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The Ringling Museum.
Let us consider a trip to Sarasota and to the Ringling Museum of Art, founded by financier, circus entrepreneur and art collector John Ringling and his wife Mabel. They left their estate to the people of Florida in 1936 and, for many years, the museum and grounds lay in disrepair. Director John Wettenhall writes of “the distressingly poor condition into which the museum had fallen by the late 90’s”. However, governance was transferred to Florida State University in 2000 and with state funds and private donations, “over $140 million has been invested in the Ringling Museum. Its size has doubled. Its financial stability has been addressed. The estate has been restored to its original grandeur.”
The drive to Sarasota is worthwhile to visit this estate which includes the Museum of Art; the Circus Museum; The Ca d’Zan; the restaurants; museum stores; gardens and grounds. The Ca D’Zan is the original home of the Ringlings, built in 1926, and now thoroughly restored to its former glory and grandeur. The house is like a Venetian Palace and tours are available of the lavish and ornate interior. The marbled terraces offer views across the water of Sarasota Bay.
On arrival at the Pavilion, visitors are given maps and orientation to the many attractions of the Ringling. The Treviso restaurant is located in the Visitors Pavilion and offers fine food, as does the Banyan Café set outside near the Banyan tree. Do allow time for a leisurely lunch at the Treviso, reservations recommended, and for the museum stores located, as is the Historic Asolo Theatre, in the newly built Visitors Pavilion. Visitors have much to enjoy before even touring the grounds and museums. To get around the estate, trams are available and, for those that prefer to walk, paths are well marked.
One of our favorites is the Circus Museum, established in 1948, the first of its kind to document the history of the circus. Obviously, the Ringling family has long been associated with the circus and their wonderful collection has been enriched through master model builder and philanthropist Howard Tibbals. To view ‘the world’s largest miniature circus’, which he created over a period of more than 50 years, is a rare delight.
The Museum of Art has long emphasized European art, a reflection of the travel of John and Mable Ringling. The collection of paintings, tapestries and sculpture has been recently reinstalled in galleries that surround the open sculpture courtyard. In February 2007, the Searing wing was opened with new, spacious galleries that greatly enlarge and enhance the museum, allowing for changing exhibitions. The opening exhibition was “Encouraging the American Genius: Masterworks from the Corcoran Collection.” (As former director of the Corcoran, Roy Slade was invited to lecture as part of the opening festivities; the talk is on his website).
The grounds and gardens, with tall and towering Royal Palms, are to be admired as are the new buildings that include education, conservation, administration, storage and library. Many publications are available including “A Museum Once Forgotten: Rebirth of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art” that documents the recent revival of the State Art Museum for Florida; well worth a visit.
The Ringling is located at intersection of Route #41 and University Parkway at 5401 Bay Shore Road, SARASOTA. Phone 941 358 3180. www.ringling.org The Pointe Magazine January 2008
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