What is Museum Day?
It's an annual event sponsored by the kind institution called the Smithsonian where a multitude of museums around the country offer free admission for one day. It's usually at the end of Summer, and on a Saturday.
This first year in which we took part, we decided to descend upon the John & Mable Ringling Museum.
Ringling? Isn't that the circus?
Why, yes, you are right!
View of the model from the upper floor
John is one of the founders of the Ringling Bros. Circus company, and the museum compound was his and Mable's Winter escape. The area has many buildings, 4 of which we had access to that day - the 2 circus museums, the mansion, and the museum of art.
Unfortunately, due to time constraint, we had to limit our trip to the 2 circus museums and the mansion. But do not fret! We will definitely be back, ready to pay the full admission fee of $25/person to re-admire the beauty of the mansion, and finally explore the museum of art.
But, let's talk about the buildings and exhibits that we did manage to explore.
The first circus museum houses a meticulous and detailed model of a three-ring circus - one that the Ringling Bros. made famous. A genius named Howard was so fascinated with what goes on behind-the-scenes and "on-screen" that he created everything you could possibly want to know about how a three-ring circus functions, in a miniature that would fill up your entire house (and possibly more).
Just look at the pictures below and you will see how much detail he put into every single "view". It's insanity, I tell you!
Various close-up views of the miniature
In the other circus museum, you will find the history of performance acrobatics and circuses, as well as the original props, displays, and carriages that were used for transportation of animals and parts of the many shows. There are plenty of other things as well and you just have to go and see it for yourself because there is no way for us to write it all down.
Reflection into the music carriage
The highlight of our visit, though, was the mansion. Named Ca d'Zan, it is quite possibly one of the most beautiful residences that I've ever had the privilege of visiting. Perhaps the fact that it's not as big as a palace was part of the appeal. Because it evoked the sense of being underwhelming, while actually overwhelming you with detail and beauty.
Bayside view of the Ca d'Zan
Some quick facts about Ca d'Zan:
- Venetian Gothic architecture
- Translates to "House of John"
- Construction began in 1924, and completed just before Christmas of 1925
- Cost $1.5 million
- Approximately 36,000 square feet
- Has 41 rooms and 15 bathrooms
- Restoration was completed in 2002
Bottomline for the John & Mable Ringling Museum? Uh-maze-ing.
Our Recommendation
If you like museums, this is one that you MUST visit.
Address
John & Mable Ringling Museum
Travel Time
2 to 2 1/2 hrs
Exploration Time
For the 2 circus museums and Ca d'Zan, about 4 to 5 hours.
What’s Nearby?
- Siesta Key
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Lido Beach
- Key Sailing
Additional Info
Official Site
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