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We loved exploring this amazing museum! We have been looking forward to getting to see some of the Circus displays and it did not disappoint! Our favorite parts were seeing the amazing miniature circus model along with some of the costumes and train cars. There is also a huge art museum to explore. This museum is well worth the entry fee!
Came to check it out on free Monday. The admission does not include the circus museum. Walking along, the grounds is very peaceful. The art collection inside the museum was very great. This place reminded me of walking through Italy. Love the replica of David in the courtyard. Also, the pianos mixed in as a part of the collection was a great touch. Only downside was there will be a line since the museum is free on Mondays so come early.
BLUF: Mansion, circus exhibits, art museum and pretty views make this a lovely destination. I love The Ringling more than ever! Originally my fascinating with The Ringling was because I fantasized about the magnificence of the Ca' d'Zan mansion after seeing it in the 1998 version of Great Expectations. But now, I am obsessed with the new circus museum and especially the Howard Brothers Circus model. Circus model is an understatement. The model is huge, detailed, clever, crafty and just jaw dropping. I always say a good museum leaves me wanting to know more and that is certainly true about The Ringling and especially the Howard Brothers Circus model. Aside from touring the mansion and marveling at Howard Tibbals' circus model, I enjoy walking the grounds and looking at the turtles and banyan trees. The gift shop is also nice for a quick stroll. Weather permitting, it might be nice to try the onsite restaurant and sit outside. I was a fan on my first visit eight years ago and I am even more hooked now!
It's been five years since we visited the Ringling. There is so much to explore, I wore sneakers & brought water this time. This 66-acre Ringling Museum complex has something for everyone. The grounds are magnificent with statues hidden among the spectacular foliage. The massive victory with beautiful red flowers was just incredible. Mabel was a horticulturalist and it shows here . The Ringling is a whole experience, not just the sum of single pieces of art. Happily they will clean restrooms and icy cold water fountains all over the property. We parked for free in the large lot and admired the license plate plates from all over the country that are here. We paid $45 giving us full access to the Museum's mansion and Gardens. We spent another full day, exploring the galleries & gardens taking hundreds of photographs and videos along the way.. There are 4 main components; the art museum, the circus museum, the Ca' d'Zan mansion and the Bayfront Gardens. Glass Pavilion just inside the gate near the Grillroom can't be missed either. Mondays are free days for the art museum & gardens, so if you have a group, it's an affordable way to visit. Mondays are the busiest day of the week. The campus is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays. The museum stays open late so visitors can visit James Turrell's Skyspace exhibit, Joseph's Coat, as the sun sets. It is absolutely something to experience. We made a full day of it. We started at Mable's Coffee and Tea café (named for John Ringling's wife) when the museum opens for coffee. We explore the large gift shop filled with jewelry, books, postcards, pottery, children's items... On open table we made reservations for the museum's restaurant, The Ringling Grillroom. We could've spent a full day in the Ringling, art gallery, there were so many rooms and pieces from thousands of years ago to modern works, including Asia, the Mediterranean... If you have a single day to visit, these are some things you don't want to miss in the galleries: Michelangelo's David in the Art Museum Courtyard - David is not only seen throughout Sarasota silhouetted on city signage. It's also the most recognizable statue in the world. The one at The Ringling is a more recent bronze cast of the original white marble sculpture by Michelangelo. The annual Ringling Underground concert series sees local bands playing beneath the David to a raucous crowd in the garden. Mater Dolorosa, Blue Madonna in the Art Museum, Gallery 9 - The Blue Madonna, was painted in the 1670s by Onorio Marinari. It's painted in a "Renaissance style," in which the figure appears to be luminated from within. The blue of her shroud is vibrant. The Astor Mansion Salon and Library are from Aster's 1893 NYC Gilded Age mansion and we're very impressive draped in gold. Howard Bros. Circus Model in the Tibbals Learning Center of the Circus Muse This is fun for everyone. Even your most snobbish visitors to Sarasota will not be able help but enjoy seeing this massive miniature replica of a traveling circus. I see something new every time I walk through the display, and the lights even change, so you can see how nighttime looks within the tiny circus. I never knew the circus was this much of a spectacle. The Tibbals Learning Center is named for the creator of this model, Howard Tibbals. The Wisconsin in the Historic Galleries, Room 105, Wagon Room - Trains transported the circus when rail lines took prominence over wagon-led troupes. The Wisconsin was the private railroad car for John Ringling & his wife Mable. They rode the Wisconsin to Sarasota to visit their new bayfront property where their house, the Ca' d'Zan, stands. This rail car takes visitors back in time and is as delightful as it is uncanny to see the luxury the Ringlings' enjoyed.
