Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages…. Did you know that one of the most popular museums in the Southeast is located in Sarasota, Florida? The Ringling is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States and offers educational exhibits, entertainment and fun for the whole family.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was first established in 1927 to preserve the legacy of Mable and John Ringling. Today, The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, offers a myriad of attractions for both locals and tourists.
Aside from the Museum of Art, the estate also includes the Ringling mansion, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museums and the Historic Asolo Theater. With so much to explore, it might be difficult to know where to start. Our team has compiled a few helpful tips to know before exploring the Ringling Estate in Sarasota, Florida:
1. Monday visits are free.
Not only does the museum offer complimentary admission every Monday, but children under the age of six as well as members of the museum receive free admission every other day of the year as well.
2. Ringling is home to the world’s largest miniature circus.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Ringling Museum of Art is also home to the world’s largest miniature circus. The kids will love watching the circus from a bird’s-eye view and will relish the hands-on experiences the rest of the interactive exhibit offers.
3. The Ringling Estate is open daily.
The Ringling Estate is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year. (Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day). Admission includes entry to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’d’Zan and Bayfront Gardens.
4. Guests may customize their visit.
The Ringling offers several itineraries to maximize your visit, including Family-Friendly, Frequent Visitor, the Ringling Legacy and more. Private tours are also available for guests.
The Ringling is the perfect place to visit for a day of family fun. Please visit www.ringling.org for more information and to plan your trip. If you have already been, we would love to hear about your experience! Tag your photos with #drivethenation and we will share them with our readers!
