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The Ringling

Write a Review Sarasota, Florida All ages Verified•Museum

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

About The Ringling

Tour Old Masters, a Gilded Age mansion, and circus history across 66 bayfront acres.

As the State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling carries John and Mable Ringling's legacy across art, history, and gardens overlooking Sarasota Bay.

What you'll see and do - View Old Masters paintings in the Museum of Art, with collections from ancient to contemporary works - Tour the opulent Ca' d'Zan mansion and the Circus Museum's look at American circus pageantry - Wander the Bayfront Gardens and catch performances at the Historic Asolo Theater - Refuel at the Ringling Grillroom or Mable's Coffee House and browse the Museum Store

Attraction Details

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Wheelchair access
  • Food court
  • Gift shop
  • Dining
  • Accessible Parking

Events at The Ringling

  • Ringling Underground

    February 5, 2026 – April 2, 2026

    Enjoy live music, art, and atmosphere in the Museum of Art Courtyard, featuring local and regional live music and up-and-coming artists.

  • The Evocative Lens: Pictorialism and the Rise of Fine Art Photography

    Through September 20

    An exhibition exploring Pictorialism and the rise of fine art photography.

  • IN THE FLESH: The Nude in Modern Japan

    Through August 23

    An exhibition showcasing the nude in Japanese art.

  • Ancient Art from Cyprus and the Mediterranean

    Now Open

    A newly reinstalled gallery displaying ancient art from Cyprus and the Mediterranean.

  • Seventeenth-Century Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

    April 24, 2025 – November 1, 2026

    An exhibition featuring seventeenth-century Dutch paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

  • Juana Romani: Forgotten No More

    May 10 – July 12, 2026

    An exhibition dedicated to the artist Juana Romani.

  • In the Flesh: The Nude in Japanese Art

    February 21 – August 23, 2026

    An exhibition exploring the representation of the nude in Japanese art.

  • Skyway 2027: A Contemporary Collaboration

    April 15 – July 1, 2026

    A contemporary art collaboration featuring various artists.

  • Community Gallery

    April 16 – August 11, 2026

    A gallery dedicated to displaying works of art produced by community-based artists.

  • The Evocative Lens

    May 16 – September 16, 2026

    An exhibition focused on evocative photography.

  • Blue Star Museums

    May 16 – September 7, 2026

    Active military personnel and their immediate families receive free Museum Admission with ID.

  • MCR Health Fair

    May 23, 2026

    A health fair event hosted at the Museum of Art.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at The Ringling.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

The Ringling is at 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

The Ringling

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Get DirectionsVisit Website

This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026

The Ringling Reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the best things to see and do at The Ringling?

    The Ringling offers a diverse range of attractions including a world-class art museum, a circus museum, the historic Ca' d'Zan mansion, and beautiful bayfront gardens. You can explore collections from ancient to contemporary works, learn about the history of the American circus, and wander through 66 acres of grounds and gardens.

  • What are the opening hours at The Ringling?

    The Ringling is open Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 PM when only the Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are open. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and the institution is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Please check their official site for date-specific hours.

  • Is The Ringling suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

    The Ringling is suitable for all ages, offering programming designed for families and a variety of exhibits to engage diverse interests.

  • Is there food available at The Ringling?

    Yes, dining options at The Ringling include the Ringling Grillroom and Mable's Coffee House.

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