This week I am writing to you from Sarasota, Florida…visiting some old family friends from when I lived in Hong Kong. I had fun snapping photos at the beach on Lido Key, (above) while the kids were picking up seashells. Later that day we went to the Ringling Museum and Estate, and I enjoyed seeing the effect that one person (like John Ringling) could have on a community.
The circus had a reputation for being a place where creative misfits could land…gracefully or spectacularly. There are so many interesting aspects to circuses in the early 20th century, which you might have seen in the movie " Water for Elephants". (or you might have read the book!)
If you are drawn to the costumes, the artwork, the animals, the lifestyle of the circus, then visiting the Ringling Estate and Museum in Sarasota is a must.
Having visited Venice a few months ago, my 3rd visit to the Ca' d'Zan Mansion was a bit of a revelation. Now that I have seen the Doge's Palace and the C? d?Oro which inspired Mable Ringling to build and decorate their own palace, I had a bit of d?j? vu as the water of the bay lapped onto the marble steps that lead to this Venetian Gothic confection.
One thing's for sure: this place has one of the greatest concentrations of 1920's artwork and creativity in the US… between the circus museum, the mansion, the grounds and rose gardens, the art museum, the theater and the arts school…not to mention the inspiring views on 20 acres of waterfront property…it is a real jewelbox of style and beauty.
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At the circus museum, did you notice the patterns in the marble floors, the ceilings, and other surroundings…great ideas for quilt designs….
It’s been a long time since I’ve been there, but my favorite part was the banyan trees in front of the house!
Hi Luana, I love your Creative Nudge. I live about an hour away from Sarasota, in Punta Gorda. My husband and I went up to Sarasota last summer for the first time We stayed on Lido Beach and went to the Ringling Brothers Museum. It was fantastic. Really loved everything. It was so colorful. They are doing a great job of restoring a lot of items. How about those circus wagons? I’m glad you got to enjoy it.
I love miniatures, and that circus comes to town diorama at the museum was spectacular in my mind! I could have stayed there all day. I loved the house as well, but the miniatures stole my heart.
love the Ringling museum – went there in ’82 and have always wanted to go back! thanks for posting the pics.