Tibbals Learning Center and Circus Museum at The Ringling — Attraction in Sarasota

This is in a large complex. We parked by the arts center (ballet) which is near the visitor center. It's labeled as the Ringling Arts Center not the circus! We enjoyed the museum but the visitor center was a mess. Signage was lacking. Understaffed with one person dedicated to members onlyand not willing to take a single person while there was NO one at her desk for 15 min. Line was 45 min long and only got better when half way through three more staff came out. The greeters and podium staff in the lobby were blunt and unhelpful, not answering our question with a direct answer.

Once in the museum The initial welcome movie was often interrupted by the greeting staff speaking so loud, you could not hear the movie. The museum itself has a lot of displays which have "reading podiums". This was difficult with people standing right in front and blocking anyone else from being able to see. Many little (4x5 inches ?) video screens around as well of original footage. Second floor has some interactive things (not much) and more about specific artists and factoids.

THE BEST PART was the huge (25 years to build) model of the entire circus life. From the trains that carried everyone and everything, to the town lot where the tents were set up, the circus acts inside the tent and all the surrounding area. Back lot, barbershop, animal care center, kids sneaking into the tent, the amazing kitchen... This made the whole event! Definitely worth seeing! But- Get your tickets in advance, and try to find a will call. ...

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' d'Zan 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 don't get into mischief. There is an interactive side of the circus museum great for the kids...

A treat for all ages! Firstly you get a hands down amazing experience...an exhaustingly detailed miniature replica of all aspects of the circus from arriving in small town USA via train cars to how the circus is set up, with the performers rehearsal, and performances represented in tiny, hand-carved figures. The vast diorama also includes model cars, trains, tracks, animals, and circus tents surrounded by the landscape of times past. The incredible artistic creation is almost worth the price of admission alone.

But there's more! Hallways of poster replicas and circus vintage signage and advertising, Artifacts and props used in circus performances, and even an actual train car that was used to transport the circus members with the tiny living quarters and kitchen intact for display.

There is also an area where one can try to fit in a tiny car, or shoot a foam bullet into a net, walk a tightrope, pretend to be a ringleader, and other interactive activities for the youngsters and the young at heart, or who knows perhaps the next up and coming circus performer!

The ringling is a must see! And definitely worth the trip for anyone in or around...