Welcome to the Museum of Art
In 1925, circus impresario John Ringling (1866–1936) decided to build an art museum, both as a legacy meant to outlast his business interests and as a memorial to his wife Mable and himself. By sharing the arts of Europe with the people of Florida, Ringling sought to educate and encourage curiosity for the wider world.
John H. Phillips designed the Museum—a pink, Renaissance-style palace with 21 galleries enclosing a courtyard graced with copies of iconic sculptures. First opened in 1930, Ringling filled the Museum with European paintings, paneled interiors and architectural sculpture from the Gilded Age Astor and Huntington mansions in New York, and ancient and medieval objects purchased from distinguished collections. Upon his death in 1936, Ringling bequeathed the Museum to the people of Florida.
The Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, opened in 2007, hosts rotating exhibitions and houses Joseph’s Coat (2011), a Skyspace by the internationallyrenowned artist James Turrell. Joseph’s Coat is a meditative experience of light, sky, and color.
Opened in 2016, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art promotes the exploration of historical and contemporary Asian art through exhibitions, research, and programs. Highlights include East Asian ceramics, Indian sculpture, and changing displays of works on paper and silk.
The Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art, opened in November 2016, is the first permanent gallery dedicated to contemporary art. Galleries in the Searing Wing have been permanently reassigned to showcase The Ringling’s modern and contemporary collection. These additions make The Ringling’s growing 20th- and 21st-century collections more visible and will enhance its stature as a major commissioner of contemporary art.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Take a Docent-led Tour
Museum of Art tours are free with admission Tuesday through Sunday, subject to docent availability. The tour schedule is available in the front lobby.
Visit The Ringling Art Library
ringling.org/art-library
Located in the Johnson-Blalock Education Center, the library is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
Publications Available in the Museum Store
There are numerous publications about the Ringlings and the Museum’s collections in the Museum Store located in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion.
Search our Museum Collection Online ringling.org/collections
ART AFTER 5
THURSDAYS, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
$15 Adults / $5 Children 6+ / Free for Members
Explore the Museum of Art, including special exhibitions, and the Circus Museum. Select events and programs are also part of Art After 5—there is something for everyone! Check ringling.org for the schedule.
Learn More About Our Archives ringling.org/archives ringling.org
941.359.5700
The Ringling is in the midst of a multi-year project to reinstall the Museum of Art’s original 21 galleries. With the reopening of Gallery 21 in fall 2019, seven galleries are now complete.
We invite you to discover these newly transformed spaces.
• Check at the entrance to the Museum for information about special exhibitions
• If you would like use of a wheelchair or stroller, see a member of the security staff
• Works in this guide may be temporarily off view
Personal photography is permitted unless otherwise indicated
No flash photography, selfie sticks, tripods, or lighting equipment
No photography, video, or audio recording on docent-led tours
FOOD
No food or
in the galleries
Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Still Life with Parrots Gallery 13 g