Ringling Museum

The mesmerizing Ringling Museum is not just a gallery, but the official state art museum of Florida, a true cultural gem of Sarasota. Founded in 1927 by circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable, the complex in the USA combines fine art, the history of a legendary circus, and the architectural luxury of Venetian Gothic.

At the heart of the museum is a magnificent collection of European painting from the 15th–18th centuries. Here, you can see authentic masterpieces by Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt, and Velázquez. Visitors are particularly enchanted by the courtyard, adorned with copies of ancient sculptures—including Michelangelo’s famous David—and elegant fountains that recreate the atmosphere of classical Italy.

In addition to the art galleries, the complex includes a unique Circus Museum with its incredible miniature models, a vast library, and the majestic Cà d'Zan mansion located on the bay. Today, the site is managed by Florida State University and is among the largest and most significant museum complexes in the country.

For more information about special events, exhibitions, or visiting rules, you can use the museum's official contact details.

At The Ringling, every guest will find something to enjoy. Classic art lovers should start with the Museum of Art, where exhibits are arranged chronologically: from the late Middle Ages to the opulent Baroque. In the Searing Wing, you can explore regularly updated temporary exhibitions of modern art.

Be sure to stop by the Circus Museum, where history turns into an interactive adventure. Here, you can try your hand at tightrope walking, see unique acrobat costumes, and examine a detailed miniature model of the Ringling circus empire that is truly breathtaking in scale. This place sparks genuine delight in both children and adults.

For an inspiring stroll, the sculpture garden and the waterfront near the historic Cà d'Zan mansion are ideal. This Venetian Gothic mansion impresses with its carvings, stained glass, and exquisite columns. If you seek quiet, check out the local library, which houses rare volumes on the history of fashion and theater, or catch a performance at the complex's historic theater.

Getting to this cultural center in Sarasota is quite simple. The museum is conveniently located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd, just a 15–20 minute drive from the city center via US-41 or I-75. For visitors with their own or rented cars, free parking is provided on-site.

If you prefer public transportation, use the SCAT (Sarasota County Area Transit) bus network. Routes #11 and #99 stop in the immediate vicinity of Bay Shore Rd. From Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), a taxi or Uber ride will take no more than 20–25 minutes.

Travelers arriving from Tampa will need about an hour and a half drive via I-75. Given the massive 66-acre grounds, renting a car remains the most comfortable way for tourists to get around.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the name John Ringling, one of the greatest circus magnates in the USA. Having made a fortune in the entertainment industry, he decided to immortalize his love for art in Sarasota. In 1925, John hired architect John H. Phillips to design a building that would bring a piece of the Italian Renaissance to the Florida coast. Construction began in 1927 on the drained marshlands of Shell Beach.

The official opening of the complex took place on January 17, 1932, though the gallery doors had briefly opened to the public as early as 1930. After the deaths of Mable Ringling and John himself in 1936, the entire estate was bequeathed to the State of Florida. However, the museum fell into neglect for decades due to lack of funding until Florida State University took over management in 2000, investing tens of millions of dollars in a large-scale restoration.

A major milestone was the opening of the Circus Museum in 1948, featuring a collection gathered over more than half a century. By 2007, the complex had grown into one of the country's largest museum centers, and in 2013, it received its current concise name. Today, it is not just a gallery but a monument to the "Golden Age" of the circus and the impeccable taste of its founders.

To see all the objects in the complex without rushing, it is recommended to set aside 4 to 6 hours. The museum grounds are extensive, and every sector deserves attention: the art gallery and a walk through the gardens alone take about two hours, while touring the Circus Museum and the Cà d'Zan mansion requires at least an hour each.

If you are short on time, you can plan an express visit of 2–3 hours, focusing on the main painting masterpieces and a look at the mansion's exterior. However, to fully feel the magic of this place and peek into the unique library or historic theater, it's best to plan a full-day visit.

The Ringling is open to visitors daily. The standard schedule is from 10:00 to 17:00 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). On Thursdays, the museum extends its hours until 20:00, allowing you to enjoy art in an evening atmosphere.

Since the schedule may change on holidays, we recommend checking the museum's official website before your visit for the latest information.

After immersing yourself in the atmosphere of art and circus history, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings. The museum's location makes it easy to reach other iconic spots in the city where you can enjoy nature, science, or shopping.

A stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the famous aquarium will complete your trip, making a day in Sarasota truly fulfilling.