THE RINGLING COLLECTION: NEW ACQUISITIONS

We think of our collections as living organisms. For the Museum to remain a vital part of the community, its collections must grow and evolve to serve its audiences. Today’s museums rely heavily on the generosity of forward-thinking collectors who make the decision to donate works from their collections, trusting in the mission of the museum to care for objects of cultural importance in perpetuity and to display those objects for the benefit and education of society. Currently in the West Galleries of the Museum of Art you will find an exhibition of more than 50 new acquisitions, made through donation and purchase, demonstrating the breadth of the collections and highlighting the active building undertaken over the last few years.

Art Library

The Museum Library continues its tradition of acquiring rare books, begun by John Ringling in the 1920s when he purchased 17th-century artist biographies to augment the study of his art collection. Taschen Publishers is just one superior example of contemporary book production.

Asian Art

In 2014 the Ringling will open a major new building focused exclusively on the art of Asia. In preparation for this important expansion, the Museum has recently acquired objects from donors that enhance its collections that represent the major countries and cultures of Asia.

Ca’d’Zan

We have been fortunate to receive as gifts several artifacts that were once owned by John and Mable Ringling. Family members and friends have stepped forward to help complete the story of our founders’ lives.

Circus Collection

The Circus Museum was the inspiration of the first director of the Ringling Museum, A. Everett Austin, Jr. As there were no circus collections to draw upon, Austin reached out to the circus community. The response was overwhelming. This generous tradition of donation continues to this day.

Contemporary Painting and Sculpture

With the beginning of the Art of Our Time initiative in 2010 and the opening of Joseph’s Coat, the James Turrell Skyspace located in the Selby Courtyard of the Searing Wing, the Ringling made a public commitment to once again become a fertile ground for the display and cultivation of work by living artists.

Glass

With the donation of more than 30 pieces of studio art glass from collectors Philip and Nancy Kotler, the Museum has embarked on a new collecting focus. The Kotler Collection comprises works by many of the leading glass artists in the American and European traditions.

Photography

2012 marks an important year in the history of the Ringling’s collection. The donation of more than 1,000 photographs by Warren J. and Margot Coville is one of the most significant donations of art in the Museum’s history. In honor of the Coville’s gift, three other collectors of photography made donations to the museum: Hilary Leff and Elliot Groffman, and Geoffrey West.

Works on Paper

The collection of works on paper is one of the largest collections housed at the Museum. Spanning the period from the Old Masters to contemporary artists, it is a vital and growing part of the collection. The works on display by the American Surrealist, Boris Margo were a gift from the estate of the artist.