What a perfect learning center set up here, it really gives you insight as to the history, the logistics and people that made the circus magic for many years. It is quite extraordinary to see how it operated in those times and the labor of love it took to help people experience the show. Grueling schedules and hard manual labor to transform small America into such and extravagant and enlightening venue. I was in awe of the model rendition of the circus down to the finest details. If you wish to learn and view some circus history this is the place. Gifted by the Circus Tycoons the 5 Ringling brothers! Enjoy! - Jo

This is a MUST SEE in the Sarasota area. Awesome circus display, but also the nicest grounds Ive seen in the USA. World class art gallery ... 1400s to 1800s Europe and much older Asia. Restaurant was an added bonus ... great service and meatballs to die for. Friendliest staff Ive ever seen. Dont forget the estate house, which is added admission, but worth it. If I ever live near Sarasota, I would be a museum member.

One of my new favorite Museums! Give yourself at least half a day to take it all in.This museum has something for everyone. Lovely art (some permanent & some temporary exhibits). The Circus museum and lovely architecture and grounds (including a rose garden and what was the beautiful waterfront estate home of the Ringlings).This is a GREAT spot for those who like to take photos - so many different things to take in all in one place.From what I understand there is also an interactive museum due to open there soon.

Incredibly detailed and accurate. Lovers of dioramas will be gobsmacked. . .and the rest of us are amazed. Well worth the entire afternoon. .plus the restaurant next door has now re-opened ; the menu is reasonable & the food actually good..!!

This was a super cool experience. It was really amazing to see what the circus was like in that day and how much there was to see at the circus. It was also cool to see all of the history behind the Ringling and what it had transformed into. The people working there were also wonderfully helpful.

Phenomenal collection of circus memorabilia!

A very interesting look at the worlds most famous circus. The pictures, movies and artifacts on the history of the circus are very good. The over 3,200 square foot model display of a typical circus grounds is simply outstanding.A hidden gem for a quick bite to eat or a good coffee or espresso is the snack bar on the second floor of the souvenir shop building.

Love that they have kept all the great circus memorabilia and equipment. Very interesting and fun place to go !!!!

At one point in history, the Ringling Brothers were synonymous with America. This museum does that justice and is great 1-3 hours experience.

Was so Super Neat to see. It was all very interesting. Really Enjoyed the Displays

The miniture circus was my favorite...it was AMAZING!! The grounds there are beautiful

Wow the circus model is unbelievable. Took 50 years to complete. The rail road car is great also. Well worth the time to stop.

Had a fine time visiting the museum and the grounds but skipped the art museum because we had our 8yo with us and theyre not known for long attention spans, plus she killed 2.5 hours just at the circus museums and playground.The exhibits were well appointed and informative and the highlight of the museum for me was the incredible miniature model and the building with the vehicles and train car. The miniature was amazingly detailed and gave the vest picture of what life was like in the earlier days of the circus. Much more entertaining than words when trying to communicate the situation to a little one.The grounds and gardens were also quite nice to walk around as well with plenty of space and varieties of both plants and textures.

This exhibit is truly unbelievable. The workmanship a decades of time invested in this project were a real labor of love.

Very nice. Spent a good amount of time there. Parts of the museum are closed because of Covid. Not much in the gift shop.

So much history & fond memories of the circus. They need to start up again so our current generation can enjoy like we did!

Cool part of the Ringling brothers museum. Nice place to spend the whole day with the family and have lunch.

Love this museum. My grandmother worked for Ringling Brothers as a horse barebacked rider. So I feel a little connection when I go. The museum is well put together and very clean. Lots to look at and the staff can be very informative if asked.Highly recommend you go!!!!

This is one of the greatest museums in America. Absolutely wonderful. Just wish they had a better selection of postcards for the circus. There were only three different kinds. With a museum that cool how you dont have a rack dedicated just to cards for this museum is absolutely beyond me.

History of the circus from the Middle Ages with emphasis on the Golden Age -1890s to the 1930s. Truly helps one understand why a person would suggest running away to join the circus.

Had a much better experience than what I expected, its great for families or even just to stroll around on your own. They really try to bring you back in time which is really cool and they even have a little interactive museum.

