Ringling Museum

Only 17 Southwest Florida arts organizations to share in $65.9 million in arts funding approved by Legislature for 2026-2027. Again this year, some major arts organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have been left on the outside looking in.

During the month of June, three exhibitions close and 30 others continue their runs at museums from Marco Island to Sarasota.

When Sarasota Art Museum commissioned ceramicist Molly Hatch to create a work of art, little did the museum realize she’d show up two years later with her car loaded to the brim with 450 bubble-wrapped earthenware plates.

During May, five exhibitions open, seven close and 25 others continue their runs at Southwest Florida museums. In addition, the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy in Sarasota closes for the summer on May 23.

Southwest Florida’s museums regularly curate traveling art exhibitions as well as artworks from their permanent collections. During April, five exhibitions open, four close and 26 others continue their runs. Headlining the list is "Something Borrowed, Something New" at the Sarasota Art Museum.

During the month of March, three exhibitions open, four close and 29 others continue their runs at Southwest Florida museums, highlighted by 'Discovering Ansel Adams' at the Baker Museum.

In February, 4 exhibitions open, 3 close and 32 others continue their runs at Southwest Florida museums. At the top of the list is “Growing Obsession – The Enchanting Story of Orchids in the Everglades” at Museum of the Everglades.

During January, three exhibitions open, five close and 25 others continue their runs including 'Railroads at Work' at the Naples Depot Museum.

During the month of December, three exhibitions open, two close and 26 others continue their runs.

During the month of November, four exhibitions open, two close and 23 others continue their runs.