The Ringling Museum | A Guide To Florida’s Hidden Gem

The John and Mable Ringling Museum is one of Florida’s hidden gems. It was established in 1927 in Sarasota, Florida to showcase the legacy of John Ringling – one of the greatest circus showmen and art collectors in the US and his wife Mable to the people of Florida. John and Mable purchased more than 150,000 square feet of this property to build their holiday home in 1911. Today, The Ringling Museum is identified as Florida’s official state art museum and it is home to Ca’d’Zan (the Ringling’s mansion), Rose Garden, Circus Museum, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as well as Ringling Art Library to name a few.

I went to The Ringling Museum for a quick day trip last weekend and absolutely loved it! From its picturesque waterfront location to its splendid architecture and history, The Ringling Museum has plenty to offer.

Sit, relax and take a virtual tour to The Ringling Museum based on my experience!

Ca’ d’Zan

Ca’d’Zan — meaning “House of John” in Venetian dialect is larger than life mansion of John & Mable Ringling. This waterfront mansion with Venetian Gothic style architecture is an ultimate treat to your eyes. The backdrop of Ca’d’Zan is any photographer’s dream. No doubt, you’ll come across many photographers doing a wedding, fashion or a family photo shoot. 

If you want to take a closer look inside Ca’d’Zan, you’ve to pay a little extra as the admission to the Ca’d’Zan isn’t included in the museum’s entrance ticket. There’re several private and self-guided tours available. You can choose any one depending upon your interest. However, please note that no photography or videography is allowed inside the mansion. 

I took a self-guided tour where you can take a map at the entrance of the Ca’d’Zan and pretty much explore everything by yourself located on the first floor. 

My favorite parts of the Ca’d’Zan were The Court and Ballroom. The Court is the heart of the mansion. It has 1892 Steinway piano as well as Aeolian organ that provided entertainment to the countless social events. The roof has a magnificent chandelier which was originally hung in The Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The striking feature of the Ballroom is the ceiling that depicts whimsical dancing couples from different cultures across the world. Don’t forget to take a few moments and admire the artwork!

The Ringling Circus Museum

The Ringling Circus Museum gives you a glimpse of showmanship of the American circus. The museum has a collection of posters, circus equipment, parade wagons, performing props, wardrobe and circus paperwork.  There is also a Circus Museum store from where you can buy souvenirs. 

Mable Ringling Rose Garden

Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden was inspired by Mable’s trips to Italy. It is the oldest continuously growing rose garden in Florida. 

Today it has more than 400 varieties of roses and more than 1000 bushes to entice any soul! Mable’s Rose Garden has been accredited by the American Rose Society as well as listed among All-American Rose Selection site and receives new varieties of roses every year.

The Ringling landscape also boasts an extensive collection of Banyan trees. It is said that 13 Banyan trees were gifted by Thomas Edison to Mable Ringling as a gift that he got from his winter estate at Fort Myers, Florida.

The Ringling’s 66 acres of splendid botanical landscapes is one of nature’s best kept local secrets. Take time and admire the natural beauty around during your visit! 

The Ringling Art Museum

The Ringling Art Museum is a U-shaped pink palace with 21 galleries and is home to more than 4,500 years of art from Asia, America and Europe. This Renaissance-style museum with Art’s Courtyard and a garden is an epitome of opulence.

Today, it has an extensive collection of more than 10,000 objects that include paintings, sculptures, exhibits and photographs from ancient through contemporary periods. 

The Ringling Art Museum has many cool spots and backdrops for an epic photo shoot. Let my pictures speak for themselves!

Don’t forget to wear a twirling dress because I bet you’ll feel like to twirl several times while strolling around the museum! In case you’re wondering about this darling dress that I’m wearing, it is an old dress which is currently unavailable but I’ve linked similar pieces for you.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3446195″]

Where to eat?

There is an outdoor Banyan Cafe that serves sandwiches and light bites. The Muse at The Ringling is a contemporary restaurant that offers American cuisine. There’s also a Museum Coffee Shop. However, I took my own salad and juice and ate at the picnic area as my new year’s resolution to eat clean. 

What is the best time to visit the Ringling Museum?

If you aren’t local, the best time to visit the Ringling Museum in Sarasota are from March to May. However, if you want to take a risk during hurricane season between September to November, you’ll find better deals in Florida.

How to visit the Ringling Museum?

Nearest Airport: Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport 

However, you can also rent a car and drive from Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport to find better deals.

For the ticket information, you can check here.

The Final Verdict

If you want to explore something different from theme parks adventure and beaches in Central Florida, a day trip to The Ringling museum would be the ultimate choice! You can also stay in Sarasota and explore its world-renowned Siesta Key beach. Ringling Museum is also a treat to architecture lovers and photographers. I totally enjoyed my visit. 

Do share your experience if you’ve ever visited The Ringling Museum before in the comments below? If not, what do you think about it?

Till then, Happy Wandering!
Ana

Did you like this post? Then, don’t forget to pin it!