Buff visited the Ringling Brothers Museums in Sarasota. A Must see.
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Article Written by:
Dawn Henthron
Florida Travel Expert
http://goflorida.about.com/cs/attraction_mussci/a/ringling.htm
Ringling Museum of the Circus
Anyone who has ever dreamed of running away to join “The Greatest Show On Earth” can relive those dreams at the Ringling Museum of the Circus in Sarasota — it’s an experience for young and old alike, and it was the highlight of one of our many day trips to Sarasota.
Sarasota has long had ties to the circus. John Ringling moved the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus there from Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1927, making the area “home” to many great stars of circus fame.
Museum of Art
Sadly, our trip on July 20, 2001, came just the day following the death of one of the greatest stars of the circus – the legendary Gunther Gebel-Williams. He was perhaps the greatest animal handler of all time and a charismatic performer often referred to as “Mr. Showman.” We remembered seeing him perform in the center ring like it was yesterday — we lingered over his memorabilia as if to pay tribute.
Displays at the Circus Museum include rare handbills and posters, photographs, sequined costumes, performing props, miniature circuses, and elaborately carved circus wagons. All that is missing is the popcorn. You are even invited to share your experiences of what you imagined your life would be like if you had run away to join the circus.
Art Museum
Although it is easy to get caught up in the magic of the circus, John Ringling’s true legacy to Sarasota was his vast love of art. He and his wife, Mable, built an art museum in 1925 that housed their collection of over 500 years of art — most of which was personally selected by John Ringling. It was bequeathed to the people of Florida along with 66 acres of land that includes Cà d’Zan, the Ringling winter residence, upon his death in 1936.
The Art Museum is internationally recognized for its collection of Baroque paintings. It is a style that had never garnered much of my attention in the past, but our tour guide made it more interesting by expertly pointing out the various styles of painting that were discovered in the 19th- and 20th-century.
I would recommend taking advantage of the hourly tours to fully appreciate the history and significance of the art exhibition. The tours are offered at no additional charge.
The Museum’s Courtyard is inhabited by statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, which enhance the architecture and form a charming twentieth-century American version of a European formal garden. It is a place you will want to linger. Over 400 objects of art are exhibited in galleries around this courtyard including paintings, drawings, prints, decorative arts, and photography. Unfortunately, due to restricted space, not all objects can be on view to the public at one time and are rotated.
Cà d’Zan
We were disappointed that Cà d’Zan (Venetian dialect for “House of John”) was closed for renovations the day of our visit. The castle was the winter home of the Ringlings and was designed to resemble the Venetian Gothic palaces Mrs. Ringling admired during the couple’s extensive Italian travels. We were able to admire the exterior and stroll the marble-paved bayside terrace which provides a spectacular view of Sarasota Bay. Renovations to the interior were completed late in 2001, and the home once again displays the Ringling’s collections of furniture, decorative arts, and diverse paintings that provide a glimpse of the good life in the ‘Roaring 20s.’
So, if you are bored at the beach and tired of the theme parks, run away to Sarasota for a great experience. Your children may fuss at first, but you may find as I did that as soon as the giggles subside over the nude ladies in the paintings, they may actually enjoy the museum experience.
Directions and Information
The Ringling Museum of Art, is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road (off U.S. Hwy. 41) in Sarasota — about 60 miles south of Tampa/St. Petersburg. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors (55 and over). Admission for active military (with ID) is $10; children ages 6-17 is $5.00, with those under 6 years old admitted free. Also, Florida students and teachers are admitted for $5.00 with proper ID. Museum members are admitted free of charge. Wheelchairs are available in the lobbies of the Museums and are permitted in all areas. A small tram is available to shuttle between each museum.
We were impressed with the quality of the Museum Shops. They were clean and amply stocked with a variety of unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, books, accessories, posters, and souvenirs including post cards. Prices range from inexpensive to moderately expensive. We found the personnel throughout the Museum to be knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.
For further information, call 941-359-5700.
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