We were invited to check out the NEW exhibit at The Ringling this past weekend - The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery®. This is an educational and fun way for all ages to explore the circus and learn more about the last 50 years of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Visitors can see artifacts, costumes, displays and media footage in an engaging and multisensory experience throughout the exhibition area.
This self-guided tour is set into four sections:
- Introduction to the Feld Family’s Stewardship of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Learn how three generations of the Feld Family have continued to re-invent the circus for modern times.
- Evolution of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – See original costumes, props and design documents used over the years. There are also some touch-free exhibits where you can learn more about the circus animals, light the fuse to blast off the human cannonball or pie a clown in the face!
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- The Show - Watch The Greatest Show on Earth on the big screen showcasing popular acts during the first fifty years.
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- Memories of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Take a walk down memory lane with various souvenirs and memorabilia from decades of shows presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
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Admission to The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery is included in regular museum admission, which is $25 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for children under age 6.
Once you've checked out the new exhibit, make sure to spend some time on the first floor of the Tibbals Learning Center for more fun! Check out The Howard Bros. Circus Model - an AMAZING miniature replica of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as it traveled in the early 20th century under tents. This is a display that you have to see to believe - there are so many details; you are guaranteed to see something new each time you visit. There are more posters, costumes and circus memorabilia, plus more interactive experiences here, including walking a tightrope and trying to fit into the tiny clown cars!
Additional fun at The Ringling:
- Historic Circus Museum: the home of The Wisconsin (John and Mable’s private Pullman railroad car)
- Ca’ d’Zan (John and Mable Ringling’s bayfront home)
- The Ringling Museum of Art (featuring art ranging from European art from the medieval period to the 19th century to early photography to immersive contemporary installations and Asian art, along with an Italian-inspired courtyard) - FREE on Mondays!
- Mable Ringling’s lush rose garden is situated within 66 acres of bayfront grounds and gardens.
- David F. Bolger Playspace (which boasts an audacious slide)
- Historic Asolo Theater (which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year)
- Art Library (Only open on weekdays, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive art research libraries in the southeastern United States)
- Plus, don't forget that The Ringling has an indoor restaurant - The Grill Room - with a patio overlooking the beautiful grounds. After a hard day of exploring and learning, it just hits the spot. They offer a kid's menu as well. I had the Chicken Panini, and my daughter had the Surf and Turf (both pictured below). So yummy!
Be sure to set aside a good portion of the day for your visit to the Ringling. There really is so much to do and see. We spent so much time enjoying the exhibits and dinner we ran out of time to see the rest of the exhibits or hit the playground. It's a fantastic experience for all ages - the kids will love the interactive features and the adults will love learning about the history. It brought up some great memories for me when I enjoyed the circus as a little girl with my family. Put it on your bucket list for the summer - this exhibit is not to be missed!
For more information, please visit Ringling.org.
I was provided complimentary admission for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own.