Absolutely incredible experience, gardens, art and environment! Getting to this place gets you transported into a different country and you definitely don't feel like you're in Florida. We came here for the free Monday tour they do every Monday and it was totally worth it. Even though I would absolutely pay to get into this place either way - definitely worth it. I knew nothing about this place and I'm so glad my family brought me here and explained everything about it and showed us around. From the art, to the architecture to the surroundings and history, this place is so magical. It's a place that inspires art, creativity as well as peace and awe. I can totally see myself coming here for some quiet time, reading, creating or man even working in the outdoors on my laptop (if you come on the free Mondays). Otherwise, let your eyes feast on the views, art and rich history. Bring your camera and enjoy this magical place!
Absolutely beyond gorgeous place. Very big. Not your typical museum. So much history riggt here in the property. Upgrade to the cal d zar worth it. You could spend half a day here. There is alot to cover
Amazing. Never thought a "Circus Man" could be so wealthy. Been to quite a few "mansions" in my day - Biltmore, Monticello, Mt Vernon, Edison & Ford and Hemingway. This one is right up there. We did a tour. Well worth it. So much history of a time gone by. Unfortunately, I never got to see the Circus live. The circus era ended just before I was born. There is a "model" in the museum that shows the grand scale of circus. Incredible! Many little "movies" in the museum that show you the life/activity of the circus. Every Monday is free entrance day (grounds and Art Museum). Well worth the visit.
I had the most wonderful walking the grounds of The Ringling. My only problem was that I didn't give myself enough time to wander and immerse myself in all the artwork and circus objects. You could easily spend 4+ hours there. I thoroughly enjoyed the circus portion of the museum and loved the history aspect of it. Looking at the displays made me wish I could've experienced a circus back at their peak period. There are several interactive areas and photos are able to be taken. All of the staff were super helpful and knowledgeable. They definitely added to the likability of the grounds. On the art side, you can't help but be amazed at how much the Ringling family were able to get their hands on. The buildings were beautiful and the artwork blew me away. I will leap at the next opportunity to visit this museum whenever I'm in Sarasota again.
When people think of Florida, they usually think of beaches, palm trees, and sunshine. But tucked away in Sarasota is a place that feels like it belongs somewhere in Europe -- a massive estate filled with art, circus history, stunning gardens, and one of the most beautiful mansions you'll ever see. I'm talking about The Ringling Museum of Art. And after visiting it myself, I honestly believe this might the most underrated attraction in Florida. A Little History Behind the Estate The museum was created by John Ringling, one of the famous brothers behind Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. John Ringling and his wife Mable Ringling built this estate in the 1920s as their winter home. But it wasn't just a house -- it was meant to be a cultural destination filled with art, architecture, and beauty. Today, the property covers 66 acres along Sarasota Bay and includes multiple museums, gardens, and historic buildings. And the moment you step onto the grounds, you realize this place is far bigger and more impressive than you expected. The Art Museum - A Surprise Even for Non-Art Lovers The centerpiece of the estate is the Ringling Museum of Art, a stunning European-style museum that houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque artwork. The building itself feels like a palace. Long marble hallways, towering ceilings, and an open courtyard filled with statues make it feel more like something you'd find in Italy than on Florida's Gulf Coast. Even if you're not a huge art person, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. Walking through the galleries, you quickly realize John Ringling didn't just collect a few paintings -- he built one of the most significant art collections in the country. Ca' d'Zan - The Venetian Mansion on the Water If there's one building on the property that will completely blow you away, it's Ca' d'Zan. This massive Venetian Gothic mansion sits right on the edge of Sarasota Bay and was the Ringlings' personal home. The name literally means "House of John" in the Venetian dialect. Walking up to it feels like stepping into a European palace. Inside you'll find: Grand staircases Elaborate ceilings Antique furniture Huge windows overlooking the bay But honestly, the back terrace view might be the best part. Standing there looking out over the water, it's easy to see why John and Mable Ringling chose this exact spot to build their dream home. The Circus Museum - Where