Arts & Culture
Explore Venice's Cultural Corridor
As part of Florida’s Cultural Coast®, explore why Venice helps put southwest Florida on the map for arts and culture. Within a half mile radius, nine of Venice’s top cultural destinations, located in the “Cultural Corridor,” provide an array of live music, theatrical shows, classes, art, historical exhibits and more. The Cultural Campus, just a couple blocks from downtown and within the corridor, is home to seven of these venues with easy, ample parking.
Venice Theatre
Looking for something a bit dramatic? The Venice Theatre is your source for cabarets, musicals, dramas, comedies, and cutting-edge contemporary productions. Located in a beautiful historic building downtown, the theatre has been a cultural anchor in Venice for 75+ years.
140 Tampa Ave W
941-488-1115
Venice Performing Arts Center
Another place to catch a show is the Venice Performing Arts Center. The Center’s 1,090 seat multi-level auditorium is home to The Venice Symphony, The Venice Concert Band, and The Venice Chorale, as well as hosting world-renowned entertainment.
1 Indian Ave, Building 5
941-218-3779
Venice Art Center
At the Venice Art Center, you can stroll through the latest exhibition, enjoy an evening of live blues or jazz, listen to a mid-day lecture, or sign up for a class in painting, pottery, jewelry making and more. While you are there, grab a bite to eat at the Venice Art Caffe.
390 Nokomis Ave S
941-485-7136
Venice Community Center
You’ll want to be sure to check the schedule at the Venice Community Center, where your choices can range from club meetings and Qigong classes to concerts and community expos.
326 Nokomis Ave S
941-861-1380
Venice Museum & Archives
The historic 1927 Triangle Inn is a must-see inside and out. Home to the City of Venice’s Historical Resources Department and Venice Museum, it offers docent-led tours and exhibits where you can learn more about Venice’s fascinating history.
Open year round Mon-Wed, 10am-4pm
First & third Saturdays from Oct-Apr, 11am-3pm
351 Nassau St S
941-486-2487
Old Betsy Museum
The Old Betsy Museum is an open-view storage facility to house and display Venice’s first fire truck. The 1926 Type 75 Triple Combination Pumper can be viewed 24/7 through the windows, along with Venice Fire Department memorabilia.
343 Nassau St S
941-486-2487
LARC
The Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center (LARC) is devoted to the organization, preservation, and storage of the city of Venice’s historical collection.Â
Open Mon-Fri by appointment only
224 Milan Avenue West
941-882-7229
Libraries
For a restorative afternoon in a quiet corner, visit the William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library in the downtown district or the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, further south in Venice. Both library locations have bookstores packed with bargains for your next read at the beach.
The libraries’ community rooms offer events combining education and entertainment. Classes, lectures, movie screenings, meet-the-author talks, musical performances, and children’s programs are just a few of the varied experiences available throughout Sarasota County’s libraries.
Venice Public Library: 300 Nokomis Ave S
941-861-1110
Jacaranda Library: 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd
941-861-1110
Wildlife sculptures and arboretum
Connect with art and nature at the Monty Andrews Arboretum located on 4.5 acres in West Blalock Park. Learn about 100+ trees and palms while you search for the numerous sculptures of native Florida animals. Lots of shady trees, picnic tables and a playground make it an enjoyable place to unwind. View BROCHURE.
401 Pensacola Rd
941-207-8224
Downtown art scene
Find an artistic treasure to take home at one of our local galleries or have a memorable selfie moment by one of the many public artworks in the downtown district. Learn more about public art projects by Venice Area Beautification Inc.
- Endangered Animal Sculptures by various artists- West Blalock Park, 401 Pensacola Road
- Healing in the Enchanted Garden by Joseph Barron- Founders Walkway (in the 200 block of West Venice Avenue connecting to Miami Avenue West)
- John Nolen sculpture, Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Avenue
- Maria sculpture- corner of West Venice Avenue and Nokomis Avenue South
- Merkids by Catherine Beausoleil and art students- Centennial Park near the Intergenerational Fountain
- Murals at United States Post Office, Venice, Florida by Coleen Henry, 350 West Venice Avenue
- Sharing Paradise in Venice by BJ Carson- Michael Biehl Park, 100 W. Tampa Avenue (on Venice Theatre wall)
- Venice Circus Mural, along Business 41 just north of the south bridge
- Venice, Florida by David Lee- Nassau Street South (near corner of West Venice Avenue)
- Venice Remembered by Coleen Henry- back side of Venice Gondolier Building facing Intracoastal Waterway, 200 East Venice Avenue
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