The Ringling Museum is located in
Sarasota, Florida, and is by far one of my favorite places in the Sunshine
State. The Museum was originally the home
of John and Mabel Ringling. The Ringlings played a critical role in the history of Florida, and the development of the Sarasota area. The Museum curators work to
preserve the legacy of the Ringlings. The estate covers 66 acres, and consist
of three main parts, the Ca’d’zan, the Museum of Art, and the Circus Museum.
Ca’d’zan means “House of John”, and
the picturesque mansion was the winter home of John and Mabel. The manor is
often referred to as the " last Gilded Age mansion”. The home features Venetian Gothic
architecture, and captures the elegance of the Roaring Twenties.
Front view of the Ca'd'zan
Back view
Among their many interest,
John and Mabel were art connoisseurs. For the majority of his life, John
dedicated a great deal of time in building his extensive art collection. When John died in 1936, he bequeathed his
collection to the State of Florida. The Art Museum displays John’s collection,
and other collections that have been acquired over the years. Over 31 galleries
are on display at the Art Museum. John Paul Ruben was a favorite of the Ringlings, and the museum has an extensive
collection of Ruben’s paintings. The Art Museum also has a breath taking
courtyard displaying awe-inspiring statues.
Front view of the Courtyard
Back view of the Courtyard
All parts of the Ringling
Museum are gorgeous, and a must see if you are ever in the area. Because of my
peculiar fascination with circus history, I will be spending the remainder of my
blog focusing on the circus part of the Ringling Museum.
By the end of the Gilded Age,
the name “Ringling” had become a household name in America. This was because
of the circus created by John, and his
four brothers. The Ringling circus was founded in 1880 by, John, Alfred, Otto,
Al, Alf T., and Charles Ringling. The Ringling Brothers’ circus began as a family owned
business, and the brothers made sure their circus upheld their founding family
values. Inspiration for starting the circus came from the brothers attending a
circus with their father. Following the family outing, the brothers were
inspired to start their own circus. Their circus was a grassroots business, and
began in the family back yard. After playing for a season in their back yard,
they eventually arranged to rent out the town hall of their hometown. As with
many cities during this time, the small Midwest town of Baraboo, Wisconsin was
desperate for the entertainment the Ringling circus provided. In 1882, after
their back yard season, the Ringlings literally decided to take their show on
the road.
The Ringling circus began to travel
all over the contiguous United States and each brother played a distinct role
in the management of the circus. Alfred,
the oldest brother, became in charge of organizing entertainment acts, and
costumes. Otto was the frugal one in the family, and was in charge of finances.
Alf used his charisma for public relations, and was in charge of advertising
for the circus. Charles was responsible for the orchestra and synchronizing
music with various circus acts. John coordinated the circus routes, and
determined where the circus would stop. In 1890, when the circus switched from
wagon to rail, John managed railroad routes for the circus.
In an indirect way, all of
the exhibits at the Circus Museum pay tribute to one of the Ringling brothers.
The museum has an abundant display of various circus costumes, and pictures of
numerous circus acts. In the interactive center, there are clips of famous circus
performances (I will spend more time on the interactive center in a little bit,
there is actually a lot of fun things there). There is a great display of
circus posters, and clips of newspapers advertising the circus. Some of the
newspaper articles and posters include information about the financial side of
the circus. Clips of music used in the circus are located through out the
different displays. The Museum includes information on the circus switching
from wagon to rail; furthermore, some copies of circus routes are on display.
There is even a former circus wagon cart on display.
"Wisconsin" , a former circus wagon.
Picture of the calliope. The Calliope is able to produce
music by sending steam through the large whistles.
One of the coolest features
of the Circus Museum is the “World’s Largest Miniature Circus”. The circus
model is 3,800 square feet, and took over 50 years to build. The model is
mind-blowing, and covers every imaginable detail of the circus. On the outskirts of the miniature circus,
there is a timeline of circus history. The timeline emphasizes major events,
changes, and people in the circus. I have a few pictures of the incredible miniature
circus, but they do not do the work of art justice. If you have time, you
should watch this short video to see the full model.
I truly love all parts of
this Museum, and picking a favorite part is like choosing a favorite child (or
at least what I would imagine choosing a favorite child to feel like). However,
I can say without hesitation, that the interactive center is filled with fun
activities. The interactive center gives you a chance to walk a tight rope
(trust me, it is not as easy as it looks), stand by a fierce faux tiger, and practice
your equestrian acts on a steel horse. You can even make an appearance in your
very own circus poster, and learn how to properly apply your clown make-up (you
know, just in case this whole grad school thing does not work out).
Just practicing my equestrian skills.
My Mom, fearless facing the tiger.
My Dad and me making a guest appearance on a circus poster.
Because, after all, it is not a family outing without a little bit of cheesiness.
Just like the circus, this
museum is a must see for ladies, gentlemen, and boys and girls of all ages.
