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Sarasota Architecture Tour: Exploring Distinctive Styles
5.0
27 Ratings
Sarasota
Discover Sarasota’s architectural legacy on a 105-minute tour. Explore Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles in an air-conditioned van.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Travelers will learn about the Art Deco style, which first appeared in France during the 1910s, and flourished in architecture and fashion, through the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a fine example of Art Deco style. Visitors will also learn about the history of the Auditorium, built in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey Library is also on the itinerary. The Chidsey Library opened in May 1941 as the City of Sarasota’s first public library building.
What's Included
- Refreshing bottled water provided
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Sarasota boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. This 105-minute air-conditioned tour takes guests to see exceptional examples of architecture and design, highlighting three of the city’s unique styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. The tour includes the “Sarasota School” of architecture, a regional take on 20th-century International Style modernism that thrived in Florida from the 1940s to the 1960s.
These tours fill up quickly each week, so be sure to book in advance!
- Guests must be 10+; no children under 10 allowed.
Location
Discover Sarasota Tours
4th Street
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(27 Ratings)
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Trail40955985950
Jul 24, 2024
Amazing - Delightful, interesting and informative. Ed is amazing with all the knowledge about the architects and types of architecture. Thank you to Gretchen and Ed for making it a memorable adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D3390jtandread
Jul 11, 2024
Great Architectural experience - I enjoyed this tour and learned a lot about the history / architecture of Sarasota. Our guide was very informative and it was evident that he really enjoys what he does.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gina_s
Jul 4, 2024
Seeing what we don’t see - Ed did a fantastic narrative on our recent architectural trolley tour. We passed buildings that I’ve seen for many many years, but never really looked at them. He gave good histories and detailed descriptions. It was a wonderful morning treat I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
J8589pjstephenh
Jun 28, 2024
Sarasota’s Architectural Gems Revealed - A very enjoyable and entertaining tour. Our guide Ed knew all the facts, and expressed them with inspiring enthusiasm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billl630
May 19, 2024
Sarasota architecture surprises - Surprisingly knowledgeable Docent gave a 2 hour bus tour about Sarasota architecture. We did not realize it is one of two leading cities for mid-20th century modern residential architecture. Enjoyable morning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_s
Mar 31, 2024
Great architecture tour with a nice emphasis on Midcentury Modern buildings. - Details of the Midcentury Modern school of architecture in Sarasota. Ed, our guide, did a superb job discussing how Sarasota became a hotbed of MidMod design. We knew a little about Paul Rudolph, but Ed filled in the gaps. We also learned a lot about the Ringlings, and their influence on the Mediterranean Revival houses in the 1920s and 1930s.
Review provided by Viator
Boardingpass605372
Mar 28, 2024
Very enjoyeable tour of Sarasota - Really enjoyed the tour! Got to see many types of architecture styles in Sarasota and drive on streets that we would not have found on our own. Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sishopper
Mar 10, 2024
Great tour to learn the beauty and history of Sarasota! - We have done several tours in and around Sarasota and this one did not disappoint. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The trolley was clean and comfortable. The architecture tour does not leave the trolley so it would be good for those that have ambulatory issues. We certainly learned a lot about the architecture and the great architects that designed the buildings in Sarasota.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
660michellel
Mar 9, 2024
Intriguing Backstories of Sarasota Architecture and Design - This tour is packed with fascinating information about the architectural heritage of Sarasota. You'll learn why our city is rich in beautiful buildings, homes and neighborhoods and hear intriguing stories of the people who made it happen. This is the second Discover Sarasota tour I've taken and my appetite is whetted for more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
45kendrac
Mar 6, 2024
Book your spot now! - Oh. My. Word.
Discover Sarasota Tours ARCHITECTURE TOUR was fantastic today! Ed, our guide, was personable, knowledgeable, and so passionate about Sarasota’s incredible architecture! We will never look at these amazing structures the same way again!
#WeLoveThisCity
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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