Municipal Auditorium

     The Municipal Auditorium was built in 1938.  Funding was provided by the WPA program of the Depression.The building has a distinctive Art Deco and Modern Designe.  The architects were Thomas Reed Martin and Clarence A. Martin from Chicago.

     During War World 2, the auditorium served as the Army and Navy Club for  Sarasota’s service men and women.

     The Auditorium has hosted the Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Youth Orchestra’a Debuntante Ball, the Miss Florida Pageant and many local high school homecoming and proms.   Prior to the opening of the Van Wezel Hall, the building hosted many local concerts and musical  performers.

     The building was renovated in 1994.  It features maple hardwood floors and 39 feet tall ceilings.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Municipal Auditorium