Perhaps no legacy has impacted Sarasota more than John and Mable Ringling’s. Circus impresarios and art collectors, those familiar with The Ringling Museum grounds have experienced the architectural history of Ca’ d’Zan, the flora and fauna of the arboretum, and art and circus exhibits. The Ringling Legacy Tour connects the history and importance of each section of the grounds, providing a comprehensive overview of The Ringling’s legacy and its impact on Sarasota. The tour will begin on February 1, 2025—tickets sold here.
“Sarasota would likely not have become the coastal haven for arts and culture that we enjoy today without the influence and legacy of John and Mable Ringling,” says Steven High, director of The Ringling. “This tour offers an opportunity to deepen an understanding of how they founded their legacy and the birth of the state art museum of Florida.”
The Ringling Legacy Tour is 60–75 minutes long, starting in the Historic Circus Galleries, moving through the Bayfront Gardens to the facade of Ca’ d’Zan, and ending in the Museum of Art. The tour also includes general admission entry to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and Bayfront Gardens.
Florida’s state art museum
As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling is Florida’s center for the arts, history, and learning. Bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences, The Ringling is a place of exploration, discovery, and respite.
The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida—which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, a historic mansion, an 18th-century theater, the Glass Arts Pavilion, and Bayfront Gardens—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ringling’s world-class art museum is renowned for its collection of works by Peter Paul Rubens, an influential figure of the Baroque tradition known for his classical and biblical scenes. While Rubens remains central, the museum has expanded significantly since the original 21 galleries opened in 1932.
