Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsey - Sarasota, Florida

The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsey is a fun, eclectic collection of art from all kinds of media, organized and displayed to "preserve work of artistic and whimsical importance."  The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1-4pm  during the winter season.  Founded and organized by Marietta Lee, the museum focuses on telling us to lighten up and not take ourselves so seriously.

The art and whimsey start in the parking lot with sculptures that delight.

 Art and whimsey in the parking lot

The entrance catches the eye and appeals from the street (North Tamiami Trail, US Route 41).

 Main entrance

On entering, we note that the security guard doesn't look up to chasing down any miscreants (more art and whimsey).

Security art

Inside, the rooms are full of art arranged to delight, tantalize, amuse, and mystify.  The art is taken down at the end of each season, stored, and reinstalled completely differently when the museum reopens for the next season.

 Inside the museum

The museum courtyard tends toward the whimsey side, with fabulous sculptures scattered throughout the grounds.

In the courtyard

Leaving the museum, there are final touches of art and whimsey to amuse and delight all of us.

Last displays, heading out

The museum is a lot of fun and can't help but put smiles on our faces as the displays unveil themselves and the fabulous staff point out the best of the best.