The Greatest Show on Earth

Sarasota Florida is home to the Ringling Museum, donated to the State in 1936 by John and Mabel Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus fame. The 66-acre museum campus includes a circus museum filled with fun memorabilia, an art museum with an extensive collection of 16th to 20th century European art, and John and Mabel's beautiful home, Ca'd'Zan.

In its early days the circus travelled from city to city on a 60-car train filled with animals, performers, and workmen who set up the huge "big top" tent. Workers could unload and set up the big top and auxiliary tents in one day. Ringling circus shows ran from 1871 to 2017, and the museum is now maintained by Florida State University.