Arts Attractions on the Florida Gulf Coast

Florida's Gulf Coast is recognized as an arts and cultural mecca. Enjoy the ballet, opera and numerous museums - we have it all! Can you picture yourself living or vacationing in the arts district? Find your dream home or vacation home today!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront. A true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, the Van Wezel, (pronounced Van Wayzull), presents a wide variety of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors.

This season, with more than 100 events, the Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dance. The Van Wezel also hosts more than 50 performances and events presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series.

Sarasota Ballet of Florida

The Sarasota Ballet’s expansive repertoire, coupled with the athleticism and artistry of the company’s dancers, all of whom live in and contribute to Sarasota, has brought The Sarasota Ballet national and international acclaim. With rave reviews in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Dance Europe, Dancing Times and numerous other publications, The Sarasota Ballet has been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, City Center and the Joyce Theater in New York City, and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. With a mission to enrich lives, captivate emotions and strengthen the community through the art of dance, The Sarasota Ballet is a local gem.

The Sarasota Opera

Whether you are new to opera or a seasoned aficionado, Sarasota Opera is the ideal place to experience world-class performances. The Sarasota Opera House is an intimate venue on the scale of European opera houses, with fewer than 1,200 seats. The acoustics in the theater are superb - there isn't a bad seat in the house. Its small scale means that you are closer and more a part of the action than in a larger opera house.

Sarasota Opera's repertoire has something for everyone. Each season there is an interesting mix of the familiar and the less well known. The Verdi Cycle and the American Classics series ensure that long-time opera lovers will find something interesting for their operatic taste. Critics have praised productions of the standard repertoire, which are perfect for the novice to whet their palette. Every performance has simultaneous English translations above the stage.

The John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art

The spectacular Ringling Museum is located in Sarasota and preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the beautiful and historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, Art Library, Circus Museums and the Historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are free to visit (admission is charged for visitors who wish to enter the museums), and the Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays.

The Florida Orchestra

The Florida Orchestra enhances the life of Tampa Bay residents by educating and entertaining with live symphonic music. The Florida Orchestra is recognized as one of Tampa Bay's leading performing art institutions and is among the best orchestras in America.

The Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art provides a wide range of art-related events. The Museum includes a renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, in addition to twentieth-century and contemporary art. A program of special exhibitions provides a mix of contemporary and classical presentations. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

MidFlorida Amphitheatre

The MidFlorida Amphitheatre is located in Tampa. This outdoor venue consistently books top-notch musical acts every year offering both reserved seats, and general admission for the lawn.

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Ruth Eckerd Hall was nominated as one of the top five concert halls in the United States and is located just an hour north of Bradenton. The 2,184 seat auditorium hosts nationally known musical artists and theater performances.