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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.

The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida. Spanning 66 acres,  home to a museum of art featuring both classical and contemporary collections, a Circus Museum celebrating the rich heritage of Sarasota's circus history and big top performers, plus a permanent exhibit, The Greatest Show On Earth® Gallery. The exhibit shares the story of how the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® grew to become one of the most well-recognized brands in the world. 

tibbals learning center at the ringling

In 2006 the Circus Museum's Tibbals Learning Center opened, adding several new elements to The Ringling's collection, including a 3,800 square foot Howard Bros. Circus Model – a 44,000-piece re-creation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of the circus—past and present—through various hands-on activities, installations and exhibitions. 

ca'd'zan mansion on sarasota bayfront

Ringling's circus heritage rose when John Ringling made Sarasota the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1927. Ca'D' Zan – John and Mable Ringling's 56-room bayfront palace, is now open for touring its glamorous Mediterranean Revival-style architecture of that time period. The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was first established in 1948 and documented the rich history of the circus.0

Watch the video below for more information about The Ringling's circus heritage: