The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Went to Ringling for the first time, I was very impressed with the entire complex. There are so many different ways to spend your time, from the art museum, circus museums, gardens and walking through the Mansion. I thought it was very unexpected to have such a nice restaurant at that location. The Ringling Grill room overlooks the pond and has a fabulous menu to choose from. Sitting on the terrace with a cocktail and a delicious lunch is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. What is so unique is that you could spend a few hours or an entire day at this location, it is all dependent on your whims.

What a fabulous experience! Easy and plentiful parking! There used to be so much to see. Very short wait for ticket purchase. On Monday, the art gallery is free and the outdoor gardens are spectacular, with nature mixed with art and sculpture. There used to be something to entice your eyes from every view. Great art, interesting mix of cloth art, sculpture and paintings.

Very beautiful place. It really is like being temporarily transported to Europe. The gardens are nice but the best part for me was the art gallery. Incredible paintings with some descriptions on their origin. Some paintings are so large they take up a whole wall.
Wonderful place to visit!
There was a moderate amount of people there on the day we went, though the area is so big it almost feels like you’re the only person there

Wonderful first visit! Miniature circus display was amazing!!! Actual circus museum less so... Beautiful house tour with audio. Take a guided tour for upper floor access. Excellent fine art museum, special exhibits and sculpture garden. Bistro was very good as well. So much to see!

Such a great place to visit. Art museum has a lot of old paintings mostly with Biblical references. The inner garden is tranquil and beautiful. They always have different exhibitions that show the artworks from world around. If you like the history of circus the museum will definitely your place. But the most lovely place for me is a house of Ringlings. Castle… Nest.. I don’t know how to name it. It’s amazing. Till today. If you are nearby, you have to visit it. Read the history of John Ringling before to visit this place.

100% worth the visit! The entire place is gorgeous and massive so it doesn’t feel crowded. We went on a Monday when entrance to the art museum and the gardens are free. The art museum is wonderful-my partner and I like vastly different styles of art, but this museum had both the styles we love. The view of the water and the gardens was beyond beautiful, just walking around and spotting the turtles and watching for dolphins was amazing. I would suggest spending about 5 hours here if you want to see and do everything. We will definitely be returning to do the circus museum and the house tour at some point.

Such a great time! If you are a student it’s a great price and makes a significant difference just make sure you have your student ID or academic schedule!

Beautiful property, fun and unique museum, beautiful garden & foliage, however did not have time to visit the inside of the cadazan or courtyard so I will be back !

Will say, it was hot when we went so dress cool and was a little busy on a Thursday afternoon in July..really great place to visit if you’re looking for something new and unique to do while in the area or close by.

I lived in Sarasota for 5 years and I never went to this place. However after having move away I always come back every year to visit, and this year I made sure to visit to John and Mabel Ringling aren't museum. Just so you know, admission is free on Mondays so we decided to go on a Monday. Even though there were a lot of people there, the place is so massive that you never really feel crowded. I was able to leisurely view the entire grounds without feeling rushed or crowded. The inside of this place is just as beautiful as the outside. Be sure to hit up all of the wings of the museum. If you're facing the courtyard they are both to the right and left. The house is also gorgeous (Ca d' Zan), But we did not pay to actually tour it. Despite this you can still walk out on the back porch of the home and enjoy the beautiful views. Definitely would recommend!

I had been to the museum once which was great. The 2nd time I went to the actual house and saw the gardens and grounds. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Words can’t describe. The restaurant is also spectacular.

Prepare to spend roughly between one to four hours here. Time spent here will depend on your curiosity and fascination. We didn't realize while we were here but when it was time to leave we noticed we've been here almost four hours! Awesome place full of history and the art that tells it.

Beautiful grounds and staff was very kind. There's a lot to see be prepared to be there a while. There's a lot of nice places to sit outside and a lot of turtles in one of the ponds. Definitely recommend visiting the Ringling Museum.

A museum of this caliber is rare in Florida. The collection is not only vast, but varied. It's easy to spend an afternoon through the Ringling Museum's many wings and galleries and also take a relaxing break in its statue garden. Highly recommended.

A must see location in Sarasota whether you’re into art galleries or not. The collection is huge & the grounds are perfect for even just a photoshoot with friends.

Highly recommend to go with time on your side - there is MUCH to see.

My second visit .The property of the Ringling brothers is quite impressive. Amazing Views of the water from the house and patio areas are lovely. I highly recommend it!!

I am delighted to have visited this museum during our stay in Sarasota. I gained insightful knowledge about the circus industry in the early 20th century, marveling at the immense scale required for a single-day performance for the public. It is truly amazing! However, the melancholy aspect lies in the fact that the circus king passed away completely destitute, despite possessing a vast and beautiful collection of art.

The Howard Brothers Model circus is so worth it. It is a life's work that is not to be missed. There is so much to the Ringling, not to mention the world class art museum and yet I am infatuated with this amazing model work that was 50 years in the making. Enjoy!

Beautiful gardens to walk through! atmosphere amazing ! art museum amazing painting specially the ones John Ringling requested! We where there 10am to 430pm make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

I recommend this Museum to anyone visiting Central Florida. It is a great day trip, even if you are not staying in Sarasota. There is the circus museum, the art museum and then the Ca d'Zan, Florida home of John and Mabel Ringling. I recommend adding the extended tour of the house to your ticket if you can (must sign up for this piece online in advance, spots are limited), but the regular tour also allows you to walk through the bottom floor and the gardens. This is an amazing, well thought out, historical place that no one should miss out on seeing.

We attended on Legacy Day when admission to the art museum and gardens was free. What an incredible experience! We will absolutely return some time and pay to go through the circus museum.

We visited the Circus museum last month and thoroughly enjoyed it, so decided to return and visit the Museum of Art yesterday. The Museum of Art is enormous, and contains a variety of art, including a wide range of mediums and collections, displayed throughout 20+ rooms. All of this surrounds a magnificent courtyard (pictured) filled with statues and breathtaking scenery. Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, you could appreciate the lavish landscape and peaceful setting within and surrounding the Ringling Museum of Art!