Florida is not only known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant amusement parks, but also for preserving unique cultural and artistic heritage. One of which is the Ringling Museum, a must-visit destination when you are in Sarasota. This place is not just a simple museum but also a cultural, artistic, and historical complex offering diverse and rich experiences for visitors.
Discover Ringling Museum: A Unique Cultural Destination in Sarasota
The Ringling Museum, also known as The Ringling Resort, is a unique architectural and artistic complex built by John Ringling, one of the moguls of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It is not just a simple museum but a cultural complex that includes an art museum, the magnificent Ca’ d’Zan palace, a historic circus, and beautiful gardens.
Ringling Art Museum: Admire European and Asian Art Treasures
The Ringling Art Museum is the heart of the museum, showcasing a vast collection of art that John Ringling devotedly collected throughout his life. Here, you can admire masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from across Europe and Asia.
Extensive European art collection at the Ringling Museum
The collection includes works by master painters like Peter Paul Rubens, Paolo Veronese, and El Greco, along with sculptures and decorative arts from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods. Additionally, the museum exhibits a diverse collection of Asian art, including sculptures, ceramics, and paintings from China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries.
Ca’ d’Zan Palace: Explore the Lavish Lifestyle of the Ringling Family
Ca’ d’Zan Palace is an architectural highlight of the Ringling Museum. Built in a splendid Venetian Gothic style, this palace was where the Ringling family lived and hosted distinguished guests.
When you step into the palace, you are overwhelmed by the lavish and opulent interior. The rooms are decorated with luxurious furnishings, exquisite murals, and precious artworks. You will have the opportunity to explore the Ringling family’s living room, dining room, bedrooms, and office, and learn about their life and career.
Historic Circus: Discover the History of the Ringling Bros Circus
The historic circus at the Ringling Museum is a venue that displays artifacts and memorabilia related to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, one of the most famous circuses in history.
Here, you will learn about the circus’s development history, from its early days to becoming a colossal entertainment empire. You can admire glamorous performance costumes, unique props, and valuable documentary photos, as well as hear intriguing stories about talented circus artists.
Gardens and Grounds: Enjoy Green Spaces and Peaceful Atmosphere
The Ringling Museum also features extensive gardens and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy fresh air. The gardens are designed in classic Italian style, with cobblestone paths, fountains, and beautiful sculptures.
You can stroll through the gardens, admire rare plant and flower species, or simply sit on a stone bench and enjoy the tranquility. The museum grounds also have a play area for children where they can play and explore freely.
History and Development of the Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum was founded by John Ringling and his wife, Mable Burton Ringling. John Ringling was a talented businessman and a passionate art collector. He spent years collecting artworks from around the world, with the desire to create a museum to share his passion with the public.
In 1924, John and Mable Ringling started building the Ca’ d’Zan Palace, which later became a symbol of the Ringling Museum. In 1927, they inaugurated the Ringling Art Museum, showcasing the art collection they had painstakingly collected. After John and Mable Ringling passed away, the museum was given to the state of Florida and became part of Florida State University.
Over the years, the Ringling Museum has continuously developed and expanded. The museum has added many new art collections, built additional architectural works, and expanded its grounds. Today, the Ringling Museum is one of the largest and most important art museums in Florida, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Visiting Experience at the Ringling Museum
To have a complete and meaningful visit to the Ringling Museum, you should keep in mind several things:
- Visit duration: You should spend at least half a day exploring all the areas of the museum.
- Admission tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket counter. Prices vary depending on the area and ticket type.
- Guides: If you want to learn more about the museum’s history and art, you can hire a guide.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for convenience while visiting.
- Camera: You are allowed to take photos in the museum, but flash photography is prohibited.
Useful Tips When Visiting Sarasota
Sarasota is a beautiful and charming city with many other attractions besides the Ringling Museum. If you have time, you should explore the following places:
- Siesta Key Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, famous for its fine white sand and clear blue water.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A stunning garden with a collection of rare orchids and tropical plants.
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: A renowned venue for musical, theatrical, and dance performances.
Conclusion
The Ringling Museum is a unique and captivating cultural destination in Sarasota, Florida. It is not only an art museum but also a complex of culture, history, and architecture, offering diverse and rich experiences for visitors. If you have the opportunity to visit Sarasota, don’t miss the chance to explore the Ringling Museum and discover the interesting things it offers. Surely, the trip will leave you with unforgettable memories of a Florida that has not only blue seas and white sands but also distinctive cultural and artistic heritage.