The Ringling Museum Celebrates Community Groups

SARASOTA, Fla. – July 5, 2006 -- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art celebrates community groups by offering designated specials from July through October. The Museum has recently undergone exciting additions to its estate, expanding the engaging activities for groups to enjoy.

Community group offerings began July 3, with a week of discounts for United States military service members and Shriners through July 9.  A total of eight weeks of discounts continues through the end of October.   The complete schedule of group specials is as follows:

The Ringling Museum, part of Florida State University, offers a variety of unique facilities for community groups to utilize together throughout the year. The fully-restored Cà d’Zan Mansion, former home of John and Mable Ringling, is a glimpse at life during the end of the Gilded Age. The mansion’s breathtaking views overlook Sarasota Bay and the grounds of the Ringling Estate. Docent-led tours are available to take guests through the historic home or groups can go through the first floor self-guided.

            The Ringling Museum of Art holds one of the greatest collections of Old Master Paintings in the country. Paintings from John Ringling’s personal collection include works by the legendary Peter Paul Rubens, and changing exhibitions come to the Museum’s galleries throughout the year.

            The Tibbals Learning Center is ideal for children of all ages. The new state-of–the-art building showcases the world’s largest miniature circus. Along with the Tibbals Center, the Circus Museum allows visitors to examine the origins and history of the American Circus.

            The Ringling’s manicured grounds and gardens are a perfect place to stroll with friends and family. Dining options give guests a relaxing view of the serene landscape. Treviso Restaurant, located at the Museum’s impressive new Visitors Pavilion, features a menu with both traditional and contemporary cuisine, while the Banyan Café offers a more casual dining experience.       

            Next-door to Treviso, the Historic Asolo Theater has opened its doors after a two-year restoration. The only 18^th-century theater in the United States, the Historic Asolo Theater’s jeweled interior is an enchanting place for groups to see performances beginning this fall.

            For more information on designated community group dates and specials, visit www.ringling.org.

General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, Cà d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, Mable’s historic Rose Garden and Florida’s only rose test gardens, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $15; senior citizens (65 and over) are $13; children ages 6-17 are $5. Free admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult and museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, in its affiliation with Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Historic Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Cà d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $10.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit www.ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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