Ringling Brothers Circus

The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was established in 1948, the first to document the history of the circus.

Ca'd'Zan Mansion - Winter Residence of John and Mabel Ringling

John and Mable Ringling decided to build a new home in the Sarasota area. They wanted their mansion in the Venetian Gothic style.  It was begun in 1924 and completed in 1925 at a cos of $1.5 million.  Today the construction would cos $20,9 million.  While the mansion was named Ca' d'Zan which means House of John, only Mrs. Ringling's name was on the blueprints. Mable supervised every aspect of the building down to the mixing of the terra cotta and glazing of tiles.

Looking Toward the Entrance Foyer

The Court Room held countess social events that included movie starts politicians circus impresarios, and friends and family. Much of the furniture was purchased at auction houses in New York. The crystal chandelier originally hung in the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

House Bell in Valet Room

The Ringlings had a staff of seven who all lived and worked onsite when they were in residence at
Ca' d'Zan. With 32 rooms in this mansion it was like being in the American version of Downton Abbey.

Historic Banyan Tree

John's Passion was Circus,
Mable's Passion was Roses

"The Wisconsin" Railroad Car

John and Mable Ringling travelled around the country in their own private luxurious railroad car looking for feature acts to keep filling the audience seats under the big top.  This was their first private car built in 1905 by the Pullman Company. It was named the Wisconsin to honor the state where the family lived and the circus was quartered. Built during the Golden Age of Rail Travel, it provides insight into the splendid accommodations enjoyed by the Ringlings and their guests.

The Greatest Show on Earth Mural

The Greatest Show on Earth mural depicts the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Show acts of the 1970s and 80s. It is a 924 sq. ft. mural that salutes acts including 45 performers and 45 animals.

Miniature Circus

Howard Tibbals fell in love with the circus as a boy and devoted his life to creating the miniature circus that is on display in the Tibbals Learning Canter. This miniature circus showcase was financed with $10.5 million of his own money.

Under the Miniature Big Top

Human Cannon Shooter

There is also a Ringling Museum of Art that features European, American and Asian art.