The Ringling Museum, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a world-renowned institution that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of art and culture. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or someone looking to appreciate the finer things in life, a visit to the Ringling Museum is a must.

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About John and Mable Ringling

​John and Mable Ringling were not only avid art collectors but also prominent figures in the entertainment industry. John was one of the famous Ringling Brothers, known for their circus performances, while Mable was an ardent supporter of the arts. Together, they amassed a vast collection of art, which forms the backbone of the museum's exhibits.

The couple's love for art extended beyond their private collection. They were also instrumental in the development of the Sarasota arts scene. They believed that art should be accessible to everyone and thus dedicated their lives to promoting and supporting the arts in the region.

John Ringling, born on May 31, 1866, in McGregor, Iowa, was the sixth of seven brothers. He began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age, joining his brothers in the circus business. The Ringling Brothers Circus became one of the most popular and successful circuses in the United States, captivating audiences with their thrilling performances and extravagant shows.

Mable Burton, on the other hand, was born on March 14, 1875, in Delavan, Wisconsin. She grew up with a deep appreciation for the arts and developed a passion for painting and collecting artwork. Mable's artistic sensibilities and love for culture would later play a significant role in shaping the couple's shared vision.

John and Mable first met in 1899 when the Ringling Brothers Circus was touring Wisconsin. They fell in love and got married in 1905. Together, they embarked on a journey that would not only revolutionize the entertainment industry but also leave an indelible mark on the art world.

As their wealth grew, John and Mable began acquiring artwork from all over the world. They had a keen eye for talent and sought to support emerging artists as well as established masters. Their collection included paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more, spanning various periods and styles.

Recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing their collection, the couple decided to establish a museum in Sarasota, Florida. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1931, showcasing the couple's vast collection and providing a platform for artistic expression.

But John and Mable's contribution to the arts went beyond the museum. They were actively involved in promoting and nurturing the local arts community. They supported local artists, sponsored exhibitions, and even organized art classes for aspiring talents. Their dedication to the arts helped transform Sarasota into a vibrant cultural hub.

Tragically, John Ringling passed away in 1936, leaving Mable to carry on their shared legacy. She continued to champion the arts and expand the museum's collection, acquiring new artworks and ensuring their preservation. Mable's unwavering commitment to the arts earned her the title of "The Queen of the Circus and the Arts."

Today, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art stands as a testament to the couple's passion for art and their enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Sarasota. Visitors can explore the museum's galleries, marvel at the stunning architecture of Ca' d'Zan (the couple's former residence), and experience the magic of the circus through exhibitions and performances.

The legacy of John and Mable Ringling lives on, inspiring generations to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and power of art.

Tour of the Grounds

As you explore the expansive gardens and grounds, you'll encounter beautiful sculptures, tranquil water features, and stunning vistas.

The Grounds

Mabel's Rose Garden

While the art inside the museum is undoubtedly captivating, the grounds and architecture of the Ringling Museum are equally mesmerizing. 

​One of the highlights of the museum is the stunning courtyard, known as the "Mable's Rose Garden". This picturesque oasis is filled with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and tranquil fountains. It's the perfect spot to take a moment of respite and appreciate the beauty of nature.

As you wander through the gardens, you'll come across various architectural marvels, including the Mable Ringling Rose Garden and the Belvedere Tower. Each structure tells a story and offers a unique perspective on the history and design of the museum.

Circus Museum

Art Gallery

The museum was established in 1927 by John and Mable Ringling, two visionaries who were passionate about art and culture. Their love for the arts is evident in every corner of the museum, making it a truly remarkable place to visit.

But what goes on behind closed doors? Let's explore the hidden treasures of the Ringling Museum. As you step inside the museum, you are transported to a world of opulence and grandeur. The architecture of the building is a work of art in itself, with its intricate detailing and breathtaking design. The exterior is adorned with marble sculptures, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Walking through the halls of the museum, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement. The museum is home to a vast collection of art, ranging from classical paintings to contemporary installations. Each piece has been carefully curated and displayed to create a harmonious and immersive experience for visitors.

Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to preserve and maintain the museum's collection. Art conservators carefully examine each artwork, ensuring its longevity and preventing any damage or deterioration. They use specialized techniques and materials to restore and protect these valuable pieces of history. The museum also houses a state-of-the-art research facility, where scholars and experts delve into the depths of art history. Here, they unravel the mysteries behind each artwork, studying its origin, significance, and cultural context. Their findings contribute to the museum's educational programs and exhibitions, enriching the experience for visitors of all ages.In addition to the art, the museum offers a range of educational programs and events. From workshops and lectures to guided tours and interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of art, learning about different artistic movements, techniques, and styles.

