The Ringling to Restore William Rupp's 1961 Modernist Pavilion

The Ringling will undertake a two-year restoration of the Rupp Pavilion, returning the 1961 structure to its original configuration. Designed by Sarasota architect William Rupp, the pavilion first operated as a food concession stand managed by the Howard Johnson’s chain. It was commissioned in 1957 by J. Kenneth Donahue, the museum's second director. Representing Sarasota Modernism, the building features a formal centralized plan, a central skylight, projecting scuppers, and creative use of materials like concrete and terrazzo. Originally furnished with Saarinen-designed 'Tulip' tables and chairs, it was highlighted in Architectural Forum's August 1961 issue for its innovative design and modest $15,000 construction cost by the maintenance crew. William Rupp was later featured in Life Magazine's September 14, 1962 issue, 'The Takeover Generation,' alongside figures like John Updike, Leontyne Price, and Edward Albee. The restoration underscores The Ringling's embrace of Modernism, initiated by its first director, Chick Austin. The pavilion joins other architectural works on campus, including Ca’ d’Zan by Dwight James Baum, the Museum of Art by John Phillips, the McKay Visitors Pavilion by Yann Weymouth, the Tibbals Learning Center by John Toppe, the Chao Center for Asian Art by Machado Silvetti, the Ellis Tea House by Glenn Darling, and the Kotler/Coville Glass Pavilion by Architects Lewis + Whitlock.