Explore Sarasota’s Modern Architecture During MOD Weekend

You might know and love Sarasota County for its beautiful beaches and state parks, but our architecture is just as stunning and world-renowned.

Sarasota’s Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Some of the county’s most iconic buildings were developed following principles of mid-century modernist design in the years after World War II by a group of Sarasota-based architects.

The efforts of these architects to develop designs that flourished in Florida's unique environment impacted our region and influenced architectural design globally. Today, examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture can still be found throughout the Sarasota area, preserving the innovative designs of architects including Paul Rudolph, Ralph Twitchell and Victor Lundy.

Experience MOD Weekend in Sarasota

While you can see some of these buildings any time of the year by simply driving around the city, you can truly immerse yourself in the Sarasota School of Architecture every fall during Architecture Sarasota’s MOD Weekend.

This three-day festival features guided tours, social gatherings and presentations by prominent architects, authors, critics and designers. It kicks off with a cocktail reception at an iconic building. Over the next two days, enjoy a symposium featuring an internationally recognized expert, as well as self-guided and boat tours of various architectural landscapes. The event wraps up with an open house and opportunities to pick up vintage items from local vendors and the MOD Shop.

Visit architecturesarasota.org for details about the next MOD Weekend and recaps of the past few festivals.

Explore Sarasota Architecture Year-Round

If you won’t be in Sarasota during MOD Weekend, you can still experience some of the county’s architectural history through the festival’s host organization, Architecture Sarasota.

Besides stewarding the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Architecture Sarasota also aims to “provide a forum for education, advocacy, and the celebration of good design in the global built environment.”

The non-profit offers free admission to its exhibitions and design shop by appointment. Contact them via email to schedule a visit, private tours, or other special experiences.