, sometimes hosting their first solo museum shows. SAM also invests in the creation of brand-new works through site-specific commissions.

Complete Your Trip to the Museum

Savor fresh Florida cuisine at BISTRO. Photo by Daniel Perales.

After working up an appetite while taking in the art on view, be sure to stop at the Museum’s on-site Bistro for a bite to eat. Serving up locally sourced, artisanal dishes in a bright, art-filled setting, Bistro is the ideal spot to meet with friends or mingle with the locals while exploring the grounds. 

After a great meal, head over to the Museum SHOP, a carefully curated boutique featuring more than your average museum gift shop. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, the SHOP features statement jewelry, minimalist home goods, thought-provoking books, artistic stationery, fair-trade children’s toys, and more. Treasure hunt for a unique keepsake or a gift to bookend your visit.

SHOP at the Sarasota Art Museum boutique gift shop. Photo by Daniel Perales.

Much to See. More to Do.

Beyond its galleries, the Museum pulses with energy through hundreds of public programs each year, inviting audiences to engage more deeply with the art on view.

Guided Tours: Get a closer look at the exhibitions on display with informative, regularly scheduled tours.

Artist & Author Talks: Hear directly from the creators, specialists, art appraisers, and thinkers shaping today’s art world. Discussions include a variety of topics related to the Museum’s exhibitions and historic architecture.

Jazz Thursdays: Experience a different style of live jazz—from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing—in the Museum’s open-air plaza every second Thursday of the month with the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

The Studios at SAM: SAM encourages visitors of all ages to explore their own creative potential through classes in ceramics, drawing and multimedia. The Museum is also home to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI), offering accessible courses designed for students ages 50 and older who embrace the joy of learning.

Judy Plaff (American, born 1946). Installation view of "Picking Up The Pieces" (2023). Photo: Ryan Gamma.

Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, SAM provides an immersive and inclusive space to explore, create and be inspired. Plan your visit, dive into the contemporary art scene and experience why Sarasota continues to be known as Florida’s Cultural Coast.