What a cool experience! My 7 year old loved it so much! The house tour was amazing

Loved the huge spaces and grounds. Although during the summer months it is warm, bring a water to be hydrated. But you need to be able to show it into a tote or bag as the museums do not allow beverages. There is a coffee shop at the main entrance, a cafe on the grounds for a quick way and beverages to refresh yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to see the various museums. So much to read and see. They even have docent guided mini tours.The Rose garden is fragrant and lovely to walk through. There is no shade in the Rose garden. Next to it is a kids mini-play space, jungle-climb and slide and some picnic tables.The secret garden is the resting place for Mr/Mrs Barnum and cozy little garden space and soothing.From the secret garden walk to Ca dZan terrace, free to walk around and enjoy the facing of the house. And catch nice breezes off the gulf. The main house is extra and not included in the main price. There are 3 different tours available in the main house and best to call ahead to see what is available.Remember kids are welcome but need to watch so that in the museums they dont get into mischief. There is an interactive side of the circus museum great for the kids too be kids.

All hand crafted miniature circus replicas! It is incredible the details he crafted!! Amazing!

This museum absolutely blew me away. The circus museum was unlike anything Ive ever seen. I just wish they had a better selection of circus postcards in the gift shop. In any case, I do highly recommend visiting this museum.

Its a beautiful place to go and visit if youre trying to find somewhere nice to go. It is located on the grounds of Jhon Ringling, a circus tycoon. Theres at least 4 or 5 separate museums on the grounds (including Mr. Ringling s house), and plenty of beautiful gardens, including a secret rose garden where John Ringling and his wife are buried. Can you find it?

An awesome place to visit. Very educational and appealing on the eyes. So much to look at and explore through. Can definitely spend hours and hours here. Or just come back on different days. They Seem to also get new exhibits so that’s worth always coming back and checking out

Such a cool place to visit the art the building everything the garden the palace all beautiful.

Friendly staff, the ambience left something to be desired, allot of very small displays. Some interesting items but overall underwhelming. Allot of reading and not terribly interactive.

Allow a whole day! Also, be aware that the Art Museum section is free!!! Four different areas, Circus Museum (with the best diorama I have ever seen), the Circus Equipment Museum, John’s House and the Art Museum (which is spread over two buildings too!) There is a small cafe in the gardens and a bigger eatery (and a shop) at the entrance. VERY nice volunteer guides - and the only downside - slightly pompous security staff!!

It was very impressive. Everything is so tiny and yet so big. Extremely detailed. Unfortunately we had not much time so see everything at the museum. Probably next time.

This place is enormous!! My family & I have been here 2 1/2 hours & havent seen it all yet... Theres 2 Circus museums, well be back to see the 2nd next week. Be sure to bring a bottle of water or some money to stop at the cafe to stay hydrated & take your time & enjoy... Mondays there is free museum admission for all!! Note: Due to COVID-19 Face masks are mandatory, & currently provided if needed.

Anyone who rated this low has NEVER been here. If you enjoy an educational, historical and beautiful experience you must visit.

Really cool model of what the circus was! Lots of great information about the circus throughout.

So much more than the circus. Art museum, historic house, formal gardens. Can’t really do it justice in one day.

Enormous grounds. I had no idea he was such an art collector. Unfortunately the interactive part of the circus which looks like the most fun is currently COVID closed. But still very glad we went.

Amazing! A great trip for anyone who enjoys history, remembers the circus or loves architecture.

Fantastic place with the two circus museums and the Art Museum. Leave yourself probably double the time you think Ill need.I didnt and had to rush through the art museum which looks like like it was raided out of the Louvre in Paris.

A terrific place and fun for all. Next time we go we will spend the entire day to see the other museums and exhibits available on the property. Very impressive now and has the potential to be even better in the future. Enjoyed everything from the volunteers to the mansion.

I think one of the most fascinating things I learned about The Traveling Circus here was that the workers set up and took down the entire show nearly every day. That was some hard, sweaty, miserable work. But I cant hire one of these entitled Millennials these days for less than $15 an hour and get them to put their phone down for 5 minutes. To say the least about any work ethic these days... Anyway, you should check this place out. Its interesting!

It was amazing to see the recreation of a Ringling Circus show going on. I would have definitely been a sight to see when it was still in operation. Person that put this all together is a very patient person.

Fascinating museum. I was surprised how interesting I found circus history to be, and the Ringling mansion is amazing! Tickets are complicated; there are 3 or 4 options so make sure you know what youre getting. Insider tip: Parking can be challenging during peak season. Be patient and a spot will open up!

