Helpful Info
Holiday Hours
January 1, 2025: The Ringling will be closed on New Year’s Day, and will reopen on January 2, 2025.
HOURS
| Monday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Thursday* | 10 AM – 8 PM* |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.
*Thursdays: after 5:00 PM only the Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are open.
Holiday Hours: Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
Directions
The address for entrance to The Ringling is 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota FL 34243.
From Sarasota
Drive North on North Tamiami Trail (US 41) to University Parkway. Turn left onto the esplanade leading to the Museum. Turn right into the parking lot of the FSU Center for Performing Arts.
From Bradenton
Drive South on North Tamiami Trail (US 41) to University Parkway. Turn right onto the esplanade leading to the Museum. Turn Right into the parking lot of the FSU Center for Performing Arts.
From I-75, Exit 213
Drive West on University Parkway. At University Parkway and North Tamiami Trail (US 41) continue straight through the traffic light onto the esplanade leading to the Museum. Turn Right into the parking lot of the FSU Center for Performing Arts.
From Sarasota/Bradenton SRQ Airport
Upon exiting the airport turn right onto University Parkway. At University Parkway and North Tamiami Trail (US 41) continue straight through the traffic light onto the esplanade leading to the Museum. Turn Right into the parking lot of the FSU Center for Performing Arts.
Parking
All parking is free and is available on both sides of the drive approaching the Museum of Art. On the north side, you may park in the large FSU Center for the Performing Arts parking lot. An unpaved parking lot is also available on the south side on the drive.
Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located on the northern side of the parking area near the Visitors Pavilion. Visitors must traverse the distance from the parking lot to the Visitors Pavilion.
Public Transportation: For current Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) route information click here
Dining
The Ringling Grillroom
Summer Hours: Sun-Wed 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, Thu-Sat 11:00 AM-7:30 PM
Located in the Visitors Pavilion, The Ringling Grillroom offers dine-in and take-away service. The Ringling Grillroom is open Sunday and Monday 11:00 am–5:30 pm; Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am–7:30 pm. Reservations are encouraged. For menus and reservations visit OpenTable.com.
Mable’s Coffee and Tea
Located upstairs in the Visitors Pavilion, Mable’s proudly serves Starbucks® hot and cold beverages and features a number of made-fresh daily salads, sandwiches, and parfaits along with baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. Mable’s is open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ringling Concessions
Our newest dining concept offers a tempting array of big top favorites as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and more. Located near Ca’ d’Zan, Ringling Concessions is open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note: posted hours are weather permitting and are subject to change.
Picnics
Yes! You may bring your picnic. Picnic coolers are allowed in designated picnic areas during regular business hours and picnic tables are located in the Dwarf Garden and the Playspace. Please note: Rolling coolers are not allowed on the property, and no coolers of any type are not allowed at special events and programs.
Museum Store
It’s the ultimate gift shop! With books, jewelry, toys, home goods, and more, there is something for everyone. Located inside the Visitors Pavilion, the Museum Store is open during regular museum hours. The store is open to the public, and Museum Admission is not required to visit the store.
If you are a vendor and would like us to consider selling your products, submit your request here: Submit Your Product
Policies
Souvenir Photography, Video, and Audio Recording
Still and video photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use outdoors and in the museum’s galleries; with the exception of special exhibitions. Video and audio recording of guided tours is prohibited, as is the use of flash. Tripods and monopods are permitted on the grounds but are not allowed inside the venues. Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, or commercially distributed. Learn more or book a photoshoot
Dress Code
Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times.
Smoking and Vaping
No smoking or vaping is permitted in any venue in accordance with the “Florida Clean Indoor Air Act”. Smoking and vaping is only permitted outdoors, away from buildings and other persons. All smoking items must be properly extinguished and discarded in waste receptacles.
May I exit and return?
Guests who choose to leave the museum on the date of their visit are allowed re-entry the same day, provided that your admission wristband is intact and around your wrist. You will be asked to display it upon reentry.