the Fun Begins Of course, you can't visit The Ringling without diving into its circus history. That's where the Circus Museum at The Ringling comes in. Inside you'll find vintage circus wagons, costumes, posters, and fascinating exhibits about the golden age of the American circus. But the highlight is the Howard Bros. Circus Model, an incredibly detailed miniature circus that recreates what a traveling circus looked like in the early 1900s. We're talking thousands of tiny figures, wagons, tents, animals, and performers -- all laid out exactly how the circus would arrive and set up in a town. It's the kind of exhibit where you can stand there for 20 minutes and still keep discovering new details. The Gardens - Florida Meets Italy Another thing that completely surprised me about this place was the gardens. The Bayfront Gardens at The Ringling stretch across the property and are filled with statues, banyan trees, fountains, and quiet walking paths. Some areas feel tropical, while others look like something straight out of Italy. There are even spots where you can sit along the water and just watch boats move across Sarasota Bay. It's peaceful, scenic, and honestly one of the most relaxing places to wander around. Why This Might Be Florida's Most Underrated Attraction What makes the Ringling so surprising is that most people visiting Florida don't even know it exists. Tourists head to the beaches, theme parks, or big cities -- but they completely miss this incredible estate sitting right in Sarasota. Yet in one place you can experience: World-class art Historic architecture Circus history Massive gardens Waterfront views That's a lot of variety for one destination. And because the grounds are so big, it never feels overly crowded. Final Thoughts After spending time exploring The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, I walked away thinking the same thing: How is this place not talked about more? It's beautiful, historic, unique, and completely different from the typical Florida attractions people expect. If you're visiting Sarasota and want to see something beyond the beach, this is absolutely worth adding to your list. Brian's Tip Give yourself at least 3-4 hours here. There's way more to see than you expect, and rushing through it would be a mistake. Take time to explore the museum, wander the gardens, and definitely walk out behind Ca' d'Zan for one of the best views on the property. Trust me -- this place is one of Florida's hidden gems.
Complementary parking is included. And there's a short walk to the main entrance. The entrance fee is very steep in my opinion. However with that being said this is the original house that John Ringling built for himself and his wife mabel. In addition it was also featured extensively in the movie starring Gwyneth paltrow, Robert De Niro and Ethan Hawke ...... Great Expectations.
So much to see and learn about the traveling Circus of yesteryear. Multiple areas to watch some videos of the history of the Ringling Brothers Barium Bailey Circus and what a massive task and it was to perform for a town and move to the next city over night. The shear quantity of people, animals and needed equipment, the size of the trains and the logistics to get everything to arrive in a specific order for set up of the "big top tent". There are two huge building shows old banners, wagons, costumes, given up you a greater appreciation of what they accomplished over 100 years ago. There is a display with more than 80,000 pieces of a recreation circus taking over 3,800sf when you see it you'll be in total awe on what one man spent most of his life building by himself with help from his wife For an additional small fee you can see the home that John Ringling and his wife built as their winter home for them and the Circus Be prepared to spend a few hours her with so much to see and take it all in.
This museum has a few parts for you to basically choose your adventure. There is the tribute to the circus, a fine arts museum and the waterfront home built by Ringling, Ca' d' Zan. You can visit the circus museum and the fine arts museum with the general admission, but the house is a separate ticket. We opted not to do the house as it was under renovation (I believe due to the hurricanes) and we already had plenty to see with the other two parts of the museum. The circus buildings provided a very informative history of the circus and contained a miniature size model that spanned multiple rooms which was fascinating. My husbands only disappointment was that there was not more circus artifacts. The fine arts museum is overwhelming as it has multiple galleries and is full of art from the renaissance to contemporary art. It warrants multiple visits to really appreciate the collection. The favorites in the museum were actually rooms recreated from the gilded age in NY. There was also an entire exhibit on Japanese block art. This place has a lot to offer and definitely worth a visit whether you're there for the circus history or the fine arts.
