top of page
Search
Writer's pictureKay

The Greatest Show on Earth

Sarasota Florida is home to the Ringling Museum, donated to the State in 1936 by John and Mabel Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus fame. The 66-acre museum campus includes a circus museum filled with fun memorabilia, an art museum with an extensive collection of 16th to 20th century European art, and John and Mabel's beautiful home, Ca'd'Zan.


In its early days the circus travelled from city to city on a 60-car train filled with animals, performers, and workmen who set up the huge "big top" tent. Workers could unload and set up the big top and auxiliary tents in one day. Ringling circus shows ran from 1871 to 2017, and the museum is now maintained by Florida State University.



61 views3 comments

3 Comments


Guest
Nov 09, 2021

Remember our new friend, Diane Standaert? She moved here to Jackson and while she was at Florida State, she was in the student circus, still a unique intramural sport at FSU. She was a trapeze artist! So glad you found this museum. R Wiggs.

Like
Kay
Kay
Nov 10, 2021
Replying to

Incredible!

Like

cfludlam
Nov 09, 2021

I am loving these history and geography lessons! - CFL

Like
bottom of page