On the shores of Sarasota sits a 66 acre estate that belonged to John and Mable Ringling. John Ringling was a circus entrepreneur, collector of art and financier. Upon his death in 1936 John Ringling left his art collection and estate to the people of the State of Florida. In 2000 the State of Florida transferred stewardship of the Ringling Museum to Florida State University and is the largest museum/university complex in the nation.

The Ca d'Zan (house of John) is the house of John Ringling. Having traveled often to Europe John and Mable appreciated the continent's dazzling architecture and started building the house in 1924. The mansion was completed in 1926 and soon became the epicenter of cultural life in Sarasota.

The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was established in 1948 and was the first museum of its kind to document the rich history of the circus. With so many circus people living in the immediate area the collection grew quickly. The museum has a fine collection including rare handbills, posters and art prints, circus papers, business records, wardrobe, performing props, as well as all types of circus equipment.

What I found the most interesting was the Howard Bros. Circus Model which is a replica of "The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus" from 1919-1938. Complete with 8 main tents, 152 wagons, 1300 circus performers and workers, more than 800 animals and a 59 car train, the model is built in 3/4 inch-to-the-foot scale and occupies 3,800 square feet. The world's largest miniature circus was created over a period of more than 50 years by master builder and philanthropist Howard Tibbals.

If you are ever in Florida take the time to visit this interesting museum.