Wow, the ringing is one of the best place to be in Sarasota. It is a hidden gem too. The staff there is very polite. Nice we got a yearly membership, which is really nice to have. It's good to bring your family of Friends and learn the history of Sarasota. Well preserved and taken care of. Keep up the great work.
1 month ago
We booked the Uncovering Ca' d'Zan Guided Tour ($40 per person) before flying to Florida. The tour lasts about 60-70 minutes and includes the main rooms on the first floor, a peek into the Tap Room with stories about indulgence and Prohibition during the 1920s, as well as select spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors of the Ringlings' magnificent waterfront mansion. I'm so glad I booked this tour! it was the highlight of our Florida trip. Our tour guide, Susan, was professional, knowledgeable, and full of humor. She made the entire experience both informative and relaxing. Ca' d'Zan is simply breathtaking. This stunning Mediterranean Revival mansion sits on the shores of Sarasota Bay and was built in the mid-1920s as the winter retreat of American circus magnate, entrepreneur, and art collector John Ringling and his wife, Mable Burton Ringling. Although the mansion is over 100 years old, it still radiates the glamour, elegance, and artistic vision of the Ringlings. Every room is filled with exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful details that reflect their passion for art and architecture. One of my favorite features was the magnificent ceiling paintings by the Hungarian artist Willy Pogany. Each one tells a story from another era, preserving its beauty for generations to admire. Standing on the terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, I couldn't help but be reminded of the atmosphere from the movie Great Expectations. There was something incredibly romantic, mysterious, and timeless about the view. To me, Ca' d'Zan feels alive. If you slow down and listen carefully, the mansion tells its own story. There is glamour. There is longing. There is sadness. There is hope. And somehow, there is a place for you within it. I absolutely fell in love with this place. Without a doubt, this was the best attraction we visited during our trip to Sarasota. I would highly recommend the Uncovering Ca' d'Zan Guided Tour to anyone visiting the area, and I will definitely return to explore the Museum of Art next time. read more
The Ringling is absolutely beautiful and there's way more to see than I expected. You get everything from circus history to ancient art and artifacts, contemporary pieces, gorgeous grounds, statues and the rose garden. The roses were supposedly in season, but honestly that part was a little underwhelming. My personal favorites were the ancient artifacts and the circus miniature. There are also some parts of circus history that definitely haven't aged well, including minstrel depictions, but history is history and I appreciated that it wasn't sanitized. My biggest issue was being asked THREE separate times to show our wristbands while walking the grounds. Normally, no big deal, but we watched larger groups walk right by without being questioned while our group of three kept getting stopped, despite our wristbands being just as visible. By the third time, it was hard not to feel like we were being profiled. That was disappointing, especially after driving an hour for a close friend's birthday. I usually don't spend my money where I feel unwanted, but I wasn't going to let it ruin her day. Beautiful museum and absolutely worth experiencing, but that part of our visit left a bad taste in my mouth. read more
This was an amazing and incredibly surprising visit. I am a native of Ohio but have lived in Florida over 30 years and this was our 1st visit to The Ringling. It is a little pricy but worth if you love art, the circus and beautiful places. We went to the house first and this is an amazing home. Beautiful use of color, marble and impressive architecture. Loved the window shapes, the floors and the attention to detail throughout the home. The view from the patio was amazing. The circus museum was informative. It was quite incredible the number of people it took to bring the circus to life. So spectacular . ..the shows, the animals and the presentation. The grill restaurant had delicious food with very pleasant staff. The gift shop was also amazing with unique toys and a nice selections of books about the Ringlung family. Lastly the art museum was breath taking with such beautiful Italian art. The courtyard also amazing. Loved this visit! We spent the entire day there with more to see. We plan to return to enjoy the new items under construction. We recommend a visit. read more
We loved exploring this amazing museum! We have been looking forward to getting to see some of the Circus displays and it did not disappoint! Our favorite parts were seeing the amazing miniature circus model along with some of the costumes and train cars. There is also a huge art museum to explore. This museum is well worth the entry fee! read more
Came to check it out on free Monday. The admission does not include the circus museum. Walking along, the grounds is very peaceful. The art collection inside the museum was very great. This place reminded me of walking through Italy. Love the replica of David in the courtyard. Also, the pianos mixed in as a part of the collection was a great touch. Only downside was there will be a line since the museum is free on Mondays so come early. read more
