5 (36)
Sarasota
Sarasota Architecture Tour: Trolley Ride Through History
90
Overview
Sarasota Architecture Tour immerses guests in the city's architectural story. This 105-minute, air-conditioned trolley tour explores three distinctive styles that define Sarasota: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. Visitors discover the "Sarasota School" of architecture, a regional take on 20th-century modernism that thrived here. This tour is known to sell out fast, so make sure to book in advance.
What to Expect: The tour visits iconic locations such as the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium & Chidsey Library, a prime example of Art Deco design; Burns Court Historic District, showcasing Mediterranean Revival architecture; Sarasota Art Center & Blue Pagoda; and the Center for Architecture Sarasota. Guests stay cool in an air-conditioned vehicle while a guide shares stories and insights.
Included are bottled water and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Food and drinks are not included in this tour. Guests should plan accordingly to bring refreshments. 
Highlights
Explore Sarasota's Architectural Gems: See stunning examples of Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern designs.
Ride in Comfort: Enjoy the tour in an air-conditioned trolley, escaping the Florida heat.
Discover the 'Sarasota School': Learn about this unique regional style of architecture.
Perfect for Architecture Lovers: Ideal for anyone interested in design and historical buildings.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers highly recommend the Sarasota Architecture Tour for its informative guides and comfortable way to see the city's architectural highlights. Some suggest allowing more time at each location.
Customers love the knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts.
Many enjoy the comfortable, air-conditioned transportation.
Guests appreciate seeing a variety of architectural styles.
Some reviewers mention it’s a great way to learn about Sarasota’s history.
A few reviewers wished for more time at each stop.
Some mention that it can be difficult to see all the details from the trolley.
The Journey
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium & Chidsey Library
Step back in time at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, a prime example of Art Deco architecture that flourished in the 1930s. Built in 1938, this landmark showcases the elegance and streamlined design characteristic of the era. Continue your Art Deco exploration at the Chidsey Library, Sarasota's first public library, opened in 1941. Marvel at its architectural details and learn about its role in the city's cultural history, experiencing the enduring charm of this period.
Burns Court Historic District
Wander through the charming Burns Court Historic District, where Mediterranean Revival architecture transports you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Explore the houses and commercial buildings that define this district, developed in the mid-1920s. Discover the history and design principles behind this architectural style, characterized by stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and ornate details that evoke a sense of old-world elegance and relaxation.
Sarasota Art Center & Blue Pagoda
Experience the Sarasota School of Architecture at the Sarasota Art Center, a significant representation of Mid-Century Modern design. Continue to the iconic Blue Pagoda, designed by Victor Lundy, a founding member of the Sarasota School. This 1956 Japanese garden-inspired structure, with its distinctive blue glazed tile roof intended to mirror the waters of Sarasota Bay, offers a unique visual experience. Discover the architectural innovation and cultural influences that shaped this remarkable landmark, originally built for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
Center for Architecture Sarasota
Visit the Center for Architecture Sarasota, commissioned in 1959, and immerse yourself in the principles of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Explore the construction and design of this building, which exemplifies the clean lines, open spaces, and innovative use of materials that define the style. Learn about the architects and ideas that shaped this iconic structure, and gain a deeper understanding of the architectural movement that transformed Sarasota.
Know Before You Go
This 105-minute tour includes bottled water and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Food and additional drinks are not included. Please note that the tour does not have any specific pickup or drop-off locations.
Hot Tip
Customers suggest sitting on the right side of the trolley for the best views of the architecture. Bringing a camera to capture the beautiful buildings is also a great idea!
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