Tour the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota

This place is so unique because it combines an 18th century Italian theater, two circus museums, a Venetian gothic mansion, and a world-class art collection all in a 66 acre level two arboretum. My name is Virginia Harshman. Welcome to the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art. While this place is absolutely incredible, it is unlike any other museum that you've ever been to. We're situated on 66 beautiful waterfront acres here on Sarasota Bay. The Ringling started coming to Sarasota in the early 1900s. They purchased a home in 1911 that is on the site where the Katazan stands now. The Katazan was their winter home here in Sarasota. They built that between 1924 and 1926. John and Mabel traveled frequently to Europe, primarily to scout circus acts, but then they became very interested in collecting art and antiquities. They amassed a very large collection and in the early 30s, John started building the museum of art. Mabel unfortunately passed away in 1929. John passed away in 1936, but he left the property, the art collection, the mansion to the people of Florida. Then in 1946, the Ringling officially opened as a museum. Sometimes when people come here, they're like, this is kind of an interesting mix of things to have. Well, it's John and Mabel that tie it all together. It's their art collection. It's their mansion. The circus museum opened in the 1940s. Obviously, John was the circus king, and so the circus museum is here to educate and inspire people about the history and the circus in its present day as well. The level two arboretum came about due to Mabel's interest in gardening, flora and fauna, growing things, and now we have just this incredible place, but it's all based upon the interest and the likes of John and Mabel Ringling. I always say if John and Mabel were alive today, they would have an HDTV show. So they bought things out of castles that were being torn down. They bought things out of mansions in New York City that were being torn down, and many of those elements are incorporated in the Katazan and also in the museum of art. The circus museum is full of artifacts from the different sources. You know, there's no shortage of museums in the Bay Area. However, the Ringling is a very special place. Sometimes you come here to see circus and you end up falling in love with the art. Sometimes you come to see art and you end up falling in love with the house. We truly have something for everyone, and we're looking forward to seeing you at the Ringling. Pretty spectacular, right? And if you feel like clowning around while being surrounded by fine art, you can check out the Ringling Museum online at ringling.org.