Sarasota’s rich history will take center stage this September as the City of Sarasota opens a new cultural heritage exhibition designed to celebrate the people, places and events that helped shape the community we know today.
The opening reception for Echoes of Sarasota will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Lobby at 1565 1st Street. The free event will give residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the new exhibition, meet some of the people involved in bringing the project together and enjoy light refreshments while taking a journey through Sarasota’s past.
The Echoes of Sarasota exhibition brings together mural scale artwork, historic imagery and additional pieces that highlight more than a century of the city’s history. The collection explores Sarasota’s story from its early Indigenous roots and pioneer era through the many changes that transformed the area into the thriving cultural destination it is today.
Featured works include large scale pieces by artists Regan Dunnick and Frank Hopper, which are on loan from Thomsen Fine Art. Additional artwork has been curated by Arts Advocates, helping create an exhibition that connects Sarasota’s artistic heritage with the history of the community itself.
For longtime residents, the exhibit offers an opportunity to revisit familiar stories and moments from Sarasota’s past. For newcomers, it provides a chance to learn more about the history behind the city they now call home.
Sarasota has changed dramatically over the generations. What began as a small Gulf Coast community grew into a destination known for its beaches, architecture, performing arts, museums and vibrant cultural scene. Echoes of Sarasota aims to capture that evolution while also recognizing the people and communities who contributed to the city’s development along the way.
The opening reception also coincides with Constitution Day, connecting the local celebration to the City of Sarasota’s America 250 activities. Communities across the country are preparing to recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, and Sarasota’s exhibition is part of the city’s effort to reflect on both national history and the stories that make the local community unique.
Visitors attending the reception will be able to explore the installation throughout City Hall and view the collection in person. The exhibition is designed to encourage people to slow down, look closely at the artwork and consider how Sarasota has evolved over time.
For those unable to attend the opening reception, the exhibition will remain on display through 2027 and will continue to be free and open to the public. That gives residents plenty of opportunities to visit and experience the collection.
The City has also created a virtual tour for anyone who would like to preview the exhibit from home. The online experience includes views of the featured artworks as well as historic photographs connected to the stories behind them, making the exhibition accessible to an even wider audience.
Echoes of Sarasota is presented through a partnership with Thomsen Fine Art, with additional supporting artwork provided by Arts Advocates. Together, the organizations have created an exhibition that celebrates not only Sarasota’s past but also its long standing connection to art and culture.
For a community that continues to grow and welcome new residents, preserving and sharing local history can be especially meaningful. New restaurants, businesses, homes and developments continue to reshape Sarasota, but exhibitions like Echoes of Sarasota offer a reminder of the stories and experiences that came before them.
Whether you have lived in Sarasota your entire life, recently moved to the area or are simply interested in learning more about the community, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see local history through the eyes of artists.
The opening reception takes place Thursday, September 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sarasota City Hall, located at 1565 1st Street. Admission is free, and the exhibition will remain available for visitors to enjoy through 2027.
