College students should take advantage of discounted admission prices to the Ringling Museum, Dalí Museum and Tampa Museum of Art. For as little as $15 or free, students have the rare opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s best art.

  Less than one hour from HCC’s South Shore Campus, the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is home to an architectural masterpiece, hidden gardens, famous paintings and an extensive circus memorabilia collection. The Ringling Museum encompasses three individual museums: the Art Museum, Circus Museum and Ca’d’Zan. Docent led or self-guided tours of the Art Museum give visitors the opportunity to get close to paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance, especially the work of famous Baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens. With paintings that stretch from ceiling to floor, lawn sculptures imported from Italy and visiting exhibitions, the Art Museum stands out as it hosts some of the rarest art in the area.

  Stepping right up to the Circus Museum, visitors can relax and learn about the interesting history of the circus. According to a docent, John Ringling and his brothers were the founding members of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, traveling the world to bring acts and novelties to the masses. The Circus Museum houses an incredible miniature circus that displays the extensive operation of the greatest show on earth. Inside the Circus Museum, there is also a video that explains the background of John and Mable Ringling and their masterpiece winter home, the Ca’d’Zan. Student admission to the Ringling (with student ID) is $5 and USF students are free.

  Ringling also hosts free admission to the Art Museum on Mondays. It provides a wonderful day activity that brings culture and sophistication to sunny Florida.

  Just over the Howard-Franklin Bridge, in St. Petersburg, the Dalí Museum sits on waterfront property steps away from USF St. Pete. Relocated to a new facility in 2011, the $36 million building is the perfect blend of architectural structure and natural whimsy, much like Dalí’s Surrealist method. Approaching the cold-stone, square building, visitors can see the artistic flair that went into the museum’s construction with the garden and water fountain that sits at the entrance. Hard to miss, Dalí’s Enigma consists of geometric glass paneling, which creates its own unique sculpture that appears to be growing out of the museum’s walls. Featuring only work done by Salvador Dalí, with the exception of visiting exhibitions, docent led tours of the third floor give visitors an opportunity to experience Dalí’s innovative artwork that spurred the Surrealism movement. According to a docent, Dalí was one of the most interesting artists of the 20th century, using his art and “dreamlike” paintings to protest and interpret the world around him. The inspiration of Dalí’s Surrealism and fascination of math and science, touches on all facets of the museum, especially the Mathematical Garden, which overlooks the water. Although it is small in size, the garden contains a sculpture of Dalí’s signature black mustache. Visitors can pose inside the sculpture for a unique photo opportunity.

  The grounds also include a melting bench, wishing tree and labyrinth. USF students receive free admission, for other students with ID, it is $15 and on Thursdays after 5 p.m., all admission prices are $10. The Dalí Museum represents what many may consider unconventional art, and gives visitors an opportunity to see the evolution of one of the world’s most revolutionary artists.

  Nestled conveniently in the heart of Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art gives students a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of campus. Home to its own permanent collection and host to traveling exhibitions, the museum features photographs, paintings and sculptures that all are sure to enjoy. Just at the edge of Downtown Tampa, the museum is located on the Hillsborough River. According to the museum’s website, the Tampa Museum of Art is the only museum that is fully accessible by boat, car, foot or bicycle. With student admission set at $5 and pay-what-you-will pricing on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the museum welcomes all locals and visitors to the heart of Tampa.

  When visiting the Ringling Museum, Dalí Museum and/or the Tampa Museum of Art, visitors need to be aware of standard operating procedures at museums. No flash photography is permitted and certain exhibits strictly prohibit any photography. For more information visit www.ringling.org, thedalí.org and tampamuseum.org.