As you explore the museum, you may stumble upon hidden gems and secret passageways. These hidden corners add an element of intrigue and excitement to your visit, inviting you to uncover the museum's secrets. Who knows what treasures lie behind those closed doors?

​The Ringling Museum is not just a place to admire art; it's a journey through time and culture. It's a testament to the power of human creativity and the enduring legacy of the arts. So, next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts that make this museum truly extraordinary.

Ca' d'Zan

One of the standout treasures of the museum is the Ca' d'Zan, the Venetian-style mansion that was once the home of John and Mable Ringling. The mansion is a testament to their love for art and luxury, with its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. Exploring the mansion is like stepping back in time and experiencing the opulence of a bygone era.

Ca' d'Zan (Exterior)

The Kitchen

Living Areas

John's Bedroom

Mabel's Bedroom

The Secret Garden

One of the best-kept secrets of the museum is the Secret Garden. Tucked away behind the mansion, this enchanting garden offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the museum. It's the perfect spot to relax, reflect, and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

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Special Exhibitions at the Ringling Museum

In addition to its permanent collection, the Ringling Museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to see rare artworks and explore specific themes in greater depth.
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From retrospectives of famous artists to thematic exhibitions that address pressing societal issues, the special exhibitions at the Ringling Museum are thought-provoking and engaging. Be sure to check the museum's website for the latest information on upcoming exhibitions and events.

How to Get There and Ticket Pricing

A visit to the Ringling Museum is a journey through art, history, and culture. From the fascinating story of John and Mable Ringling to the awe-inspiring artworks and hidden gems, the museum offers something for everyone. So, why wait? Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Ringling Museum.

Getting to the Ringling Museum is easy, whether you're traveling by car or public transportation. The museum is located just off Tamiami Trail, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the Sarasota area.

As for the costs, admission prices vary depending on the type of ticket you choose. General admission grants you access to the museum grounds, including the art collections and gardens. There are also special exhibitions and events that may require separate tickets. Be sure to check their website for current pricing.

Also note, the Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays. However, regular admission pricing still applies for entry to the Circus Museum and Ca' d'Zan.

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​The Blair Audubon Center is a new education center that has opened. It has six exhibits available including a multimedia presentation “Swamp Theatre”, a gift store and gallery.
It features a 2.5 miles of boardwalk which winds through the largest stands of virgin cypress trees in the US. Some of the trees, related to the redwoods, are draped in mosses, air plants and orchids. They are up to 130 feet tall and have a circumference of up to 25 feet … oh and if that isn’t enough … they are 500 to 600 years old.

We watched him for quite a bit a time. There was a Great White Egret in the foreground and it looked like the raccoon was stalking him. I was afraid the raccoon was going to attack the egret.

Birds
If you’re a bird watcher, then you need to visit, and soon. Close to 200 species of birds make their permanent or temporary home at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Anhinga, Egrets, Herons, and Ibis are regular tenants.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one-of-a-kind and definitely worth a drive to get to! The trees are truly stunning and so is the wildlife. Here’s the ins and outs of planning your visit.

What Time Of Year Is The Best For Visiting The Sanctuary?
I’ve been to the sanctuary in every season, except summer on account of my mosquito magnetism. Although we plan on going during July at some point in hopes of seeing the ghost orchid bloom.

​What you will see is always a crap shoot when you are dealing with wild life. They tend not to follow our schedule, but you will probably always see something good.

The Dali Museum, opened in 2011 in St. Petersburg, houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work outside of Europe, with 96 oil paintings, prints, sculptures and drawings. 

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The intriguing Dali collection spans every stage of Dali’s eccentric artistic career, from early to late, where his inspirations and visions took him from the real to the impressionistic, a deep and long plunge into the surreal, modernism, and the science of DNA.

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Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquis of Dalí de Púbol, known professionally as Salvador Dalí, was a prominent Spanish surrealist artist. Born in Figueres, Spain in 1904, Dali created an immense body of work from paintings to sculpture. He completed his last painting – The Swallow’s Tail – in May 1983. He died in 1989 in his birthplace.

