The 10 Best Things About Sarasota’s Ringling Museum

If you’re asking, “Should I visit The Ringling?” the answer is yes. Set along beautiful Sarasota Bay, this sprawling campus offers a magical mix of art, architecture, circus history and scenery. It may very well be one of the greatest cultural shows on earth—and you’ve got to see it to believe it.

The 66-acre campus is an unforgettable journey through the artistic brilliance of John and Mable Ringling, who were known for their deep love story, desire to live life to the fullest and immense creativity. Here are ten reasons this Sarasota landmark belongs on your list.

1. The Ringling Mansion: Ca’ d’ZanVisit The Ringling →

Step back into the Roaring Twenties as you explore Ca’ d’Zan, the 56-room Mediterranean Revival mansion that served as John and Mable Ringling’s winter home. Admire the striking architecture, luxurious interiors and sweeping views of Sarasota Bay as you tour this beloved treasure of Sarasota history.

2. The Museum of ArtVisit The Ringling →

Explore centuries of art inside galleries created as The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in the early 1930s. The collection and Italianate courtyard make this part of the campus feel like a destination all its own.

3. The Circus MuseumVisit The Ringling →

Step right up and experience circus history in a way that feels wonderfully immersive. The exhibits include John Ringling’s private railway car, the Wisconsin, where visitors can catch a glimpse of its staterooms, dining area and the Ringlings’ private quarters.

Another highlight is the Howard Bros. Circus Model, a vast miniature recreation of a traveling tent city. Look closely at the tiny performers, animals, train cars, back lots and ticket booths. Absorbing it all requires more than one walk-through.

4. The Historic Asolo TheaterVisit The Ringling →

This jewel-box theater brings another layer of history and performance to The Ringling campus. Its ornate interior was created in Italy and later reconstructed in Sarasota, making the theater itself part of the experience.

5. Mable Ringling’s Rose GardenVisit The Ringling →

Tucked among the campus paths, Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden was one of her most personal landscaping projects. Although the original roses did not survive, many of the varieties planted today echo the flowers Mable selected for the property.

6. The Bayfront GardensVisit The Ringling →

The beautifully landscaped gardens invite you to slow down. Notice the dramatic aerial roots of the banyan trees, discover the whimsical figures in the Dwarf Garden and follow the paths toward the Secret Garden, where John and Mable Ringling are buried.

7. The Breathtaking ViewsVisit The Ringling →

From Ca’ d’Zan to the edge of Sarasota Bay, the campus delivers one beautiful view after another. Whether you’re taking in the colors of sunset or wandering through the gardens, the scenery feels inseparable from The Ringling experience.

8. The Glass PavilionVisit The Ringling →

The Glass Pavilion adds a bright, modern counterpoint to the historic mansion, circus collections and European galleries. Its contemporary glass works and light-filled setting make it an easy stop to miss—and one worth including in your day.

9. The Educational ProgramsVisit The Ringling →

Connect with your artistic curiosity through workshops, lectures, tours and activities for children and adults. These programs can offer a deeper understanding of the art, culture and history found throughout the campus.

10. The Legacy of John and Mable RinglingVisit The Ringling →

At its heart, The Ringling is a living expression of John and Mable Ringling’s passion, vision and creativity. Give yourself a full day to experience the mansion, gardens, circus history and art. The individual pieces are impressive, but together they create the sense of wonder that continues to inspire visitors from around the world.