Moderns that Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour

“Moderns That Matter seeks to identify the Sarasota landmarks – from the iconic structures to everyday places – that give our community its architectural character and distinct sense of place.”  

~ Morris [Marty] Hylton III, President, Architecture Sarasota

The Cultural District in The Bay park includes several historically and architecturally significant buildings, four of which comprise a US National Register of Historic Places District: the Municipal Auditorium (1937), the Chidsey Library Building (1941), the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (1956), and the Sarasota Garden Club (1960).

The district was included on Architecture Sarasota’s Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100. With input from residents and those who care about the community, this list reflects nearly 100 years of Sarasota’s development and built and cultural heritage.

Join an expert guide on this special walking tour to learn more about the design and history of these notable buildings as well as recent and future structures planned for the 53-acre site.

Know Before You Go:

• Meet at The Nest Café at The Bay park (1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236).
• Free parking is located along Blvd of the Arts and Van Wezel Way (excluding Oct 18-20), in front of the Van Wezel and the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236). Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.
• Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.

In the event of inclement weather — this event will be CANCELLED. Notices will be communicated via The Bay website calendar, Eventbrite, Facebook and Instagram up to one hour before start time as unpredictable Florida weather changes quickly.

About Architecture Sarasota

Architecture Sarasota believes in the power of design to reimagine communities and strengthen the connections between people and the places they live, work, and gather. The organization’s mission is to steward the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture and provide a forum for the education, advocacy, and celebration of good design in the global built environment. Architecture Sarasota meets this mission by engaging residents and experts and collaborating with local, national, and global partners.