Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota Bay is described as the world's only purple seashell-shaped theater.

The City of Sarasota owns and operates the hall, which was built in 1968 and 1969 using funds from a city bond referendum and a bequest from local philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel.

It was designed by architect William Wesley Peters, Frank Lloyd Wright's son-in-law.

Its 1741-seat Roskamp Auditorium places the last rows just 110 feet from the stage.

This season the hall offers more than 100 events and also hosts more than 50 performances and events by the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet and other local groups.

Through Van Wezel Schooltime Performances, more than 25,000 students from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Desoto counties are introduced to the performing arts each season.

The Grand Foyer and Sunset Terrace overlook Sarasota Bay and are used for weddings, meetings and special events, and each summer the lawn hosts free Friday Fest concerts.