Sarasota Art Museum

Sarasota, FL

Ringling College of Art and Design

Scheduled Completion 2020 Design 2015-2017 Size: 80,000 ft2

The Sarasota Art Museum will serve as a premier institution dedicated to contemporary art in Sarasota, Florida. It will occupy the principal space within a meticulously renovated 1926 Collegiate Gothic-style high school building, recognized as a city landmark. The historically vacant structure encompasses approximately 60,000 square feet across three floors. The renovation preserves significant original architectural details, particularly in the museum’s entryway, which have been thoughtfully extended into the lobby and ticketing areas. From the lobby, visitors may access galleries located on the second and third floors or proceed to the newly introduced public courtyard.

While the building’s main façade showcases intricate period detailing, the rear was formerly utilized merely as a service yard. This area has been transformed into an interior courtyard, enclosed by the original high school building and an adjacent modern structure designed by Paul Rudolph. The courtyard is envisioned as a multifunctional space, hosting art installations, social gatherings, and educational programs, enhancing the museum’s engagement with the community.