January 19, 2015. The Ringling Museum of Art.

John Ringling made his fortune in the circus business as the principal owner of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Shows, which were known as The Greatest Show on Earth. 

Like many wealthy Americans at the turn of the 20th century, John and his wife Mable made annual trips to Europe, where John found new acts for the circus. Together with Mable, John began collecting art by Old Masters that were the beginnings of the extraordinary collection of art that today fills The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. As well as works by such artists as Rubens and Gainsborough, the Museum houses a collection of modern art. 

        

The gallery is huge, with each room decorated to suit the time period of the display. There were so many paintings to see, as well as beautiful artifacts such as a cameo collection and pieces of furniture to admire.

       

Outside, many statues, including a replica of David, adorn the museum's courtyard. In the Dwarf Garden we saw enormous Banyon trees and dwarf statues, perhaps representative  of circus performers.

                              

On Mondays admission to the gallery is free and so we chose the perfect time to go. Although there is much more to see than the Art Gallery, one would need more than a day to take it all in. The Ringling also includes a Circus Museum, the winter residence, the Asolo Theatre, an Education Centre and numerous Gardens. We will save all of that for another time.