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John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #3 of 52 attractions in Sarasota
Traveler Description: Did you know you can visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art free of charge? This was a stipulation of John Ringling himself - that one day a... more »
Know about John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Art museum, Museum, Other
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Tel: 941-359-5700
Fax: 941-359-5745

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
APairaDocs   10 contributions
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Nov 10, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

I have waited in long lines at the Academia in Florence to see the David, I have waited in long lines to see the Uffizi in Florence also, this place is no less spectacular!! There ought to be long lines to see the museum!!!!! There are none. The David is a bronze casting of Michelangelo's work that you can TOUCH!!,... more

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5 of 5 stars
mommytravels   11 contributions
Miami
Nov 9, 2009

If you are in the area, take a day to visit this really amazing jewel. I had heard of it, but never thought it was going to be this nice. The collection of Rubens is amazing. And don't think you'll be there for an hour. more

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5 of 5 stars
mariamer7   1 contribution
florid
Nov 4, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

This was an unexpected delight and had something for all ages. Exhibits change regularly and the grounds alone are worth the trip. more

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5 of 5 stars
prmass   74 contributions
Winter Haven, Florida
Oct 17, 2009

I have always heard about the circus brothers but not the museum so when I moved to central Florida I did some research on places to visit nearby and this one hit the spot. The museum has beautiful European architecture with its arches and statues in converging lines. It is superb for picture taking in the grounds. The downside is... more

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4 of 5 stars
TexasTraveller56   36 contributions
Fort Worth, TX
Jul 10, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

If you grew up ever dreaming about becoming a circus performer, then this is a must-see kind of place. You pay one fee and get admission to all the below attractions on the grounds: 1) Miniature Circus - an entire building is dedicated to this incredible display. It took the guy 50 years to build and now includes 1500 performers,... more

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5 of 5 stars
IT-Expert   69 contributions
Albany, NY
Jun 22, 2009

Easy to follow floor plans. Interesting collection, albeit maybe heavy on the baroque era. Ringling loved Ruben [1577~1640]. Good basic explanations of the eras. The temporary exhibits, at this time on nude drawings, eden, and dangerous women, were all well done. Staff always explained everything to you as you wandered in and out of doors. The garden in the middle... more

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5 of 5 stars
anhellica1979   21 contributions
Winter Park, Florida
Jun 21, 2009

Lovely grounds! The museum was fantastic. All of the employees were very helpful. Lots of interesting history about the circus and the art was great. Good traveling exhibits, great value for your money!! Will go again in the spring or fall when it's not so hot and I can enjoy the gardens as well! more

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4 of 5 stars
BlushPell   96 contributions
Massachusetts
Dec 31, 2008

This is a very nice museum to visit. They have many works of art that are beautiful and wonderful to look at. Also showcased are circus items which are so different than the fine art that is also available for viewing. There is something for everyone here. It is an interesting way to spend an afternoon. The grounds themselves are... more

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5 of 5 stars
Weston66   46 contributions
St. Louis, MO
Dec 2, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

The Ringling Museum is actually comprised of several different features, as others have described just below; and you will have a tough time "doing it all" in one day. Our group of six arrived when it opened, and stayed most of the day, and never made it to the Art Museum, which we felt would be the most expendable part,... more

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4 of 5 stars
Bannatyne   12 contributions
Orlando Florida
Jul 1, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Just to add a bit to recent reviews....the Art Museum is free on Mondays. If you are inclined to read about the paintings as you wander, you can easily spend 4-5 hours in these vast galleries. Each room has a large story board about what is contained in that particular section, so it is best to find each one as... more

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John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Address

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Tel: 941-359-5700 Fax: 941-359-5745