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Sarasota, Florida is, almost literally, a town built by the circus. This was the town where John Ringling (of Ringling Brothers fame) and his wife, Mabel, decided to build their dream home, a palatial mansion in a baroque Venetian design. John and Mabel were also avid art collectors, and after John's death, his mansion and art collection were bequeathed to the state of Florida. Today, Ringling Museum is a world-class art museum on the grounds of Ca' d'Zan, their gorgeous mansion. The grounds also include Mabel's rose garden, and a Circus museum.
We started our vision with a guided tour of the mansion. Not only did our guide describe much of this beautiful home, but she also helped us get to know the couple who built it. They were interesting people, who had fascinating lives. Walking through the building, it was easy to imagine the parties that were hosted here in the 1920s. The mansion also is sufficiently authentic to its Venetian inspiration to remind us of our own visit to that amazing city.
We then visited the circus museum, where we had the opportunity to see the customized pullman railcar John and Mable used when travelling on circus business. We also learned a lot about the history of the circus in America as well as the intricate logistics involved in bringing the circus from town-to-town during the heyday of the big top.
Finally, after we finished with the circus museum, we took a stroll through the Ringling Art Museum. The size and quality of the collection is incredible. From the giant Rubens in the very first room, to the sculptures in the courtyard, everywhere you turn, there is something amazing to look at. We didn't have nearly enough time to truly appreciate the entirety of this collection.
The entire venue is a lasting tribute to the man who was raised on a mid-western farm, but dreamed of running a circus. He found success, and left an incredible legacy for his adopted hometown.
We started our vision with a guided tour of the mansion. Not only did our guide describe much of this beautiful home, but she also helped us get to know the couple who built it. They were interesting people, who had fascinating lives. Walking through the building, it was easy to imagine the parties that were hosted here in the 1920s. The mansion also is sufficiently authentic to its Venetian inspiration to remind us of our own visit to that amazing city.
We then visited the circus museum, where we had the opportunity to see the customized pullman railcar John and Mable used when travelling on circus business. We also learned a lot about the history of the circus in America as well as the intricate logistics involved in bringing the circus from town-to-town during the heyday of the big top.
Finally, after we finished with the circus museum, we took a stroll through the Ringling Art Museum. The size and quality of the collection is incredible. From the giant Rubens in the very first room, to the sculptures in the courtyard, everywhere you turn, there is something amazing to look at. We didn't have nearly enough time to truly appreciate the entirety of this collection.
The entire venue is a lasting tribute to the man who was raised on a mid-western farm, but dreamed of running a circus. He found success, and left an incredible legacy for his adopted hometown.
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