A hands-on science and technology center, GWIZ complements the science curriculum of regional school districts and serves as an exciting “recreational learning” destination for people of all ages. Central to its educational mission is the demystification of new technologies, providing visitors with personal experiences that allow them to better understand and use current technology in their daily lives.
At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you can stroll along a trail that wanders through an ever-changing landscape of cool, under-story jungle growth and around open pond shorelines. As you meander through Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a magnificent and wildy overgrown paradise, you will encoungter thousands of tropical plants, trees, flowers and even animals from all over the world.
Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The estate features the spectacular Cà d'Zan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion that was restored in 2002. The Circus Museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, wagons, performance equipment, and other artifacts chronicling the history of the Circus. The estate also features Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
Mote recognizes the importance of advancing the understanding of sea science to the general public. To that end, Mote conducts extensive public outreach and operates a public aquarium that serves nearly 400,000 visitors a year. From the original focus on sharks, Mote research has expanded to include seven major areas of concentration, organized into seven research centers. While each center focuses on its own specialty, Mote scientists are able to partner with others within the lab to integrate efforts across a number of fields. Mote scientists are committed to that process of discovery: Advancing our understanding of the sea and what is needed to sustain it.
Located in a quaint area of downtown, The Towles Court Artists Colony consists of more than 40 artists’ studios, galleries, restaurants and more, offering art classes and featuring “Art Walk Evenings” with an open studio tour.
This Week in Sarasota is the most comprehensive spot to find the most interesting events in town. This website is 100% locally operated. In addition to actively promoting the creative arts in Sarasota and surrounding areas, they also have a dedication to supporting small and local businesses.
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Sarasota Opera produces outstanding opera true to the vision of the composer to entertain, enrich, and educate our communities, as well as patrons from across the state and around the world. The Sarasota Opera House has become the cornerstone of Sarasota's Theater Arts District and The Sarasota Opera has come to merit accolades from all over the world.
Florida Studio Theatere (FST) operates three theatres: the 173-seat Keating Mainstage Theatre, the 160-seat Gompertz Theatre and the 109-seat Goldstein Cabaret Theatre. FST produces world premieres and contemporary works which have been produced on or off-Broadway within the last five years. By focusing on the works of contemporary writers, FST has been able to offer plays to its audiences that are not normally produced by other area theatres.
Founded in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. A dynamic, multi-faceted organization dedicated to excellence in both performance and education, the Symphony’s performing ensembles include the Florida West Coast Symphony and four resident chamber ensembles. The season includes approximately 75 concerts each year.
The Ballet boasts a repertoire that includes the great classics, works of internationally recognized contemporary choreographers such as Alvin Ailey and Ben Stevenson, as well as works from Florida artists Todd Allen, Demetrius Klein, Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros, and James Buckley. Its repertoire also includes such beloved classics as Swan Lake and Giselle, and original works as Madame Butterfly, Echo & Narcissus and Zal & Rudabeh - ballets that have received outstanding critical acclaim.
Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 35 years. The Van Wezel's educational and outreach programs have also touched the community, reaching out to everyone from toddlers to senior citizens.
A world-renowned acting company known for producing the highest quality professional theatre in true rotating repertory. Once a shared dream of many regional theatres, rotating repertory is a now rare method of performance that challenges everyone involved, especially the artists.