Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is the ideal convention center in southwest Florida for your business and promotional activities. Delight your guests with the scenic waterfront beauty of Sarasota Bay and spend time in a city that is known for its cultural excellence.

Our History

Built in 1938, the Municipal Auditorium is a community landmark distinguished by its Art Deco and Moderne design. Created by Chicago architects Thomas Reed Martin and Clarence A. Martin, the auditorium has become a focal point for Sarasota's cultural scene.

"The Municipal Auditorium is one of less than a handful of Art Deco gems left in Sarasota. It was built by the people, for the people with funding from President Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration program in 1937," said Sarasota History Alive! Creative Director, Lee Gaines. "The auditorium played a role in lifting Sarasota out of the Great Depression and continues to serve us through good times and bad as a center for both commerce and entertainment."

During World War II, the auditorium served as the Army and Navy Club for Sarasota’s service men and women. Throughout history, the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium (SMA) has hosted the Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Youth Orchestra’s Debutante Ball, the Miss Florida pageant, and countless area high school proms. Prior to the Van Wezel opening, the SMA was the premier concert hall and showcased a variety of musical performances from Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong to Earth, Wind, & Fire.

Unforgettable Event Venue

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is frequented by more than 100,000 visitors annually. Historically renovated in the late 1990s, the stunning hardwood floors and tall ceilings provide great acoustics and the right atmosphere for all of your activities.

Imagine a stunning beachfront wedding, with ceremony and banquet in the same building. Make a great impression by hosting a friendly but professional business meeting in our flexible event space. Host an entertaining and educational trade show on our open floor. Use our historical space for a banquet or fundraising event to create an unforgettable night.

We offer impeccable customer service and will work with you to create an event worth remembering for years to come. Our venue can host weddings, concerts, banquets, exhibits, business meetings, trade shows, fundraising events, and more.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is the premier convention center and event space of Florida’s Suncoast that will help you make your event an incredible success. For small or medium-sized events, please inquire about our other facilities.