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THE ARTS
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota was created by circus impresario John Ringling who collected works by Rubens, Poussin, Hals, Van Dyck, Guercino and other major artists who worked primarily from 1500 to 1750. The Old Master collection, now including approximately 750 paintings, is the most important area of the Museum's holdings which now consists of over 10,000 objects. They are housed in several buildings left to the state of Florida by John Ringling when he died in 1936. The bayfront estate is a 31-acre property which Ringling purchased for a winter vacation residence in 1912. In 1924, he began construction of his mansion, Ca d'Zan, and in 1927, the Museum. He later established the circus winter quarters in Sarasota. The museum complex consists of the Art Museum, Ca d' Zan, the Ringling mansion, the Circus Museum, the Historic Asolo Theater, the Art Library and 66 acres of landscaped grounds. The Museum grounds also include the historic Asolo Theater building which houses an Italian Baroque theater interior purchased in Italy and reassembled at the Museum. The beautifully landscaped grounds contain over 400 species of exotic Florida trees, plants, flowers, sculptures and a rose garden. The Museum is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road. Performing Arts Photos courtesy of the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Sarasota
has a dazzling array of sophisticated cultural opportunities: symphony,
opera, ballet, four theater companies, numerous arts and music festivals,
an art college, an antique district, fine restaurants, and year-round
events. The 24-hour ArtsLine 953-4636, ext. 6000, lists what's happening
every day. There's lots to do for the kids, too. Young artists can enjoy
the many engaging art festivals and kid-oriented activities.