Historic & Cultural Places in Venice, Florida

The city of Venice, FL is distinguished for its captivating beaches, exclusive boutiques and elegant restaurants. However, not many tourists know that the city is equally rich in historical destinations that have been preserved for years. If you are craving to discover some new fascinating places. Venice, FL has many destinations to offer.

The Venice Symphony (1515 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 7, Southbridge Park, Venice, FL 34285)

Located at the Venice Performing Arts Center, the Venice Symphony is an idyllic place for classical music lovers. With imposing architecture, this place has come to be one of Venice’s principal attractions for musical and artistic appreciation.

The symphony was founded in 1976 under the direction of Hartley Haines. At that time the orchestra presented its concerts at the Venice High School Auditorium; the tickets were covered by various banks and individual sponsors. But as the symphony grew the tickets began to be sold and the musicians received their remunerations.

It was not until 2014 that the symphony was installed in its current location; bringing wonderful concerts of classical pieces by Mozart and Mahler for the enjoyment of all visitors. In addition, the symphony offers great education opportunities like workshops and summer camps.

The Venice Theater (140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285)

This is definitely one of the most picturesque places in Venice, FL with its pale pink Mediterranean facade and terracotta tiles. The Venice Theater has become an icon of the city.

The theater was founded in 1950 by Muriel Olds-Dundas and Sonia Terry under the name of ‘Venice Little Theater Group.’ The first volunteers settled in an abandoned air force facility and began with the arduous job of rebuilding it into a suitable venue for performing shows. The whole community of Venice, FL joined forces to prepare the new theater and in one month they presented their first play, which was a great success.

At the present time the theater is in a different location and has expanded its facilities to accommodate up to 85000 people. With 1200 volunteers, this is one of the biggest community theaters in the country. Venice Theater features a vast variety of shows. You will have the chance to enjoy from cabaret shows, comedy, drama, great musical productions and even more edgy and contemporary plays. This theater is definitely the ideal choice if you’re seeking entertainment in Venice.

Venice Archives & Area Historical Collection (351 S. Nassau St., Venice, FL 34285)

This museum has a broad collection of photographic archives, publications, objects of historical value and even extraordinary pieces of archaeology, all referring to the history of Venice and its different communities, such as Laurel, Nokomis and Osprey.

The museum has several permanent and changing exhibits that will transport you back to a preceding era. You will be able to see historical photographs of the fishing communities and tourists who visited Florida back in the day. In the exhibitions you can find a remarkable diversity of collection pieces. From ancient weapons, mammoth fossils or even circus posters with a vintage allure. These historical objects that narrate the story of Venice.

Venice Art Center (390 South Nokomis Ave., Venice, FL 34285)

Founded in 1956 with a modest two-day exhibition featuring 60 works by local and national artists this art center has become a key part of Venice’s identity over the years. Today the Venice Art Center represents the artistic and creative heart of the city, the place has two main galleries, the Pat Buster Gallery and the Altman-Vogt Gallery. With outstanding exhibits by notorious artists, the Venice Art Center receives nearly 50,000 visits a year.

You can also take a beautiful souvenir from the gift shop, which accommodates hundreds of works from all styles. The Venice Art Center additionally offers academic programs as well as fun weekend workshops where you can learn how to make origami or clay pots.

In addition to its exhibits and recreational programs, the Venice Art Center also hosts other types of events, such as concerts with local musicians or wine tastings. And to make your visit more pleasant, you can have dessert at the Art Cafe.

These are merely a few of the numerous spectacular places you can visit in the welcoming city of Venice,Florida.