The 20,000 sq. foot state-of-the-art building located on the waterfront, designed by architect Yann Weymouth, is a giant rectangle with 18-inch thick hurricane proof cement walls. The massive glass atrium is 75 feet high with geodesic domes (that are a nod to Dali’s museum in Spain) and glass bubble windows. The atrium is constructed from some 1,062 pieces of specially designed, thick, triangular, insulated and laminated glass. It let’s in light and is truly an architectural wonder.

The helical staircase leading to the galleries pays homage to Dali’s obsession with spirals and the double helix DNA molecule.

The Cafe

A visit to The Dali is not complete without a stop at Café Gala located on the main floor. The cafe is named in honor of Salvador Dali’s wife Gala, his lifelong inspiration and muse. The menu is inspired by Spanish cuisine. You can enjoy light fare including tapas, appetizers, pastries, gazpacho, salads and sandwiches. Kahwa local roasted coffee is served, including espresso, cappuccino and macchiato, along with a selection of Spanish beer and wine. 

​No ticket purchase is necessary to stop in for a relaxing bite or pick-me-up. You can eat inside the cafe or outside on the beautiful waterfront terrace. Open daily until 5 pm, Thursdays until 7:30 pm.

The Museum Shop

Visitors enter and leave through the Dali Museum Store. It contains the largest collection of Dali-inspired merchandise in the world that you can only get there

The Gardens

​Taking photos isn’t allowed inside the galleries (museum security is watching so follow the rules!). But there’s plenty to photograph on the grounds from the Dali Wish Tree...

to standing in Dali’s mustache…

For more information you can visit the museum website: The Dali Museum

​The Dali museum in St. Petersburg is not the only one. Other Dali museums and galleries can be found in his birthplace in Figueres, Spain, as well as Berlin, Germany; Paris, France; Australia; New York, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee in the U.S.A., Madrid, and Cadaques, Spain, London, England, Venice . . .

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While visiting The Keys, we took a day trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Although you could stay there longer as they offer both RV and tent camping. 

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

The park is named for the late John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor, whose efforts contributed to the establishments of Everglades National Park and the preservation of what would become John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

We started our day with a visit to the Visitor’s Center to get the lay of the land. My husband was impressed with the Visitor’s Center which is a pretty hard thing to do. He spent his career as the manager of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Virginia so he knows a thing our two about visitor’s centers and exhibits.

We were surprised by the really nice and informative aquarium area.

Then we headed out for a hike on of the the trails. We didn’t see much wildlife (birds) while we were walking but we did see mangroves, plants, and lots of cool trees. I just love this tree bark.

Isn’t it cool?!

We worked up an appetite so we stopped to have our picnic lunch. They do have concession stands if you didn’t bring your own. They have areas with area with picnic tables and Pavilions.

While we were eating, the Ibis came over wanting hand-outs. And Gary fed them! Shhh…don’t tell anyone

Look at that face – does he look guilty?  

​This is probably when I scolded him for feeding the wildlife.

Apparently, a lot of people have despite the signs not to because they were so bold – even hopping on the table and walking over to check out our cooler

Now that our bellies were full (and we weren’t attacked by the Ibis), we walked around the rest of the park.

​We went to the beach. It was a little too cold for swimming but we have our photos on the beach.

They have cannons on the beach. Why? I do not know.

We saw you could go on a glass bottom boat tours ($24 for adults and $17 for kids 4-11). They have three times (9:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.) for this 2 1/2 tour. We missed the 12:15 p.m. and probably wouldn’t be there by the 3:15 p.m. … so next time

John Pennykamp offers a variety of activities:
Boating ~ You can rent paddle boards, canoes and kayaks.
Hiking ~ There are some nature walks along the Mangrove, Wild Tamarind and Grove trails. It has Canoe, motorboat and Kayak rentals also available. The trails were short but well maintained.
Scuba Diving ~ Explore the living coral reefs with their PADI 5-Star facility which offers two-location, two-tank dives twice daily, at 9:00am and 1:30pm. Equipment rental available.

Snorkeling ~ Pennekamp was one of the first undersea parks in the United States. You can snorkel off the beach in three different swimming areas.  One area is called Cannon Beach and when the water is clear, you are able to see actual remnants of an early Spanish Shipwreck. Equipment rental available.

If snorkeling is not your thing, but you still would like to see the coral reef, you are in luck. John Pennekamp also has Glass Bottom Boat Tours available.
Swimming ~ Three areas are designated for swimming, including Canon Beach, which features remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck 100 feet offshore.
Here is a link to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, so you can check out all that they offer and find out their prices and time.

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