Sarasota MOD Weekend Honors a Century of Sarasota Architecture

Architecture lovers, rejoice: Architecture Sarasota’s annual MOD Weekend kicks off on Friday with a full slate of programming including a symposium, home tours, a pop-up shop and more.

This year’s theme is “Moderns That Matter,” focusing on Architecture Sarasota’s compendium of 100 buildings and spaces that have defined the city’s architectural identity and sense of place for the last century. Architecture Sarasota—the result of a 2021 merger between the Sarasota Architectural Foundation and the Center for Architecture Sarasota—focuses celebrating and educating the public about Sarasota’s built environment, with particular focus on environmental adaptation, sustainable, modern design; and the preservation of both the Sarasota School of Architecture’s buildings and its legacy.

A number of MOD Weekend events, including boat and shuttle tours of the Bay Culture District and a selection of Moderns That Matter, are sold out, but here’s a look at what’s available to attend.

Friday, Nov. 14

Opening Night Party at the Umbrella House

5 p.m., 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota

Here’s your chance to peek inside Paul Rudolph’s iconic Umbrella House in Lido Shores. Built in 1953 and commissioned by visionary Sarasota developer Philip Hanson Hiss, it’s one of the Sarasota School of Architecture’s most recognizable designs. Tickets start at $123.97 and include cocktails and live music.

Saturday, Nov. 15

Moderns That Matter Symposium and Self-Guided Tour

Starting at 9:30 a.m., Larry Thompson Academic Center, 2415 Bradenton Road, Sarasota

Take a deeper look at the buildings on the “Moderns That Matter” list, as well as the names and events that shaped their creation. Breakfast and coffee will be available for purchase on Bonnano’s Bagels.

After the symposium, attendees can tour a number of the “Moderns That Matter” and iconic Sarasota School of Architecture buildings. A guided trolley tour with a boxed lunch is sold out; however, a self-guided tour can be purchased here that includes a map of the homes and descriptions of each. Tickets start at $54.80.

Sunday, Nov. 16

Open House at the McCulloch Pavilion

12-4 p.m., 265 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota

Love the MOD look? Take a piece home with you. The McCulloch Pavilion will be open for the public to explore galleries, shop exclusive Sarasota MOD Weekend merch and indulge in a little retail therapy at the MOD Mart Pop-Up shop, a vintage market whose vendors include  Braden River Antiques, Canned Ham Vintage, Layna’s Corner, and The Hudson Mercantile.

Sarasota MOD Weekend begins Friday, Nov. 14, and wraps up Sunday, Nov. 16. For more information, click here.