Moderns that Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour

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

This district was identified in the 2024 release of Moderns that Matter: Sarasota 100 presented by Architecture Sarasota – a list of 100 places and spaces that give Sarasota its sense of place and character.

Join an expert guide from Architecture Sarasota on this special walking tour to learn more about these notable buildings, as well as recent and future architecturally significant structures planned on the 53-acre site called The Bay.

 “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

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 stewards the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture and provides a forum for the education, advocacy and celebration of good design in the global built environment.