If you haven’t been to Sarasota lately to visit the Ringling Museum, go. There have been significant changes in the last few years and visitors will be quite pleased with how open and accessible the complex now is. This is much different from earlier days when it seemed as if everything valuable was kept behind the velvet rope or required a docent or guard to be present.

Another noticeable improvement is the visitor center. Guests no longer purchase tickets in the cramped art museum lobby, but rather in the visitor pavilion that sits at the northeast corner of the “campus.” A term used since becoming affiliated with Florida State University and being promoted as the Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts. Due attention is now given to each element under its umbrella - the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the original Asolo Theater, Ca d’zan and the newest member of the family, the Tibbals Learning Center.

Begin with a short orientation video in the pavilion and then exit the rear door. From this location, take a tram, another nice new feature, or walk through the richly landscaped grounds at one’s leisure. The trams flow freely from place to place and do not appear to operate on a particular schedule, but rather as needed. Tours of the museums and home are included with admission, while premium tours can be purchased.

In the 1990s it seemed as if the various venues had fallen into a state of disrepair and in need of some tender loving care. New leadership has made a considerable difference. Gone is the staid atmosphere often associated with arts institutions. While there are plenty of security measures in place, there’s also an underlying theme of openness and warmth - an invitation to fully experience all that is Ringling. Staff and volunteers, while overtly present, are friendly and engaging. The number of visitors has grown exponentially signifying the new approach is working.

Ca d'zan, the House of John
Case in point is Ca d’zan, which translates to the “house of John,” the home of John and Mabel Ringling. For many years its beautiful terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay just sat empty - the hot Florida sun bearing down on it and the saltwater rhythmically lapping against its edges. Now this expansive back porch is filled with tables, chairs and umbrellas and people. Food and beverages are available just off the south side of the home, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the building’s Venetian gothic architecture, as well as the sailboats cruising across the water.

In addition to the guided tours of the home, visitors are now able to take self-guided ones. If time permits, the docent-led tours provide much greater insight into the lives of the Ringlings, their artwork and furnishings. The kitchen serves nicely as a boutique, or stop at the gift shop located in the visitor pavilion.

The Circus Comes to Town
With the reconfiguration of the campus entrance, the Circus Museum, situated adjacent to the Banyan Café, earns equal, if not greater, time in the spotlight. Deservedly so, as the circus is what created the wealth that funded the Ringlings’ lavish lifestyle.

Since 1927 when Sarasota became the winter headquarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, there has been a strong bond between the area and this unique form of entertainment. Generations of children knew how magical the “Big Top” was and for many the thought of running away with the circus indeed became a reality. Long gone are those days when the circus coming to town was the highlight of a child’s entire year. To bring little ones a glimpse of that era, a special hands-on room allows them to see it firsthand. Those old enough to remember will enjoy an exhibit showcasing the movie, “The Greatest Show on Earth” that was filmed in Sarasota. See circus memorabilia and learn about circus wood carvers. Docent-led tours are offered.

One of the newest and most fascinating exhibits is housed in the Tibbals Learning Center. It was named after Howard Tibbals, who spent 50 years building a miniature replica of the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. His 3,800-square foot masterpiece, aptly named Howard Bros. Circus, recreates the circus from the 1910s to the 1930s. The installation took more than 14 months and the level of detail is incredible. For instance four miniature spikes secure each railroad tie. Also in the center find an exhibit on rare and historic circus posters, as well as a video presentation about the circus.

Mrs. Ringling's Rose Garden
Like many women, Mabel Ringling enjoyed roses. Her garden was in place long before their home was constructed. Today the garden features 1,200 rose plants and is the only All-America Rose Selection (AARS) and American Rose Society Award of Excellence and Mini-Rose Test Garden in Florida. It is also one of only three All-America Rose Selection public display gardens in Florida. (The others are at Walt Disney World in Orlando and Sturgeon Memorial Rose Garden, a cemetery in Largo.) Past winners of the AARS national rose shows include Peace, Mister Lincoln, and Knock Out, Rainbow Knock Out, Moondance and Strike it Rich. Mrs. Ringling was the founder and first president of the Sarasota Garden Club.

A Private Collection Grew Into a Museum

Two years after the house was completed, John Ringling began building the museum of art. Designed like an Italian villa, it grew out of necessity to store the family’s growing collection of artwork gathered during their many trips to Europe. Today it houses one of the finest collections of baroque art in the United States, along with European, American and Asian works. In early 2007 the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art added a new 30,000-foot gallery within the original footprint. The newest space displays works from its collections of contemporary and modern art. Visitors are invited to stroll through the U-shaped building or in the outdoor courtyard adorned with sculptures. Changing exhibits are featured.

A Bit of Italy in Sarasota

One of the most prized possessions of the estate is the Asolo Theater. Built in Asolo, Italy, in the late 1700s, it was purchased in the 1950s by the museum and brought to Sarasota. It features incredibly detailed ornamentation and is the only 18th century European theater in America. The facility hosts a number of events ranging from dance to theater to lectures. Guests have the unique opportunity to view the Asolo as part of a 30-minute presentation (nominal fee) about John and Mabel Ringling.

For those interested in lunch or dinner while on campus, the Treviso Restaurant, named for the Italian province where Asolo is located, serves lunch and dinner. Just off the main lobby of the visitor pavilion, the menu has a European flair.

Anyone considering a trip to Venice, Italy, may want to visit Sarasota first.

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Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 359-5700