Sketching Policy
You are welcome to use The Ringling as an art-making space, respecting the following guidelines:
- Pencils, sketchbooks, and notebooks are permitted both indoors and outdoors.
- Pens, markers, paints, clay, and easels are permitted only outside on the grounds; they are not permitted in the Museum of Art courtyard, the galleries, or inside the venues.
- Please be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking access to the exhibits or the flow of foot traffic.
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards & Roller Blades
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards & roller blades are not allowed on the estate. Bicycle racks are located across the street from the Visitors Pavilion.
Coolers
Coolers and outside food and beverages are not allowed at special events and programs.
Visiting the Playspace
For everyone’s safety please do not bring sand buckets, shovels, balls, or other toys to the playground.
Weapons
Weapons of any kind, including guns, are not permitted at The Ringling. In accordance with Florida Statutes 790.06(12)(a) and 790.06(12)(b), The Ringling is part of Florida State University whereby guns are not permitted on the campus.
Art Appraisals and Authentication
The Ringling cannot appraise art, give valuation, or authenticate artwork. The following appraisal organizations and auction houses are available for assistance.
- Art Dealers of America | artdealers.org
- International Society of Appraisers | isa-appraisers.org
- Appraisers Association of America | appraisersassoc.org
- American Society of Appraisers | appraisers.org
- Christie’s | christies.com
- Sotheby’s | sothebys.com
Explore Sarasota
The Ringling is in the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast©. Long recognized as an area of natural beauty, Sarasota also hosts a rich mix of art, theater, music, film, and architecture. Learn more about Sarasota
Frequently Asked Questions
The Museums, Ca' d'Zan and Bayfront Gardens remain open to visitors on all other holidays including, but not limited to:
- Martin Luther King Day
- President's Day
- St Patrick's Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- The day after Thanksgiving
Please note: The administrative offices located in the Education Center may be closed on some holidays. If you have business in these offices, please call ahead to verify hours and availability.
- You may find low resolution images of many of our works online at emuseum.ringling.org These images can be used for educational purposes.
- High resolution images for publication or commercial use must be requested. Find more information here
- Art Dealers of America | artdealers.org
- International Society of Appraisers | isa-appraisers.org
- Appraisers Association of America | appraisersassoc.org
- American Society of Appraisers | appraisers.org
- Christie’s | christies.com
- Sotheby’s | sothebys.com
- To avoid waiting in line in the Visitor’s Pavilion, we recommend purchasing tickets online prior to your arrival. Tickets and Admission
- The following times tend to be quieter and less crowded at the museum: Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 AM and 3:00 – 5:00PM; Tuesdays are typically the least crowded day of the week
- Temperatures may vary between gallery spaces, especially in the Museum of Art. You may want to bring a light sweater.
- For visitors with wandering or elopement concerns: please note that the Ringling property is not completely enclosed by fences or other barriers. The west side of the property abuts Sarasota bay.
Social Narratives These social narratives are designed for children and Families to help plan and prepare for an enjoyable museum visit and to cover important guidelines, like museum rules and security.
Sensory Friendly Map Our sensory-friendly map is designed to create an experience that is welcoming for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities.
For your safety and the safety of your children, we ask that you please refrain from bringing the following items to the playspace – large containers of any type, balls, and toys. Small food and drink containers are allowed on the playspace picnic table area.
If you are a vendor and would like us to consider selling your products, submit your request here: Submit Your Product
- From the intersection of N. Tamiami Trail (US 41) and University Parkway, proceed west on the esplanade in front of the museum toward Bay Shore Road.
- The esplanade dead-ends in front of the Museum of Art. Turn right on Bay Shore Road.
- Pull into the “Bus Drop Off” area, which is on your immediate right.
- Drop off the chaperones, students, and lunches.
- This is a bus unloading zone only, so please move to the parking lot as soon as possible.
- From the “Drop Off” area drive north on Bay Shore Road. (The Ringling will be on your left.)
- Turn right at the first stop sign, College Road. Stay in the right lane.
- Turn right on North Tamiami Trail (US 41).