A must see for history buffs or those with a love and memory of the circus. $25 gets you in to see the museum and and museum of art. Make sure to give yourself 5+ hours if you are going to enjoy the museums and grounds. The museum is full of artifacts, circus wagons, and costumes. A great way to spend the day away from the beach and enjoying the beautiful 66 acre grounds. Enjoy the Ringling rose garden, banyan trees, and carefully manicured grounds. There are two restaurants onsite. We ate at the outdoor Banyan Cafe...plan to spend $10-15 per person there.

I loved the art museum. The grounds are lovely. I love the model circus. It was incredible.

Great museum and beautiful grounds! We loved wandering through the gardens and visiting the mansion and art museums as well.

Dont miss the Ca d Zan tour. The winter residence of John Mable Ringling. ( It requires a separate ticket)I recommend walking through the gardens of this 66 acres and contemplate the spectacular view of the Sarasota Bay .The whole museum is very interesting.

Miniature and elaborate circus dioramas and full size circus artifacts.

Great circus museum.

Nice to visit history, much about the circus and lives of many that made it. U should stop and take a look !!!

I never knew there was a museum about circuses. I found the displays most interesting. The have the greatest circus model display ever. Every detail is exquisitely incorporated in to this explanation of the logistics of moving a circus from town to town on a daily basis. A must see for anyone who has every been to a circus.

Very cool history of the circus. The handcrafted exhibit is stunning to see. Watch the short movie at the end.

We were pleasantly surprised to see how much attention to detail was paid in creating this miniature circus show. It was a treat to see every little detail of this.We literally felt like going back in time and experiencing a circus show. It was a pleasant, knowledgeable, historical and nostalgic experience.

The Ringling is such a gorgeous museum, lots of interesting artwork and the grounds itself are worth visiting. Spent the day strolling around in November & realized I’d sure enjoy visiting again.

The miniature version is so pretty.OMG.I can’t wait to go to an actual circus.

Outstanding museum, restaurant, gift shop and gardens. ALL of the docents were incredibly knowledgeable. I am just so sorry that we didnt get to see the house as well. Next time we will allow more time for our visit.

Overall Good Experience, went on a Thursday midday was very calm and could easily navigate without it being crowded. Okay pricing. Definitely plan this as a day trip! Lots of separate buildings and decent sized grounds to see and explore.

An awesome experience and extremely educational.

A very good day at the Ringling compound home,lunch,and tours were very good

We love this place!! And we recommend this place for everyone!!! Make sure you check out all the spots there including the circus museum!!

It is a beautiful museum with a spectacular miniature replica of a day at the circus under the Big Top in the 1920s. We spent a lot of time looking at everything! John and Mabel Ringlings mansion on the water was gorgeous! Everything is within walking distance and a wonderful day for all ages of people.

Ehh if you need some instagram pictures or like circus stuff I guess this place is alright

The miniature circus is a MUST SEE! It was amazing!

A must-see museum. Pieces of Americana and fun history. Multifaceted opportunity, museum including video, static displays, models, hands-on displays, art gallery, gift shops, guided tours. Also a cafe on premises.

What an amazing place to visit! We really enjoyed the gardens too. They were working on the facade of the house so we will take that tour another time. Thanks so much.

Such s great experience for the entire family. The coolest part of the visit was the miniature circus. The whole family enjoyed the museum. Definitely a must see attraction for any visit to the Sarasota area.

Well designed exhibits of early circuses. Staff to assist you at every venue. Beautiful grounds to walk around. Miniature models are exceptional. Hughly recommend it. In addition there is an art gallery that is amazing.

Amazing experience, beautiful artwork, lots of history. I’ve lived in Florida half of my life and had no idea this place even existed! There’s lots to do for the whole family and so much to take in and enjoy. Bring a camera and some good walking shoes.

Had a little yoga photo adventure here in 2016 and its been my favorite ever since! So many beautiful sights at this one location.

Ringling Circus Museum is a must see in Sarasota. It shows the history of Circus and there are many exhibits which are both fun and entertaining.Enjoy the model circus which is one of the largest model displays in the world. Afterwards go try the different circus skills such as walk the wire.Very enjoyable and could spend hours here.

