SARASOTA – Out with the old, in with the new is not the case at this museum. Sarasota High School transforms into a world-class museum. With more than 16 years in the making, the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College has finally opened its doors.
The Sarasota Art Museum has repurposed the old 93-years-old Sarasota High School Building to become a contemporary art museum.
According to Communications Coordinator with the Sarasota Art Museum, Rich Schineller, about 67 percent of the floor choice has been reused from the old high school building.
“We think you’re really going to enjoy seeing the richness and the depth that century’s old wood that’s been reclaimed and reused to create quite an unbelievable space,” Rich Schineller said.
A former Sarasota High School Teacher from the old building, Robert Shackelford, says when he passes by, he remembers the classroom he used to teach in. He is happy the building remains.
“Anytime that we can preserve buildings and architecture,” Robert Shackelford said. “And so that we can learn from the past, and still have connections from the past, I think it’s really important.”
Schineller says the museum has about 80,000 square feet for the museum campus, with 15,000 square feet dedicated to exhibition space.
They expect to revolve the exhibitions every four to six months, so there will always be something new for people to see.
“It’s designed as ‘kunsthalle,’ which is like a German word for art-house,” Schineller said. “Where there is not a collection, per se, but revolving exhibitions that come in from around the world.”
With the vision being around for about two-decades, Schineller says he is deeply gratified to see their vision come into fruition.
“We are so looking forward to opening the doors to the public this Saturday,” Schineller said. “We really hope you come and join us.”
Reporting in Sarasota, Annette Gutierrez, SNN the Suncoast News Network.
The Museum will be open to the public on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 AM. It’s located in Downtown Sarasota at 1001 S Tamiami Trail. Admission to the public is fifteen dollars, members are free, and children under 17 are free. For more information, visit https://www.ringling.edu/museum.