Helpful Info

Hours Parking Dining Shopping Policies Accessibility
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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: Coolers 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.  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

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.

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

First Aid
If you or another person is in need of first aid, contact the nearest museum attendant or dial museum security at 941-359-5722. Museum security will respond, and contact outside support if needed.
Are you closed on government holidays?
The Ringling is closed to the public three days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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.
Reproducing Images

  • 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 Appraisals and Authentication
The Ringling cannot appraise art, give valuation, or authenticate artwork. The following appraisal organizations and auction houses are available for assistance.
Visitors on the Autism Spectrum
Tips for your visit
  • 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.
Maps and Guides
Enhance your visit with printable guides, maps, itineraries, and audio guides. View Maps & Guides
Is there playground at The Ringling?
Yes! The David F. Bolger Playspace, is a place where kids can let go and just play. Enjoy a slide, basket swings, hand-powered fountains, and other novel pieces of playtime equipment that promise to deliver plenty of good times and an infinite amount of laughter.
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.
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards & Roller Blades
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards & Roller Blades are not allowed on the estate. Bicycle racks are located outside, across the street from the Visitors Pavilion.
Museum Store | Gift Shop
It's the ultimate gift shop! With books, jewelry, toys, home goods, and more, there is something for everyone at the Museum Store. Located inside the Visitor's Pavilion the museum store is open during regular Museum hours. The store is open to the public, and no ticketing is required to visit the store. For store information email [email protected].
If you are a vendor and would like us to consider selling your products, submit your request here: Submit Your Product
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 on the grounds. They are not permitted in the 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.
Souvenir Photography, Video, and Audio Recording
Still and video photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use outdoors and in the Museum’s galleries.  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.
Bus Parking
Bus Unloading
  1. 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.
  2. The esplanade dead-ends in front of the Museum of Art. Turn right on Bay Shore Road.
  3. Pull into the “Bus Drop Off” area, which is on your immediate right.
  4. Drop off the chaperones, students, and lunches.
  5. This is a bus unloading zone only, so please move to the parking lot as soon as possible.
  Bus Parking
  1. From the “Drop Off” area drive north on Bay Shore Road. (The Ringling will be on your left.)
  2. Turn right at the first stop sign, College Road. Stay in the right lane.
  3. Turn right on North Tamiami Trail (US 41).
  4. Turn right immediately into the entrance of the FSU complex. It is marked for the Asolo Theater & the Cook Theater.
  5. The parking area for buses is on the east end of the parking lot right next to US 41.
Lost-and-found
Report lost or found articles to the nearest Museum Attendant. You may call 941-359-5721 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to inquire about lost items.
Service Animals
The Ringling allows the use of trained service animals by individuals with disabilities in all public areas of the campus. Under Florida Statute 413.08, a service animal is not a pet and is limited to a dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work done or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. View Florida Statute 413.08
May I exit The Ringling and return?
Yes! You may leave the grounds and re-enter the same day; provided that your Admissions wristband is intake and around your wrist. You will be asked to display it upon reentry.
Website Accessibility
Website Accessibility Aide An accessibility aide is available in the lower left corner of every page of ringling.org to assist with navigation, content and text size, colors and contrast, highlighting links, reading a page, and more. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is committed to continuously improving access to our services for all users, and we make every attempt for all our visitors to have a pleasant online experience. The Ringling has an ongoing program to provide and improve accessibility of our website, ringling.org, consistent with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.  If you are unable to use any aspect of this website, PDF files, or other attachments, please contact us by emailing [email protected],(TTY: 7-1-1); and we will provide you with assistance.
Visitors with Limited Mobility 
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.
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. 
 
Visitors who are Blind or have Low Vision
Large-print brochures are available in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion; please ask museum staff.
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]
   
Visitors who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing
In the Historic Asolo Theater: The Historic Asolo Theater 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 and cochlear implant adapters are also available for visitors attending events in the Historic Asolo Theater. To obtain an assistive listening device, please ask at the Box Office upon arrival. Please note that the first two rows of seats on the first tier and the entire third tier of seats are not looped. If you need assistance in choosing seats that will be compatible with T-coil, please call the Box Office at 941-359-5700.
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/
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.
 
Accessible 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. 
Personal Care Attendants
If you need assistance to visit The Ringling, your personal care attendant (PCA) will receive complimentary admission with your ticket purchase. Please notify staff at the Admissions counter for more information.
Is public transportation available?
For current Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) route information visit https://www.scgov.net/scat
Is tram service available?
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.
Restaurants and Dining Options
The Ringling Grillroom The Ringling Grillroom is open Monday-Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM, and Sunday-Monday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Located in the John M. McKay Pavilion, this restaurant offers dine-in and take-away service. Visit OpenTable.com for reservations.
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.
   
Picnics
Picnic coolers are allowed in designated picnic areas during regular business hours.  Picnic tables are located in the Dwarf Garden and the Playspace.  Please note: Coolers are not allowed at special events and programs.

Accessibility

Learn more

Maps & Guides

Learn more