Circus Museum Historic Galleries — Attraction in Sarasota

This is my 3rd or 4th visit to this museum consisting of two large buildings. There is a huge 3800 square foot miniature circus that presents the circus from entering to leaving a town. You could easily spend an hour just at this incredible exhibit. The entire museum takes 2 to 4 hours.

The museum covers the history of the circus with original posters, circus vehicles, John and Mabel Ringling’s private luxurious train cars and many other historic items.

This museum can be purchased individually or as a package with the Ringling Art Museum and the Ringling Mansion Ca’ de’ Zan. You also have access to the entire 70 acre Ringling property which is a beautiful certified arboretum.

Highly recommend this museum...

Awesome and fun. You can learn the history of the talented and visionary Ringling Brothers. See circus artifacts and real railway cars that housed the animals and trainers. Watch how a clown applies his makeup and see the different expressions that they are depicting. There is an interesting video on the circus performers and you can see their amazing stunts. There is a “ high wire “ close to the ground, to test if you can maintain balance. Life size stilts and real circus costumes. Very very interesting for young and old. Lots of benches if you need to sit down, and there are restrooms that are clean and easily available. Not too high priced, but we got a...

Absolutely loved this destination. You can spend all day here, if you want. The staff is well informed and friendly. We talked to Maureen from the box office about the Historic Asolo Theater and will definitely return to see a show. Perfect daycation. Planning on returning and having lunch in...