We spent two days in Sarasota with the Ringling estate as the focus. While looking for additional things to see and do, I found the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy. "Whimsy" as it is known by the locals, is a place for all people to relax, slow down and enjoy the senses of the artwork in the sculpture garden. We planned our second day around the museum opening at 1:00 p.m. on a Thursday. Marietta Lee is the founder, director and curator. She founded Whimsy in 2006 in Guilford, CT and later moved it to art-friendly Sarasota in a space of happiness, joy and peace Marietta was a nurse prior to graduating from the Ringling College of Art and Design. Whimsy, a Florida nonprofit private foundation organization run entirely by volunteers, is an eclectic collection of painting, sculptures and mixed media pieces. The eye-catching flamingos can be seen from the road. We enjoyed 'boomer music' as much as the art in the garden. Because of Covid, the indoor spaces are closed. They, too, are filled with lovely pieces. An interesting patio set is made from burl, rounded outgrowths on a tree trunk or branch that are filled with small knots. Whimsy also has a resident artist on staff. To add to the fun, costume pieces are available for whimsical picture-taking. Marietta is usually present on museum days. We enjoyed talking with her and learning about this wonderful, hidden Sarasota gem. Spend time on the wonderful mahogany swing and take in the color and sound. If You Go: Whimsy is open from the day after Thanksgiving in November through the last Saturday in May: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1-4 p.m. Closed for major holidays. The museum is ADA accessible. A restroom is available. Suggested $5 donation per person per visit. Masks were strongly recommended. Location: 2121 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34234 with free parking to the north 92229 N. Tamiami Trail) and south (2005 N. Tamiami Trail of the museum. Giraffes in the parking lot!

This place is such a unique way to spend an afternoon. They are only open Thursday Friday Saturday 1-4 The buildings are closed until November due to there small size & COVID Even so there was plenty to see and get inspired by It's a $5 recommended donation to see the garden well worth the price These are just a few of the pictures I took

Coolest art museum ever! Super nice people and absolutely amazing art throughout. Admission is completely free but there is a donation box and they recommend 10$ per person. Would absolutely recommend stopping by if you love color and whimsy.

I started with a smile (in the parking lot) and ended with a smile. I even smiled in the toilet! Art and whimsy objects are everywhere and the garden is really a good place to rest and enjoy. You won't know where to look, there's so much to see. Great for both adults and kids. Be aware that this museum is open only 6 months a year, Th-Fr-Sat. from 1-4PM.

Well worth the suggested $5 donation, lots of fun pieces, beautiful gardens.Run by the owner ( whom you may actually run into) and a bunch of volunteers. Kids as well as adults should enjoy an hour or so visit. I was impressed in how serene it was. No cafeteria or commercialism. A very nice blessing to the community!

This little museum is magical! Although the building (the museum itself) was still closed due to covid we could look through the windows and see a lot of the artwork and stained glass, but the outside grounds have so many metal sculptures and things to see it's well worth going. It's only open on Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays though from 1:00 to 4:00 and it's only open November through May so go while you can!!!it is a must-see place! Free but they suggested a $5 donation.

A fun and unique collection housed in 4 small buildings and 2 gardens. We spent a solid 2 hours here and still had more to see! Every wall has art, every bit of floor space has sculpture, every window has stained glass. Inside and out there is something unique and one-of-a-kind! There are docents in each building to answer questions. Note: none of the art is for sale. Not a good place to bring small children. Outside you can touch and move the kinetic sculptures. But most of the art is inside and those sculptures cannot be touched. Be advised, they advertise this as free, but they request a $10 per-person donation.

Forget The Dalí! This is one of the best art galleries I've ever been to. So many cute, unique pieces interwoven into a beautiful garden with passionate volunteers everywhere to tell you about the art. I was probably the youngest person there, but do not miss this! Well worth the $5 donation but you should give more!

great whimsical art museum. lots of people to tell you anything you want to know about the pieces. it's free tho they ask for a $5 donation per person. can't use a camera inside but cell phone pics are fine. took my niece and nephew and they had a great time.

Love this place! Even though the inside was closed due to covid.

Even if shortened hours and access only to outdoor spaces (due to current COVID concerns) still magical and joyous place to play for all ages!!

Great experience! Came here for my birthday and the art is fantastic! I love the grounds as well. This is a lovely place to bring families, and the staff are very helpful and will tell you stories about the pieces. I'm also impressed by how accessible the museum appears to be. There are many, many places to sit all across the grounds for those who may have mobility difficulties, and there is a ton of space to maneuver mobility aids as well.

Such A Happy Place.. Whimsy'cal Colorful Price is right , ticket $0 .. only suggested donation. The volunteers are interacting and helpful to point out artist splendor . Fun. Place. With a most amazing garden area.

I visited this museum in 2017 and loved it! On a ‘whim’ I just wanted to check the website to see if it is still open. Happily it is! Covid has made the interior off limits, for now, but well worth the visit! I may never get back to Sarasota, but if I do, I will certainly visit again! Thank you !

Fun place to visit! Entrance is free but donation is recommended. Display was extraordinary!

My husband and I stopped in here after we went on the city tour. This place is worth the visit. Make sure to check out Mens and women’s bathroom. Suggested donation is $10. It’s a nonprofit so many volunteers available to answer your questions. Some really great photo opportunities.

The volunteers made this museum fun and informative. The fun quality art pieces put it over the top. The hours are odd (1-4 on Thurs Fri Sat) so plan accordingly!! Well worth the visit!

A must see when your in Sarasota. This museum was fun, interesting, surprising, and quite entertaining. The volunteers were engaging and knowledgeable, but certainly not stuffy. It was free with a $10 pp suggested donation. It was well worth every penny to stroll around both indoor and outdoor displays. Art , sculpture, and whimsical designs were everywhere from floor to ceiling! It was fabulous!

SO MUCH TO SEE!! What a cute museum. Definitely worth the stop. Even the bathrooms have unique pieces to see. Affordable too. A donation of $10 a person is requested.

Marietta Lee’s whimsical, light and fun museum opened in 2010. After working as a nurse, Ms Lee began a career as an artist and moved to Sarasota from New England. In here is an indoor gallery and a large colorful outside sculpture garden. A nice place to spend a few hours. The artwork is very modern. Highly recommended for all ages.

Absolutely beautiful museum of art and sculptures, there is so much to see and take in! So many creative and intricate works that inspire and awe! Highly recommend stopping by, you will not be disappointed

Fantastic place. Lots of strange art pieces to look at.

Incredibly magical place that inspires joy in the creative process and the staff are pretty great too! There was no cost to enter, only a suggested $10 donation.