Looking for fun things to do near Siesta Key that everyone will love during your getaway? Plan a stop at the wonderful Ringling Museum!
This historic mansion and art museum is filled with beautiful art collections, interactive displays, stunning gardens, and so much more!
History of the Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is a renowned art museum in Sarasota, Florida, dedicated to the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, who founded the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. John Ringling was born in 1866 in McGregor, Iowa, and was the fifth of seven brothers who would eventually become involved in the circus business.
In 1884, John and his brothers started their circus, quickly gaining popularity and becoming a massive entertainment empire. In 1907, John and his brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus, creating what would become the most famous circus in the world. John and his wife, Mable, were passionate about art and architecture and spent much of their fortune collecting and building their art museum.
In 1924, John and Mable purchased a property in Sarasota, Florida, where they planned to build a winter home. John and Mable Ringling hired the renowned architect Dwight James Baum to design their home, Ca’ d’Zan. The house was a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and featured 36,000 square feet of living space, 41 rooms, and 15 bathrooms. The Ringling Museum of Art was designed to showcase its extensive art collection and opened its doors in 1931. It showcases diverse art and artifacts worldwide, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The Museum also holds a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, performances, and amazing family-friendly activities. The Museum offers a unique blend of art, history, and entertainment. So if you find yourself in Sarasota town, Ensure the Ringling Museum is where you’re bound. Here you’ll find a world of art And memories that will never depart.
About the Museum
Circus Museum
The Circus Museum is a unique attraction in Sarasota with the history of the circus in America. It features a 3,800-square-foot model of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, as well as the life and career of John Ringling. The Circus Celebrity Tent showcases famous circus performers’ costumes, props, and personal items. The Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida, is a must-visit and has many exciting things to do in Sarasota for anyone interested in the history of the circus in America.
Each artifact tells a story, each corner a surprise. The circus’s magic still twinkles in our eyes; we’re transported back to a time of grandeur and delight As we wander through the exhibits, bathed in nostalgia’s light. In the Circus Museum, your treasures we cherish, A place where imagination can flourish.
Museum of Art
The Museum of Art Sarasota, in Sarasota, Florida, is a unique cultural institution serving the community since 1946. It is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from local, national, and international artists and offers a diverse range of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The Museum’s mission is to inspire, educate, and engage visitors of all ages through its exceptional modern and contemporary art collection.
The Museum is housed in a beautiful mid-century modern building designed by Sarasota School of Architecture pioneer Victor Lundy. The Museum’s galleries are bright and spacious, allowing visitors to appreciate the art entirely.
The Museum’s permanent collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella. The Museum of Art Sarasota is a cultural gem in the heart of Sarasota.
Also, it hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year and the “Art After 5” series on the third Thursday of every month, where visitors can enjoy live music, drinks, and food while exploring the galleries. The Museum of Art Sarasota is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.
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Ca’ D’Zan
Ca’ D’Zan, an exquisite mansion in Sarasota, Florida, is a historical masterpiece that is open to the public for tours. Constructed during the early 20th century by John Ringling, the circus tycoon, and his wife Mable, it is a remarkable illustration of Venetian Gothic architecture and a testament to the Ringlings’ ardor for art, elegance, and luxury. Guided tours of the mansion are available, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the Ringlings’ lifestyles and their fondness for art, culture, and luxury.
The time highlights several rooms, including the entrance hall, music room, dining room, and main suite. The grand ballroom is adorned with magnificent frescoes and murals depicting scenes from Venice’s history and culture.
The rose garden adjacent to the mansion is a sight to behold with its beautiful flowers and foliage. Visitors are also invited to explore the Circus Museum and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. For those with a keen interest in history, art, and architecture, a visit to Ca’ D’Zan is an absolute must.
Bayfront Gardens
Bayfront Gardens is a stunning waterfront oasis located in Sarasota, Florida. It overlooks Sarasota Bay and is part of the more extensive Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to diverse plants and trees, including orchids, bromeliads, palms, and cycads. The Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series showcase art that complements the natural beauty of the gardens.
The Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden is an interactive exhibit designed to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of tropical rainforests.
Bayfront Gardens is also famous for special events like weddings and corporate events. Bayfront Gardens is an exciting destination for anyone visiting Sarasota, with its stunning views, diverse plant life, and unique art exhibits.
Planning Your Visit
The Ringling is a museum complex dedicated to the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, the famed circus impresarios who helped put Sarasota on the map. It is located on Bay Shore Road in Sarasota and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission prices vary depending on which parts of the museum complex you want to visit. Museum of Art: $25 for adults, $23 for seniors (65+), $5 for students with ID, and free for children under 12 and members. Circus Museum: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), $5 for students with ID, and free for children under 12 and members.
It has many activities and exhibits perfect for families with children of all ages, including interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that let them experience what it’s like to be part of a traveling circus. In addition to the permanent exhibits, The Ringling also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, including family-friendly festivals, concerts, and workshops.
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