The Ca' d'Zan, located in Sarasota, FL

Visiting the Ringling Museum of Art on a Siesta Key Vacation

If you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy while on vacation at our Siesta Key resort, be sure to check out the Ringling Museum of Art! The Ringling Estate, which holds the Museum of Art, is a vast and worthwhile compilation of two museums, many historical buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

The museum is home to a variety of art exhibitions, as well as a theatre and several gardens. Plus, it’s located right on the beach, so you can enjoy excellent views while you explore.

No matter your interests, the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is sure to have something that will appeal to you. So don’t miss out – check it out today!

History of The Ringling

The Ringling Estate is a beautiful 66-acre property on Sarasota Bay in Florida. John Ringling, the founder of the famous Ringling Circus, was a successful entrepreneur and a circus owner, enabling him to follow many personal interests. He and his wife Mable built the estate in the early 1900s as a winter retreat.

The estate eventually grew over the century to include a mansion, a circus museum, a circus school, and an art museum. The Ringling family eventually donated the estate due to financial issues caused by the Great Depression. Before long, the endowment left behind by John Ringling when he passed away in 1936 was gone. Due to mismanagement, it failed to grow in its investments, and the museum and estate suffered from it. The museum continued to operate sporadically until the 1990s when it was too far in disrepair to operate safely.

In 2000, the state of Florida passed governance to the University of Florida on the condition they renovate the museum and raise around half of the renovation funds, some $50 million, within five years. 

In 2001, the museum appointed a new director, and fundraising picked up, allowing the museum to raise 56 million dollars within five years. That solidified the future of the Ringling Museum of Art for many years to come. Since then, the museum has only grown and been highly successful.

The Ringling Museum is open to the public. It houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Ringling family’s private collection. The estate is also home to The Ringling Circus Museum, which chronicles the history of the circus. The Ringling School of Art and Design is also located on the property. The campus includes several historic buildings once part of the Ringling Estate.

The Museum of Art & Bayfront Gardens

Statue at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota is home to many fantastic museums, but the one that stands out is the Ringling Museum of Art, the state art museum of Florida. From Joseph’s Coat to the Rubens Galleries to the Marvelous Marbling of Matsui Kōsei, visitors can study the permanent collection’s treasures.

There are many wonderous displays from around the world on exhibit. The courtyard is full of classical sculptures. This awe-inspiring museum was built initially by esteemed art collector and circus showman John Ringling as a legacy to the citizens of Florida. It is one of Sarasota’s most popular tourist destinations today, and for a good reason! Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a place to enjoy a beautiful day, the Ringling Museum is sure to impress.

If you’re looking for a truly captivating experience, you must visit the gardens on the Ringling Estate. Situated on Sarasota Bay, the Bayfront Gardens at Ringling are unlike anything else you’ll see in the area, a living work of art.

Resorts and hotels line the shore of the bay, but the gardens offer a serene and natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. There’s Mable’s rose garden, majestic Banyan trees, a dwarf garden, and many beautiful sculptures. Whether you’re admiring the gorgeous flowers and plants or taking a stroll along the winding paths, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of this remarkable place. 

The Ringling Estate is home to an impressive Arboretum with over 2350 trees. The Arboretum provides a beautiful setting for the estate and is a great place to take a stroll and admire the trees. The tree collection includes a variety of species from all over the world, and the estate is constantly adding new trees to the collection. In addition to being a beautiful getaway on the property, the Arboretum serves as a research facility for scientists studying the trees. The Arboretum is open to the public and is a great way to learn more about trees and their importance in our environment.

So be sure to add a visit to the Bayfront Gardens and the Arboretum at Ringling to your list of things to do in Siesta Key!

The Ca’ d’Zan 

When you’re ready to adventure out of your spacious Siesta Key rental, consider visiting the famous Ca’ d’Zan! The Ca’ d’Zan, or “House of John” in Venetian, is a must-see when visiting Sarasota. This beautiful mansion was the primary residence of the Ringling family, and it is now open to the public.

Designed by New York architect Dwight James Baum, it took two years and cost over one and a half million dollars in today’s money to complete. The mansion is 36,000 square feet, has 41 rooms and 15 bathrooms, and is absolutely stunning.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn all about the history of the Ringling family. After touring the mansion, explore the rest of the Ringling Estate. There are plenty of things to see and do, including touring the Ringling Museum of Art, exploring the rose gardens, and visiting the historic circus museum.

The Circus Museum

Come one, come all! The Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida, is a must-see during your Sarasota vacation.

Opened in 1948 by A. Everett Austin Junior, the museum is home to an incredible collection of memorabilia from the Ringling circus. From clown cars and costumes to vintage posters and photos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to see something really cool, check out the actual train car that the Ringling family used to travel the country. There’s even a 44,000-piece circus model based on the Greatest Show on Earth.

Located on Sarasota’s Historic Bayfront, the Circus Museum is just a short walk from other great attractions like Selby Gardens and Mote Marine Aquarium. So whether you’re a die-hard circus fan or just looking for a fun day out, add the Circus Museum to your list of Sarasota attractions!

Your Siesta Key Resort Rental

There’s no shortage of things to do in Sarasota or places to stay in Siesta Key. If you’re looking for a place to call home during your stay on the island, look no further than the Tropical Breeze Resort in Siesta Key.

We offer a variety of Siesta Key suites and rooms that are sure to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a spacious honeymoon suite or an island room. Our resort is near all the best things to do in Siesta Key, so you’ll never be far from the action. But if you just want to relax by the pool with a good book, that’s fine too!

We hope you have a wonderful time in Siesta Key, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect place to stay. Contact us today to book your vacation rental property!

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