Sarasota Art Museum — Attraction in Sarasota

We visited the Sarasota Art Museum on 3/9/2024. In reality our intention was to visit the museum of art in the Ca’d’Zan complex but the gps took us to this one located in a separate complex . While I’m not a fan of contemporary art it was still interesting and we enjoyed the different exhibitions. The staff overseeing each of these exhibitions was friendly and informative. We also decided on eating at the Bistro that is part of the museum. Unfortunately, our experience was somewhat tarnished by the waiters in the Bistro of the museum. The young waiters there were quite rude to say the least. Apparently they’ve not received the proper training to serve the clientele. We ordered a salad, two tomato soups, a sandwich, and a biscuit. We waited for a good 20 minutes before the food came to our table. One of the young waiters brought part of our order but the biscuit was missing. I kindly reminded him that we had also ordered a biscuit just to make sure it has not been forgotten. The waiter said to us that he knew something was missing but that he only had “two hands” and that he’ll be back with the rest of the order. We ignored his comment and did not say anything else when he came back with the rest. Everything’s tasty except for the tomato bisque. These soups were so salty that after a few spoonfuls we had to stop eating them. I brought it to the attention of the other waiter behind the counter. I asked him if this might have been the batch from where he served our soups. The waiter said that all the soup batches were the same and implied that perhaps I was exaggerating that the soups were salty. He rudely stated “to each his own”! I told him that I had brought it to his attention out of concern and by any means I was seeking a refund for my order. He couldn’t care less and continued with his rude attitude of take it or leave it! Minutes after same waiter came back to our table with another item I had ordered. My husband politely, mentioned to him about the rude comment he made to me. He then said he didn’t mean anything by it and offered us a refund. We clearly repeated to him that the intention was for him to pass the information to the cook so he could remediate the situation and that we’re not asking for a refund. At that point we left the Bistro. We wouldn’t ever go back eat at the Bistro even if we were to visit the museum again. And one thing I’m very happy about this whole situation is that I stopped my husband from leaving these two entitled, untrained and very rude young waiters a tip! They certainly...

One of my favorite daytime activities is checking out any kind of museum, especially art galleries. This adorable museum can be the most pleasant use of an hour or two, and is in a great location just off of downtown Sarasota and very close to Siesta Key Beach.

I’ve heard all about the Ringling Museum of Sarasota, of course, but didn’t know of the smaller Sarasota Art Museum that’s also on the Ringling campus. It’s not actually that small of a building, but compared to the average museum it’s a little on the smaller side with 3 floors and not all the space completely taken up.

First I must say that the staff here made half the experience. Everyone was smiling and so kind and willing to help- Martha helped us at the desk and Karen was super sweet as well.

I thought the layout of the museum was a little odd, but it is the historic site of the original Sarasota High School which they tried to still keep parts of so I’m guessing they had to work with what they had. Nonetheless, we were given a trifold pamphlet with a “map” laying out where everything was- except they don’t include the newer and rotating exhibits so it’s really not actually helpful.

There’s a main and colorful staircase or an elevator you can take to the higher floor galleries where they change out exhibits here and there. I really enjoyed the “Future Now” exhibit that was all about sneakers and how they’ve fit into culture and impacted it over time. They had a really impressive collection for this exhibit. And, they even had a fun interactive scavenger hunt where you had to find a list of shoes on display, mark them, and then you got a free sticker if you returned it to the front desk. The inner child in me loved this.

The other exhibit I was not a fan of as the content was mostly really dark subject matter, and the artist clearly created from a place of pain and trauma but it was honestly a little disturbing. It wasn’t the type of art that speaks to me as much personally, but if that’s something you enjoy don’t miss this one.

Normal admission for an adult is $20. I don’t think this is a worthy price unless there are new exhibits that really truly interest you and you’re dying to see. Even then, every second Sunday of the month it’s free admission all day so I would definitely come back then. We didn’t try the bistro but it is nice that there’s an option for food if you stay awhile. I’d say you really only need a solid hour or so to get through the...

Uncorked Event - 99 Bottles and SAM - this is a guided tour of a region following 6 wines, 3 whites and 3 reds.

Some basic information is shared, sure, but you get to taste 6 wonderful and very different wines (ample sample pours) from a certain region and then choose a full glass (definitely did not need a full glass after that!) at the end and you can then buy some goodies from the bistro.

Cheese, crackers, bread, some grapes were also included and a really delicious assortment of excellent cheeses displayed beautifully, but there it really wasn't enough cheese for the size of the group that attended. By the time I was in line, hardly anything was left. They did bring out a little bit more but still. I get that it's hard to calculate as some might take a lot more than others but I think they needed maybe two rounds as people left the line or two sides of the table with the same cheeses so that everyone could get some.

Anyway. This is about the wine at SAM! The wines were fantastic and the speakers were excellent, funny, informative. And Mark from 99 bottles gave us a coupon for a free glass of something when we go visit - that was a nice bonus!

99 Bottles in Sarasota was awarded Best Beer Shops in the U.S. by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2023, recognized for its wide selection and curating a top-tier beer experience. Received the SarasotaOUT.com OUT Award for Favorite Bar in 2021. And 2025 SRQ Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Local Food and Libations. It is a gem of a place here in Sarasota!

The bistro is beautiful, clean, inviting, comfortable. The people who attend are wonderful. The wines are available for purchase at the event as well. Overall a...