7,057Reviews67Q&A
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 5,455
- 1,263
- 212
- 45
- 83
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
For Christmas, 2019, our children purchased passes to visit the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, as we winter there. Unfortunately, the passes had an expiration date of 12/31/20. While in Florida, COVID hit. In mid-March, 2020, the entire state was shut down, including Ringling. Prior to heading back home I contacted Ringling, the gentleman I spoke with confirmed the museums were closed. I inquired about the expiration date, he informed me that he was unaware of any decision regarding the extension of the expiration date, but to hold on to our passes and contact them when we get back in January, 2021. Fast forward to January, 2021. Upon arrival in January, 2021, I contacted Ringling, explained the situation and requested an extension given that the museum was shut down for a month and a half in 2020. The lady I spoke to was pleasant enough, but apparently my request was a decision above her pay grade, she told me she would speak to a manager and get back to me. The next day she called and informed me that the expiration date would not be extended. I voiced my displeasure, that I understand that she was just the messenger and I would appreciate the manager who made this decision to give me a call. She stated she would pass on my request. Therefore, I have never visited the Ringling Museums, however I am a life-long circus fan. In this past year with dealing with the pandemic, I have found businesses to be most accommodating, I found the Ringling management's decision to not extend the expiration date, even a few weeks, to be very out-of-touch with the rest of the world.…
Read more
Date of experience: March 2020
Helpful
The whole space is sooooo enjoyable...beautiful gardens, an amazing house by the bay, the Circus Museum with an incredible model of what it meant to be the circus arriving/performing in a town...and the Museum of Art with such a cozy garden and an interesting collection of paintings.…
Read more
Date of experience: December 2020
Helpful
This is truly an estate and with the mansion in Italian Gothic (that looks Moorish) of the most magical and majestic quality. My 10-yr-old and I delighted at the Circus buildings, especially the incredible model of what it was like when a circus came to town. If you can just imagine the yearly anticipation (back in the days before tv and internet) of 1300 people who make up the circus setting up in a lot near a railway station to facilitate offloading the fanciful carved circus, cars, performers and incredible animals you'd never seen (since most had never been to a zoo.) The Big Top sat 15,000 spectators! My daughter said the only thing in modern times that might equal it in scale and spectacle, may be the Olympics (which, while longer, creates villages, buildings and exciting performances). The mansion and grounds are amazing, with such detailed decoration and of the finest materials. It was a wonderful way to spend the non-beach-day afternoon.…
Read more
Date of experience: January 2021
Helpful
A must see while in Sarasota, The Ringling consists of museums and art galleries as well as John and Mable Ringling's home. On Mondays, the admission is free to the grounds and art galleries.
Read more
Date of experience: December 2020
Helpful
We love visiting the John and Mabel Ringling Art Museum. I always feel at home walking the beautiful rooms full of the Great Masters, particularly the Rubens. And outside, there are incredible gardens with striking monuments and artworks. The staff are fantastic and friendly and knowledgeable. The grounds have beautiful ponds teaming with turtles and fish and bird life. I will always want to come back to the art museum and grounds and to be a “member” to help support this beautiful institution. …
Read more
Date of experience: January 2021
Helpful
