Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy — Attraction in Sarasota

What a fun place! Every time you turn a corner, there's something new and interesting to see. There are three or four buildings and a beautiful outdoor space, all with varying types of art, from wonderful metal sculptures of zebras, crocodiles, flamingos (most of their heads will nod up and down slowly, kinetics!), and metal monkeys hanging from the trees, to... incredible stained glass everywhere, every bathroom completely different, every doorway completely different, every little detail attended to. Scrupulously clean, a terrific assortment of "stuff". Oh, I wanted the rocket ship so badly! and the granite fountains were superb. It's next to impossible to describe; I'd really suggest going there. Don't miss it - for a five dollar donation, you get the peaceful, friendly grounds, seating areas, free coffee (and decaf), ice water, and a few little munchies to enjoy while you sit in any of the numerous areas set aside. It feels like a place you could just walk around in all day long and never grow tired. Or, bring a book, look at the artwork, then enjoy reading in such a beautiful setting. A few things to consider: Hours are short. When we were there, the "museum" was open 1 pm to 4 pm, 3 days a week. The founder is on premises, and she's very helpful. There are a lot of docents. I mean, a lot. It's a bit annoying when, instead of waiting to be approached, they walk up while you're looking at a piece of art and enjoying it, then start telling you about the artist, where they're from, that they're self-taught, etc etc. I'd have preferred to be left on my own to wander unless I asked. The only other annoying thing (this is me, personally), was the music. I'm not a fan of music outdoors when I'm trying to relax or, in this case, enjoy the artwork. Even if the music is pretty cool R&B (and this was), I'd have liked it at least turned down by half. Otherwise, it's just intrusive, especially when you're enjoying the sounds of the fountains and the palm trees. Wander in and out of all the rooms. Make sure you keep looking up! They told us that more than 75% of the exhibits are new each year, and you're allowed to take photos with your cell phone (no cameras, no iPads, no video). Last, be sure to go into the room with the hanging dancers - the lights operate by handclap/noise, so it was great fun to stand with a dozen others trying to get them on and off. Cannot recommend this highly enough. If you're in the area as a tourist, or even if you live around Sarasota, it's well worth it. OH. Someone named Bilan Evans posted a one-star review here that kept referring to the "dusty old women" and "hags". I found that really annoying, particularly since my mother-in-law had looked up the reviews and thought maybe she wouldn't be welcome because she's elderly. He or she is supposedly a local guide, who closed his review all in caps with a warning that God was watching. I reported it as inappropriate, so hopefully they'll take it down, because it really was mean and demeaning to...

The Marietta Museum of Whimsey Is Not So Whimsical After All

I 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...

We spent two days in Sarasota with the Ringling estate as the focus. While looking for additional things to see and do, I found the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy. "Whimsy" as it is known by the locals, is a place for all people to relax, slow down and enjoy the senses of the artwork in the sculpture garden. We planned our second day around the museum opening at 1:00 p.m. on a Thursday.

Marietta Lee is the founder, director and curator. She founded Whimsy in 2006 in Guilford, CT and later moved it to art-friendly Sarasota in a space of happiness, joy and peace Marietta was a nurse prior to graduating from the Ringling College of Art and Design. Whimsy, a Florida nonprofit private foundation organization run entirely by volunteers, is an eclectic collection of painting, sculptures and mixed media pieces. The eye-catching flamingos can be seen from the road.

We enjoyed 'boomer music' as much as the art in the garden. Because of Covid, the indoor spaces are closed. They, too, are filled with lovely pieces. An interesting patio set is made from burl, rounded outgrowths on a tree trunk or branch that are filled with small knots. Whimsy also has a resident artist on staff. To add to the fun, costume pieces are available for whimsical picture-taking. Marietta is usually present on museum days. We enjoyed talking with her and learning about this wonderful, hidden Sarasota gem. Spend time on the wonderful mahogany swing and take in the color and sound.

If You Go: Whimsy is open from the day after Thanksgiving in November through the last Saturday in May: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1-4 p.m. Closed for major holidays. The museum is ADA accessible. A restroom is available. Suggested $5 donation per person per visit. Masks were strongly recommended. Location: 2121 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34234 with free parking to the north 92229 N. Tamiami Trail) and south (2005 N. Tamiami Trail of the museum. Giraffes in the...