Tibbals Learning Center & Circus Museum at The Ringling - Sarasota, Florida

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The Tibballs Learning Center & Circus Museum at The Ringling: A Unique Cultural Destination

For those seeking a captivating and enriching experience, we wholeheartedly recommend the Tibballs Learning Center & Circus Museum at The Ringling. Located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, this remarkable institution offers a fascinating blend of historical preservation, artistic exploration, and family-friendly entertainment. You can easily reach them by calling 941-359-5700 or visiting their website: ringling.org.

The museum’s core focus is the extraordinary legacy of John and Nina Gibb Tibballs, a prominent circus family who dedicated their lives to preserving circus history. It’s not simply a museum; it’s a comprehensive archive and history museum dedicated to the vibrant world of the circus. The collection includes costumes, props, posters, photographs, and a vast array of artifacts representing nearly a century of circus performance.

Key Features and Amenities

• Specialties: Museum, Archive, History Museum, Tourist Attraction
• Location: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
• Onsite Services: The museum offers a variety of services, including wheelchair rentals, restroom facilities, and a restaurant for refreshments.
• Accessibility: It's designed with accessibility in mind, boasting a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom.
• Family-Friendly: The museum is exceptionally good for kids, providing a stimulating and engaging environment for all ages.
• Convenience: Free parking is available onsite, alongside on-site parking.

The museum’s collection is meticulously curated and regularly updated. Visitors can explore the history of various circus acts, the lives of performers, and the evolution of circus technology. Beyond the artifacts, the Learning Center itself offers educational programs and activities, further enhancing the visitor experience. The average opinion is a remarkable 4.8/5, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from its patrons, with a total of 2020 reviews on Google My Business.

Additional Information

| Feature | Detail |
|--------------------|--------------------------|
| Reviews | 2020 (Google My Business) |
| Rating | 4.8/5 |
| Military Discounts| Available |

The Tibballs Learning Center & Circus Museum at The Ringling is more than just a museum; it’s a tribute to the artistry and spectacle of the circus. It's a place where history comes alive, and families can create lasting memories. We strongly encourage anyone interested in circus history, art, or a unique cultural experience to visit. For the most up-to-date information on exhibits, events, and visiting hours, we recommend exploring their website at ringling.org. Contacting them directly through their website is the best way to ensure you have the most current details for your visit.

Do you have any other questions about this remarkable destination

👍 Reviews of Tibbals Learning Center & Circus Museum at The Ringling

Aaron F.

5/5

An absolute must see if you visit Sarasota!

The grounds are stunning, the staff is fantastic, & the history is beautiful. Although I don’t agree with having animals in the circus, it’s nice to see that it’s evolving & hopefully in the near future the few that are still remaining will be retired. It’s cruel & completely unnecessary to have a good time. Rant over. lol.

With that said, give yourself plenty of time to experience this place. It’s very large. After the circus museums, there is a private collection of art that The Ringling’s owned for which they created a breathtaking mansion to showcase it for all of us to enjoy. It’s worth it!

It’s definitely a place I would return to for a different memorable experience.

Thanks Team The Ringling.

William B.

5/5

Amazing place to visit. This was our 4th time. Never gets old. Brings back good memories.

Hortencia R.

5/5

Love this museum absolutely a must when in the area beautiful memories of the circus there is alot of history..needvat least a few hours to see everything..will return in the future.

Naomi S.

5/5

This is extraordinary! His art work, his passion for detail and the extraordinary layout is magnificent. Great instructive film, and such a joy to visit. We loved every room and it also included real circus posters and a circus caravan and mementos. It was awesome!!! For kids thru adult ages. There are benches everywhere to sit and eat, a great gift shop and a tingling courtesy car to bring people who can’t walk.

Gretchen L.

5/5

We were visiting some dear friends. We are from Kansas City and wanted out of the cold. This place is amazing! We ate lunch on site which was good. Very busy. This place was mind boggling with the miniature circus that had so much detail, it's a wonder how the circus people did it all! A must see!

Ed D.

5/5

Absolutely Fantastic. The model circus he created is not too be missed. Pictures do not do it justice. It must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.

Enrique G.

5/5

Great exhibit. Lots of information, several places for shor films. The detail of the miniature of the circus is unbelievable. To think one man did this with the help of his wife is formidable. A must see! The restaurant was very nice. Clean buildings and well kept.

E L. H.

5/5

This is a breaktaking recreation of a big top circus in miniature. It is extraordinary. I cannot stop thinking about the incredible details and how they reveal the miracle of the circus. Do not miss.