Celebrate Circus at the Ringling Museum

Sarasota, FL — Nov. 21, 2008 — Children of all ages are invited to celebrate all-things circus at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2008, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.   For the price of regular museum admission, the entire family will enjoy a full day of festive and fun family-friendly circus activities.

             The schedule of events is as follows:

• Circus Model Builders, All Day, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

More than 30 circus model builders from throughout the United States display their own model pieces. The group will also be at the Estate Sunday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

• Howard Tibbals Book Signing

Howard Tibbals, builder of the Howard Bros. Model Circus, the world’s largest

miniature circus, and author of The Circus in Miniature: The Howard Bros. Circus Model will be signing copies of his recently released book. Books can be purchased at the Museum Store.

• Saturdays are Family Days Activities, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Children and their families will enjoy family-friendly activities centered around circus themes. Ringling Museum staff and volunteers will present a circus-themed story time and children will have the opportunity to build a three-ring circus with wire, pipe cleaners and die-cut animals; make kazoos and join the Windjammers in concert later in the day; and decorate elephant blankets.  

• Family Activity Guides Focused on Circus Wagons

Complimentary family guides will focus on exploring original circus wagons and are available throughout the day.

• Windjammers Unlimited Concert, 2-3 p.m.

Guests will hear the Windjammers perform early 20^th-century circus music. Windjammers is a society dedicated to preserving and performing the music of circus bands from the early 20th century.

            Activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not required. Admission to the museum is $19 for adults, $16 for seniors, $6 for students and teachers and free for children 5 and under. Tickets may be purchased in the Visitors Pavilion of the museum.  For more information visit www.ringling.org.

            This program is funded in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Institutions Program; and in part by the Les and Judy Smout Foundation.

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 Tibbals Learning Center, the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' 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 $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit 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; Ca' 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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