Surprisingly interesting exhibits about the history and acts of the Ringling Bros. Circus. The miniature circus with big top was incredibly detailed.Kids can be entertained by the music and bright colors, plus some exhibits are specifically for cold participation.

Great collection of old memories well preserved.

I loved the museum!! Great grounds to walk around. So beautiful!

Great place must see in Sarah sota..

Absolutely amazing displays that will astound you.

Interesting history of the circus presented in 2 museum buildings. Lovely grounds. Separate tour of the first two floors of the mansion is well worth the cost. Sit on the patio and enjoy the views of the bay afterward.

This was a very unique and fun place! I wish I would have realized how huge the property is. I would have allowed for a couple more hours. We had time to tour the mansion, mini circus, and memorabilia museums. The mansion was guided. The guides are very knowledgeable and the facts are so interesting! I definitely recommend the John and Mabel tours!

Fantastic memories the memorabilia, videos, paintings, pictures artifacts etc. It brought tears to your eyes because I was thinking our generation can not experience first hand as we did. Times change times done for good but some still sad. The gift shop was so full of beautiful things. I bought and several others bought those beautiful reversible rain jackets with hoods, so beautiful. You will be the talk of the town. The designs are beautiful speechless, ladies you have got to see. Come one and all families and friends enjoy. Thank you Claire Riccardi

Wonderful museum dedicated to the history of the circus. The best was an entire circus, from train to the big top and back to the train, all done in miniatures. Fascinating, and gives a clear picture of the scope of moving the circus and giving a show. Well done!

The miniatures are AMAZING!!! Great place for kids and adults alike!!! Take the time to read the descriptions and about the creator. Neat story!!

It was wonderful!I traveled from Europe to see!

Absolutely wonderful! Will go back again!

Museum is excellent for circus history but also shows family lifestyle

A very big museum, very well organized, not boring at all to go through

So outstanding! I was blown away by how well done this place is. From the beginning when the front attendant logically thought out how much time we had left in our day and didnt try and upsell us because we would not have time to see the other building to the amazing replica of the circus to the wagons and such displayed. I could of spent the whole day in the first two buildings. Just so much to see and interact with. Great for adults and children!!

It was quite eye opening. Ringling lived in oppulance while the circus workers were rationed to one bucket of water a day.The home and grounds were beautiful.A good place to visit. The Big Top building was very cool. It contained the railway car, wagons, wheel designs and a small replica of a circus set up.

Beautiful. Hard to believe a circus could make a whole family so rich! Hope the animals went to very nice retirement homes when their performing years were over.

Such a great opportunity for family time!! We LOVE coming to Ringling. The Circus Museum is never a disappointment. So many activities and beautiful, interesting things to see and learn.

The Art museum was nice to look at for a free activity. I didnt personally pay anything, so we couldnt see the actual circus museum (one of the buildings is closed for renovation anyway). The grounds are well kept and beautiful.

What an absolute treat - the most wonderful collection of circus memorabilia, actual working wagons and hardware, a custom train car and a ton of fascinating history. I did not find it a little kids place but adults will love it!

Amazing Circus model, very interesting facts. A great place to spend the afternoon

Very interesting to see how the circus was and learn how it works.

A must for Circus fans and youll know a part of the history if youve seen the musicalfilm The Greatest Showman

The attractions, museums, art exhibits, and staff were all absolutely wonderful, informative and made the entire experience so enriching. Thanks

The miniature circus display was huge, very well put together and educational. Beyond that, other exhibits were a lot of fun and very interesting and interactive. Great for people of all ages

Great Museum share with your family. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

Beautiful place you can visit with the whole family and for a small price you enter all the excivitions that are in place the people who work there are from another level regarding service and kindness

Amazing treat of the past.

It is an incredibly cool place however there were a few things that bugged me about the management of the museum. Before I get into I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone to go here for a great experience. First off half of the museum was closed and we were not told this when buying our tickets to see the museum. Secondly when you see the Howard Circus replica it was all hand done by one man who still works there to this day working on that miniature circus because he loves to but despite him asking numerous times the management of the museum still refuses to let him put a plaque in the circus stating that there have been over 7000 hours of work put into creating this amazing miniature circus. Overall is highly recommend this place but from some parts of my experience their management could do a better job.

Ringlings circus museum is a must see! So glad we went! Only wish we had planned on being there longer so we could have seen more!

Fun, entertainingGreat for kidsInteresting piece of our history