4 months ago
BLUF: Mansion, circus exhibits, art museum and pretty views make this a lovely destination. I love The Ringling more than ever! Originally my fascinating with The Ringling was because I fantasized about the magnificence of the Ca' d'Zan mansion after seeing it in the 1998 version of Great Expectations. But now, I am obsessed with the new circus museum and especially the Howard Brothers Circus model. Circus model is an understatement. The model is huge, detailed, clever, crafty and just jaw dropping. I always say a good museum leaves me wanting to know more and that is certainly true about The Ringling and especially the Howard Brothers Circus model. Aside from touring the mansion and marveling at Howard Tibbals' circus model, I enjoy walking the grounds and looking at the turtles and banyan trees. The gift shop is also nice for a quick stroll. Weather permitting, it might be nice to try the onsite restaurant and sit outside. I was a fan on my first visit eight years ago and I am even more hooked now! read more
It's been five years since we visited the Ringling. There is so much to explore, I wore sneakers & brought water this time. This 66-acre Ringling Museum complex has something for everyone. The grounds are magnificent with statues hidden among the spectacular foliage. The massive victory with beautiful red flowers was just incredible. Mabel was a horticulturalist and it shows here . The Ringling is a whole experience, not just the sum of single pieces of art. Happily they will clean restrooms and icy cold water fountains all over the property. We parked for free in the large lot and admired the license plate plates from all over the country that are here. We paid $45 giving us full access to the Museum's mansion and Gardens. We spent another full day, exploring the galleries & gardens taking hundreds of photographs and videos along the way.. There are 4 main components; the art museum, the circus museum, the Ca' d'Zan mansion and the Bayfront Gardens. Glass Pavilion just inside the gate near the Grillroom can't be missed either. Mondays are free days for the art museum & gardens, so if you have a group, it's an affordable way to visit. Mondays are the busiest day of the week. The campus is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays. The museum stays open late so visitors can visit James Turrell's Skyspace exhibit, Joseph's Coat, as the sun sets. It is absolutely something to experience. We made a full day of it. We started at Mable's Coffee and Tea café (named for John Ringling's wife) when the museum opens for coffee. We explore the large gift shop filled with jewelry, books, postcards, pottery, children's items... On open table we made reservations for the museum's restaurant, The Ringling Grillroom. We could've spent a full day in the Ringling, art gallery, there were so many rooms and pieces from thousands of years ago to modern works, including Asia, the Mediterranean... If you have a single day to visit, these are some things you don't want to miss in the galleries: Michelangelo's David in the Art Museum Courtyard - David is not only seen throughout Sarasota silhouetted on city signage. It's also the most recognizable statue in the world. The one at The Ringling is a more recent bronze cast of the original white marble sculpture by Michelangelo. The annual Ringling Underground concert series sees local bands playing beneath the David to a raucous crowd in the garden. Mater Dolorosa, Blue Madonna in the Art Museum, Gallery 9 - The Blue Madonna, was painted in the 1670s by Onorio Marinari. It's painted in a "Renaissance style," in which the figure appears to be luminated from within. The blue of her shroud is vibrant. The Astor Mansion Salon and Library are from Aster's 1893 NYC Gilded Age mansion and we're very impressive draped in gold. Howard Bros. Circus Model in the Tibbals Learning Center of the Circus Muse This is fun for everyone. Even your most snobbish visitors to Sarasota will not be able help but enjoy seeing this massive miniature replica of a traveling circus. I see something new every time I walk through the display, and the lights even change, so you can see how nighttime looks within the tiny circus. I never knew the circus was this much of a spectacle. The Tibbals Learning Center is named for the creator of this model, Howard Tibbals. The Wisconsin in the Historic Galleries, Room 105, Wagon Room - Trains transported the circus when rail lines took prominence over wagon-led troupes. The Wisconsin was the private railroad car for John Ringling & his wife Mable. They rode the Wisconsin to Sarasota to visit their new bayfront property where their house, the Ca' d'Zan, stands. This rail car takes visitors back in time and is as delightful as it is uncanny to see the luxury the Ringlings' enjoyed. read more
2 months ago
7 months ago
