The Ringling celebrates Sarasota's circus history

The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida and one of the grounds many features is a circus museum celebrating the rich heritage of Sarasota's circus History. Learn more in our Ringling circus heritage video.

The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida. Spanning 66 acres, The Ringling is home to a museum of art featuring both classical and contemporary collections, a circus museum celebrating the rich heritage of Sarasota's circus history, the Ca'D' Zan -- John and Mable Ringling's 56-room palace and much more.

Ringling's circus heritage rose when John Ringling made Sarasota the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1927. The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was first established in 1948 and documented the rich history of the circus.

In 2006 the Circus Museum Tibbals Learning Center opened, added several new elements to the Ringling circus museum, including a 3,800 square foot Howard Bros. Circus Model -- a 44,000-piece re-creation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Watch the video below for more information about The Ringling's circus heritage and visit ringling.org.