Ringling Museum of Art - The Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of
Florida and has a wonderful collection of artworks in a purpose built gallery.
This was the legacy left by John and Mable Ringling, who made their fortune in
the early 20th
century as part of the famous Ringling family circus. However, your admission
gives you far more than this wonderful art museum. The museum is home to a creditable collection of
masterpieces from names such as Rubens, Titian, Gainsborough, and
Velazquez. John Ringling was able to buy many artworks from European estates that
were being sold off due to death taxes or to maintain the estate during this
tough economic era.

* This is a long Day tour and does require walking  

The Ringling Ca’ d’Zan Mansion-When you arrive at the museum, you will be given a
timed ticket to tour the beautiful mansion which is named an abbreviated form
of “Casa de Zan” which means “House of John.” The
Venetian Gothic Sarasota Bay mansion is truly eye-catching with its decorative
pink sandstone exterior and beautiful multi-colored marble terrace. It is
lavishly decorated with wrought-iron balconies, tile decoration, and
ornate Moorish-style windows. Tours of the lower part of the house include the
grand ballroom, solarium, the central “court” or living room, dining room, Tap
room, and kitchen, all furnished just as in the days of the Ringlings’
residence. Special tours are available to view the upper floors by arrangement.

Ringling Gardens-  A walk through
the Rose Garden, the Secret Garden, and the Millennium Tree Trail show the
wonderful location of this museum. Sit and watch the sailboats on Sarasota Bay
or enjoy the shade of the banyan trees and palmettos.