Absolutely incredible experience, gardens, art and environment! Getting to this place gets you transported into a different country and you definitely don't feel like you're in Florida. We came here for the free Monday tour they do every Monday and it was totally worth it. Even though I would absolutely pay to get into this place either way - definitely worth it. I knew nothing about this place and I'm so glad my family brought me here and explained everything about it and showed us around. From the art, to the architecture to the surroundings and history, this place is so magical. It's a place that inspires art, creativity as well as peace and awe. I can totally see myself coming here for some quiet time, reading, creating or man even working in the outdoors on my laptop (if you come on the free Mondays). Otherwise, let your eyes feast on the views, art and rich history. Bring your camera and enjoy this magical place! read more
3 months ago
Absolutely beyond gorgeous place. Very big. Not your typical museum. So much history riggt here in the property. Upgrade to the cal d zar worth it. You could spend half a day here. There is alot to cover read more
Amazing. Never thought a "Circus Man" could be so wealthy. Been to quite a few "mansions" in my day - Biltmore, Monticello, Mt Vernon, Edison & Ford and Hemingway. This one is right up there. We did a tour. Well worth it. So much history of a time gone by. Unfortunately, I never got to see the Circus live. The circus era ended just before I was born. There is a "model" in the museum that shows the grand scale of circus. Incredible! Many little "movies" in the museum that show you the life/activity of the circus. Every Monday is free entrance day (grounds and Art Museum). Well worth the visit. read more
I had the most wonderful walking the grounds of The Ringling. My only problem was that I didn't give myself enough time to wander and immerse myself in all the artwork and circus objects. You could easily spend 4+ hours there. I thoroughly enjoyed the circus portion of the museum and loved the history aspect of it. Looking at the displays made me wish I could've experienced a circus back at their peak period. There are several interactive areas and photos are able to be taken. All of the staff were super helpful and knowledgeable. They definitely added to the likability of the grounds. On the art side, you can't help but be amazed at how much the Ringling family were able to get their hands on. The buildings were beautiful and the artwork blew me away. I will leap at the next opportunity to visit this museum whenever I'm in Sarasota again. read more
When people think of Florida, they usually think of beaches, palm trees, and sunshine. But tucked away in Sarasota is a place that feels like it belongs somewhere in Europe -- a massive estate filled with art, circus history, stunning gardens, and one of the most beautiful mansions you'll ever see. I'm talking about The Ringling Museum of Art. And after visiting it myself, I honestly believe this might the most underrated attraction in Florida. A Little History Behind the Estate The museum was created by John Ringling, one of the famous brothers behind Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. John Ringling and his wife Mable Ringling built this estate in the 1920s as their winter home. But it wasn't just a house -- it was meant to be a cultural destination filled with art, architecture, and beauty. Today, the property covers 66 acres along Sarasota Bay and includes multiple museums, gardens, and historic buildings. And the moment you step onto the grounds, you realize this place is far bigger and more impressive than you expected. The Art Museum - A Surprise Even for Non-Art Lovers The centerpiece of the estate is the Ringling Museum of Art, a stunning European-style museum that houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque artwork. The building itself feels like a palace. Long marble hallways, towering ceilings, and an open courtyard filled with statues make it feel more like something you'd find in Italy than on Florida's Gulf Coast. Even if you're not a huge art person, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. Walking through the galleries, you quickly realize John Ringling didn't just collect a few paintings -- he built one of the most significant art collections in the country. Ca' d'Zan - The Venetian Mansion on the Water If there's one building on the property that will completely blow you away, it's Ca' d'Zan. This massive Venetian Gothic mansion sits right on the edge of Sarasota Bay and was the Ringlings' personal home. The name literally means "House of John" in the Venetian dialect. Walking up to it feels like stepping into a European palace. Inside you'll find: Grand staircases Elaborate ceilings Antique furniture Huge windows overlooking the bay But honestly, the back terrace view might be the best part. Standing there looking out over the water, it's easy to see why John and Mable Ringling chose this exact spot to build their dream home. The Circus Museum - Where the Fun Begins Of course, you can't visit The Ringling without diving into its circus history. That's where the Circus Museum at The Ringling comes in. Inside you'll find vintage circus wagons, costumes, posters, and fascinating exhibits about the golden age of the American circus. But the highlight is the Howard Bros. Circus Model, an incredibly detailed miniature circus that recreates what a traveling circus looked like in the early 1900s. We're talking thousands of tiny figures, wagons, tents, animals, and performers -- all laid out exactly how the circus would arrive and set up in a town. It's the kind of