Without question, Venice’s early hotels were a prominent, important, and initial component when first building the Venice community. What did these structures look like? Where are/were these buildings located? How many exist today? Find out these answers and much more as the Venice Museum & Archives celebrates its early lodging history on the eve of the city turning 100! The exhibit is the first in a series of free educational history exhibits at the Venice Museum that will showcase Venice’s origins as we enter the City’s Centennial Celebration in 2025-2027.
As part of Venice’s centennial celebrations, the Venice Museum is pleased to announce our newest seasonal exhibit: VENICE TURNS 100: Celebrating the City on the Gulf’s Centennial. The exhibit, which opens on September 2, 2025, will offer a glimpse into Venice’s transformation throughout the decades. See how the city has grown from a plan laid out by renowned city planner John Nolen to the thriving community it is today.
PERMANENT EXHIBITS
Venice’s Inhabitants: The Unique Cultural Heritage of the Land on the Gulf
As the title suggests, Venice’s Inhabitants: The Unique Cultural Heritage of the Land on the Gulf, focuses on the diverse and rich historic heritage of the Venice region. The exhibit will go from prehistoric Venice when woolly mammoths roamed the area, to its descendant, the elephant, being spotted crossing a local Venice bridge in the latter half of the 20th century. The displays put special focus on the human inhabitants including early Native American tribes, early settlers of the area, the first land developers, investors, planners, and the military men who occupied the town. Come see the development of Venice throughout the decades and learn of the men and women who had a significant impact on its unique cultural heritage.
The exhibit is the featured permanent display in the VMA’s Main Gallery focusing on the development of Venice, Florida. The exhibit answers the questions: What gives Venice its unique character? How was the Venice area developed? What were the challenges and triumphs that gives Venice its unique historical character visible here now in the present day? Come discover these answers for yourself!
The Story of the Historic Triangle Inn
Explore the story of the historic structure that houses the Venice Museum & Archives, the Triangle Inn. Here, enjoy information and archival photos while you listen to former VMA Director, Dorothy Korwek point out interesting facts about the historic building’s design.
Fossils: Venice’s Land Before Time
Over 365 fossils collected from Sarasota and Charlotte counties are on display. They include specimens of creatures from land and sea such as mammoths, mastodons, giant sloths, camels, horses, rhinoceros, bison, turtles, alligators, and sharks. This is a great exhibit for kids of all ages.
Dr. Fred H. Albee: A New Beginning for Nokomis and Venice
The life and contributions of world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Fred Albee (1876-1945) and his wife Louella Albee are highlighted in this interactive exhibit, which includes a short video, oral history stories, and hands-on displays. Unique objects on exhibit include a model skeleton used by Albee for teaching and a special orthopedic table he invented in the early 1900s.