- Turn right immediately into the entrance of the FSU complex. It is marked for the Asolo Theater & the Cook Theater.
- The parking area for buses is on the east end of the parking lot right next to US 41.
Courtesy Carts: These carts are available for those who require assistance and can only accommodate up to 3 individuals. Please speak with a Museum Attendant for more information. Note: Courtesy Carts are limited, and a wait time may be required. All cart service is weather permitting.
ADA Accessible Trams: The ADA accessible trams are equipped with a ramp, but please note that the steep slope of the tram ramp may necessitate assistance from a companion. Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated on the trams; electric scooters cannot be accommodated on the trams. If an accessible tram is required, please notify a Museum Attendant. Note: All tram service is weather permitting.
Wheelchairs: We encourage guests to bring their own wheelchairs. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis in each of the venues. At Ca' d’Zan smaller wheel chairs are provided due to the historic nature of the building.
Historic Asolo Theater: To purchase accessible seating, or for other accessibility inquiries related to the Theater, call the Box Office at 941-359-5700.
Strollers: Strollers can be used in all buildings but only on the first floor of Ca' d’Zan. Free strollers are available in each venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Strollers can be accommodated on our ADA-accessible trams.
Ca' d'Zan Experience Tour: Visitors touring beyond the first floor will climb multiple spiral staircases (85 steps) and must stand for the duration of the tour. Seating is not available.
Ca' d'Zan First Floor: Motorized scooters can only be accommodated on the first floor of the mansion. Wheelchairs are available at Ca’ d’Zan and all mobility devices may be used on the first floor.
Terrain: For those visitors traversing the grounds and exploring the gardens on foot, please be prepared for uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available in or near all venues. The nearest accessible restroom to the Historic Circus Galleries and Playspace is located in the Tibbals Learning Center.
Museum of Art Audio Guide: Visitors who are blind or have low vision can access visual descriptions of select objects in the Museum of Art audio guides. Explore the Audio Guide
Guided Tours: Visitors who are blind may request a tour that incorporates tactile objects and visual description for any of our venues with two weeks’ advance notice. Contact [email protected]
In the Chao Lecture Hall: The Chao Lecuture Hall is equipped with a loop system to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils (T-Coil). By turning your hearing aid to "T" for reception, you will be able to hear our performances with enhanced amplification and clarity. For visitors who do not have the T-Coil system, assistive listening devices are also available. To obtain an assistive listening device, please ask in the lecture hall upon arrival.
In the Visitors Pavilion: One ticketing station at the Admissions Desk is equipped with a loop system to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils (T-Coil). Look for the designated T-Coil sign at the Station. By turning your hearing aid to "T" for reception, you will be able to hear the admissions associate with enhanced amplification and clarity.
Guided Tours: Visitors may request the use of assisted listening devices (including neck loops for t-coil switches) for guided tours and select public programs with advance notice. Visitors who are deaf may request an ASL-interpreted guided tour with two weeks’ advance notice.
TTY / Relay Service: Florida residents may use a free TTY / relay service by dialing 7-1-1. For more information visit Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. at http://www.ftri.org/
Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located on the northern side of the parking area near the Visitors Pavilion. Visitors must traverse the distance from the parking lot to the Visitors Pavilion.
ADA Accessible Trams: The ADA accessible trams are equipped with a ramp, but please note that the steep slope of the tram ramp may necessitate assistance from a companion. Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated on the trams; electric scooters cannot be accommodated on the trams. If an accessible tram is required, please notify a Museum Attendant. Note: All tram service is weather permitting.
Mable's Coffee and Tea Located upstairs in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, Mable's proudly serves Starbucks® hot and cold beverages and features a number of made fresh daily salads, sandwiches, and parfaits along with baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. Mable’s is open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM.
The Ringling Concessions Our newest dining concept offers a tempting array of big top favorites as well as fresh made salads, sandwiches and more. Located near Ca' d'Zan, Ringling Concessions is open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note: Posted hours are weather permitting and are subject to change.