exhibit where you can stand there for 20 minutes and still keep discovering new details. The Gardens - Florida Meets Italy Another thing that completely surprised me about this place was the gardens. The Bayfront Gardens at The Ringling stretch across the property and are filled with statues, banyan trees, fountains, and quiet walking paths. Some areas feel tropical, while others look like something straight out of Italy. There are even spots where you can sit along the water and just watch boats move across Sarasota Bay. It's peaceful, scenic, and honestly one of the most relaxing places to wander around. Why This Might Be Florida's Most Underrated Attraction What makes the Ringling so surprising is that most people visiting Florida don't even know it exists. Tourists head to the beaches, theme parks, or big cities -- but they completely miss this incredible estate sitting right in Sarasota. Yet in one place you can experience: World-class art Historic architecture Circus history Massive gardens Waterfront views That's a lot of variety for one destination. And because the grounds are so big, it never feels overly crowded. Final Thoughts After spending time exploring The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, I walked away thinking the same thing: How is this place not talked about more? It's beautiful, historic, unique, and completely different from the typical Florida attractions people expect. If you're visiting Sarasota and want to see something beyond the beach, this is absolutely worth adding to your list. Brian's Tip Give yourself at least 3-4 hours here. There's way more to see than you expect, and rushing through it would be a mistake. Take time to explore the museum, wander the gardens, and definitely walk out behind Ca' d'Zan for one of the best views on the property. Trust me -- this place is one of Florida's hidden gems. read more
Complementary parking is included. And there's a short walk to the main entrance. The entrance fee is very steep in my opinion. However with that being said this is the original house that John Ringling built for himself and his wife mabel. In addition it was also featured extensively in the movie starring Gwyneth paltrow, Robert De Niro and Ethan Hawke ...... Great Expectations. read more
So much to see and learn about the traveling Circus of yesteryear. Multiple areas to watch some videos of the history of the Ringling Brothers Barium Bailey Circus and what a massive task and it was to perform for a town and move to the next city over night. The shear quantity of people, animals and needed equipment, the size of the trains and the logistics to get everything to arrive in a specific order for set up of the "big top tent". There are two huge building shows old banners, wagons, costumes, given up you a greater appreciation of what they accomplished over 100 years ago. There is a display with more than 80,000 pieces of a recreation circus taking over 3,800sf when you see it you'll be in total awe on what one man spent most of his life building by himself with help from his wife For an additional small fee you can see the home that John Ringling and his wife built as their winter home for them and the Circus Be prepared to spend a few hours her with so much to see and take it all in. read more
8 months ago
This museum has a few parts for you to basically choose your adventure. There is the tribute to the circus, a fine arts museum and the waterfront home built by Ringling, Ca' d' Zan. You can visit the circus museum and the fine arts museum with the general admission, but the house is a separate ticket. We opted not to do the house as it was under renovation (I believe due to the hurricanes) and we already had plenty to see with the other two parts of the museum. The circus buildings provided a very informative history of the circus and contained a miniature size model that spanned multiple rooms which was fascinating. My husbands only disappointment was that there was not more circus artifacts. The fine arts museum is overwhelming as it has multiple galleries and is full of art from the renaissance to contemporary art. It warrants multiple visits to really appreciate the collection. The favorites in the museum were actually rooms recreated from the gilded age in NY. There was also an entire exhibit on Japanese block art. This place has a lot to offer and definitely worth a visit whether you're there for the circus history or the fine arts. read more
1 month ago
Wow, the ringing is one of the best place to be in Sarasota. It is a hidden gem too. The staff there is very polite. Nice we got a yearly membership, which is really nice to have. It's good to bring your family of Friends and learn the history of Sarasota. Well preserved and taken care of. Keep up the great work. read more
Always a requirement to stop in for my wife when we are near by. This year I bought a membership that gives us discounts in the gift shop and the restaurant. Also free tours but you still have to make reservations on line well in advance. Always something new to see. read more
5 months ago
Amazing visit to the Ringling campus. Students get in free with your student ID!! We will go back to see it all again! Love the Bombax tree!! read more
