A Walk To The Ringling (11/10/25)

The Ringling, collectively the State Art Museum of Florida, a circus museum, the former home of John and Mabel Ringling, the historic Asolo Theater, and Bayfront Gardens on the former site of John and Mabel Ringling’s waterfront winter home in Sarasota. John Ringling was one of 5 Ringling brothers who took their first circus show on the road in 1884. John (born Johan Nicholas Rungeling in McGregor, Iowa) became the most financially successful of the brothers, diversifying his investments in ventures such as railroads, ranching, and real estate.

John and Mabel collected over 600 pieces of art during their marriage, and they decided to leave it to the people of Florida as their legacy. This collection was the start of the State Art Museum of Florida.

Last night, Bob and I were debating about whether to go to the Ringling today or not as tickets begin at $30 per person and increase to $45 if you want to see the both museums and the part of the home that is open to the public. This seemed a bit steep for us, but then Bob discovered that today the art museum, glass pavilion, and grounds would be open to the public for free, so that made the decision to go today very easy.

It was a little over a 3.5 mile walk there along a major city street, so it wasn’t the calmest walk, but we did find a few sites along the way.

The nicely landscaped entrance
to The Bay residential development

More residences across the street
with “The Runners” sculpture by Jorge Blanco in front.

Sarasota’s Municipal Auditorium,
a multi-purpose facility built in 1938.

A canal that we could see from the street

Bob and a Big Head.
I think the Florida state government would be shocked to see
that this resort holds drag bingo on Sundays.

Miniature golf with live alligators
— a potentially dangerous way to lose your balls!😳😂

There were a lot of cars already at The Ringling today take advantage of the free day as well as ticketed access to the circus museum and the Ringling home. We thought it was going to be super crowded walking through the art museum and grounds, but we were pleasantly surprised. It was obviously busy but not too crowded.

The State Art Museum of Florida,
now owned by Florida State University.

The first stop we made once we checked in was to visit the Glass Pavilion. This pavilion houses the museum’s collection of contemporary studio glass, provides rehearsal and dressing rooms for the historic Asolo Theater, and serves as the reception lobby for the theater.

From the Glass Pavilion, we moved to the State Art Museum of Florida. The art museum has a wide collection of European art across the ages, Asian art, as well as contemporary art.