Alisha Disclosure: I received free tickets to visit The Ringling. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something featured in this post - at no extra cost to you.
The Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida unveiled a new family-friendly immersive experience – The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery – on April 6. I was lucky to get a sneak peek behind the curtain before it opened to the public!
The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery at The Ringling
The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery at The Ringling Circus Museum is an engaging and multi-sensory immersive experience celebrating the era of modern circus. This new permanent exhibit for Children of All Ages spans 50 years of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – starting in the 1960s.
The new exhibit continues the story, found throughout The Ringling Circus Museum, of how Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey grew to become one of the most well-recognized brands in the world.
The gallery space is designed to evoke the excitement of seeing a live show, while also representing the full spectrum of the production experience from both front- and back-of-house perspectives.
Inspired by the technologies that have helped The Greatest Show On Earth remain a leader in family entertainment, the new exhibit incorporates immersive sound and contemporary lighting to give visitors an experience of being behind the scenes.
Exploring The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery at The Ringling
Come one, come all to the gallery entry portal, an authentic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey marquee.
Step under the marquee and go behind the curtain to explore how the circus experience rose to new heights after Irvin Feld purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1967.
The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery Highlights
Behind the curtain, you’ll find original costumes, props and design documents. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey artifacts, souvenirs and memorabilia are on display as well.
Motion-based interactive stations give you a chance to revisit many of the greatest acts to appear with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in the last 50 years.
For the grand finale of the high-tech gallery, take a seat and relive the excitement, energy, and spectacle that define The Greatest Show On Earth.
The Show is an innovative, immersive experience that presents a dynamic combination of video, lighting, and original circus wardrobe to showcase acts popular during the first 50 years of the Feld Family’s leadership.
More Things To Do at The Ringling
Beyond The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery, The Ringling offers so much to see and do. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the beautiful 66-acre bayfront estate. It’s a place that inspires wonder and awe, and calms the anxious mind.
In addition to the Circus Museum, The Ringling campus includes the Museum of Art, a historic mansion, an 18th-century theater, and Bayfront Gardens.
The Ringling Circus Museum Beyond The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery
Inside The Ringling Circus Museum, make sure to check out the Howard Bros. Circus Model on the first floor of the Tibbals Learning Center. It’s an impressively-detailed and all-encompassing miniature replica of the American tented circus in its Golden Age from 1919-1938.
The first floor of the Tibbals Learning Center also features a giant circus mural and interactive galleries. You can walk the tightrope, balance on horseback, and squeeze into a clown car.
The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery is located on the second floor of the Tibbals Learning Center.
The Circus Museum’s Historic Galleries are located in a separate building. There you can see historic circus wagons of all kinds, a sideshow bannerline and more.
The Historic Galleries are also home to John and Mable Ringling’s magnificent turn-of-the-century private Pullman railroad car, the Wisconsin.
The Ca’ d’Zan Historic Mansion at The Ringling
After exploring The Ringling Circus Museum, you can make your way to the waterfront where the Ca’ d’Zan will take your breath away.
John and Mable Ringling’s winter residence, the Ca’ d’Zan is a glamorous Roaring ’20s estate built in Mediterranean Revival style. Its name means House of John in Venetian dialect.
Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden
Another highlight of The Ringling estate is Mable Ringling’s lovely, fragrant rose garden. Rose varieties you can enjoy here include hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and old garden roses.
Learn more about The Ringling’s Bayfront Gardens in our guide to gardens around Tampa Bay.
David F. Bolger Playspace at The Ringling
Next to The Ringling Rose Garden, families enjoy taking a play break under the tree-shaded David F. Bolger Playspace. The play area features a tall slide, nest-like swings and more.
The Ringling Museum of Art
The State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling Museum of Art features a world-renowned collection of art. You can see European art from the medieval period to the 19th century as well as modern and contemporary installations and Asian art.
Even if you don’t have time to explore all the art galleries, The Ringling Museum of Art’s elegant Italian-inspired courtyard is a must-see.
One of The Ringling’s most photographed areas, the courtyard is surrounded by a pink loggia featuring beautiful arches, columns and marble floors. The courtyard gardens below are adorned with bronze and marble copies of famous classical and Renaissance sculptures.
Where is The Ringling?
The Ringling is located on the Sarasota bayfront north of downtown.
The Ringling Circus Museum Tickets, Special Offers & Discounts
Admission to The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery is included with regular Ringling Museum admission. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 17. Admission is free for children under age 6.
Free Admission Mondays at The Ringling Museum of Art
The Ringling Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion offer free admission to the public every Monday. Note: Regular admission pricing applies for entry to the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan.
More Things To Do in Sarasota and the Tampa Bay Area
Looking for more things to do in Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area? Check out our Florida family adventure guides.
Like this Ringling Circus Museum guide? Share this post!