So vast and that is just the art collection! A home of many rooms overlooking the bay. Just make sure to see this if you are anywhere's near here. Discounts for students and seniors. One of the best things to see if not the best in the Tampa area-St Pete area. read more
1 year ago
Wow, what a great museum, a little expensive, but worth it for such a unique experience. It really can be an all-day event, and it's fun for most all ages. Bring your walking shoes though. I do think the Ca'd'zan is necessary to see, and that is a scheduled time to view even though it's self-guided. It's a really cool house, even though only the first floor was open. Guides are around to answer questions and there is signage. The circus museum has a must-see circus diorama starting with a train model to the circus tents. It's quite a marvel. The rest of the museum has a beautiful presentation of circus acts and the performers. On the other side of the campus is the art museum, John Ringling's personal collection and some additions. It spans from Renaissance to 19th century. This is more adult-oriented, but this type of art collection is rare for its kind around these parts. There are a lot of famous artists here. I could have spent all day here. There is definitely something for everyone here. What a great experience. read more
My wife, daughter, and I took the amazing Ca'd'Zan guided tour. It was very informative. our tour guide did a great job. The house was amazing. We were able to go to rooms and floors that the walking tours could not. the artwork in the house was breathtaking. The kitchen was huge. It was just fascinating how the people lived back in those days. I will say you need to be prepared to walk up 4 steep winding flights of stairs to see the entire house, which we did, it was well worth the money. I would highly recommend this tour. Also, the museum called the big shoo was fascinating as well. read more
6 months ago
This is almost always cited as the top tourist attraction in Sarasota combining architectural beauty with quality museum displays, along with a rich history of the ringling brothers circus. It's also a great place for locals. There is lots to do from walking around the property, checking out the galleries, enjoying the bayfront views and the galleries on site. Mondays are free to walk around the grounds. There is plenty of parking and a good cafe for lunch. read more
5 months ago
Enjoyed the campus and property once we were able to find a parking spot. We hit Sarasota when I had an appointment. After lunch, we under estimated the amount of time it would take to visit all the exhibits. You could easily spend 2 days here. The castle is still being repaired after the hurricanes, so the upper levels were off limits. I would like to go back and visit once they are finished. The circus exhibits, especially the model train exhibit is ginormous and very detailed. The exhibit shows 24 hours, so it goes from day to night and back. The museum, we were running out of time, and only made it through one side. The architecture and sights are amazing. read more
10 months ago
I touredthe Estate plus House and Museum with my cousin Shari October 7th. It's extremely gorgeous and I took a million pics definitely going back again read more
Besides being a world class art museum and tribute to American circus, the Ringling Museum has a very fancy bar and restaurant. Most of the menu was more than i wanted to spend for a quick lunch during the middle of the day while i was doing home inspections after a hurricane, but the poke was very filling and spicy! The bar tender was really friendly and educated about the menu. read more
10 months ago
Great variety of interesting art! Loved seeing all the old and new exhibits. The gardens were stunning and I loved exploring the area. Easy to get your 10,000 steps in! Employees and volunteers were nice and helpful. The gift shop also had great items. Definitely a wonderful art museum to visit! read more
3 months ago
This is my favroite art museum in Florida! They have beautiful gardens, amazing architecture, and of course, outstanding art work! read more
5 months ago
This place is incredible! The circus museum is so well thought out. The information presented and displays provide a thorough, pleasant and entertaining history of "circus", not just Ringling Brothers. The art museum on the other side of the grounds is also fabulous! I can only begin to express why. From the collections to the large courtyard with statues, it's incredible! This place is a must see! read more
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More info about The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243
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(941) 359-5700
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http://www.ringling.org/
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Ask the Community - The Ringling
What are Saturday hours? What are prices for seniors for circus part of museum?
Please go to the website for the updated information on their admission prices and hours for the day you plan on going.
For the Ca d'Zan, what's the cheapest ticket available which at least gives you a "worth it" experience?
Mondays are free to view outside. $35 allows self guided tours 3 times a day of first floor and…
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The Ringling - artmuseums - Updated August 2026
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