City of Sarasota: Refreshed cultural heritage exhibit now open at City Hall

 Media Contact: Communications Specialist Drew Winchester |  Drew.Winchester@sarasotaFL.gov

Sarasota, FL:  The second free exhibit celebrating the City of Sarasota’s rich cultural heritage is now on display in the City Hall lobby, 1565 First Street.

This new exhibit focuses on the historic Sarasota School of Architecture. It includes models, renderings, reproductions, original blueprints, and archival photographs provided by Architecture Sarasota and Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.

As conceptualized and overseen by the City’s Public Art Program and the Historic Preservation Divisions, the project highlights how the Sarasota School of Architecture – which focused on post-war, Mid Century modern creations - had such a profound impact on the medium that is now widely recognized around the world.

According to City of Sarasota Senior Planner Dr. Clifford Smith, the Sarasota School of Architecture was one of simplicity, of linear design and transparency by harnessing natural light. Architects Jack West and Victor Lundy used those tools to express themselves to create something entirely different and new.

“There’s an inherent elegance in the design. It tells a story, one that captures the cultural heritage of our great city,” Smith added. “This is part of what makes us unique. These architects were in tune with their surroundings.”

The Sarasota School of Architecture exhibit will be displayed in the City Hall lobby through June 2024. The inaugural exhibit unveiled in November 2022 focused on Sarasota’s circus heritage and the Sarasota Colony Artists. Those pieces have now been relocated throughout City Hall and the SRQ Media Studio and are still available for public viewing.

The public is invited to an open house featuring a lecture program at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 in Commission Chambers. Speakers will include Sarasota County Division of Historical Resources Manager Joshua Goodman, Architecture Sarasota President Morris Hylton III, and Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato.  

About our participating partners:

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources:

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources curates and preserves the County’s large collection of archival records, historical newspapers, fossils, artifacts, and other items that tell the story of the county’s past.

Architecture Sarasota:

Sarasota Architecture 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.

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About the City of Sarasota: Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as No. 5 on the top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S. and the number one place in Florida, the City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 56,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov