Daily Tours

Experience all the Ringling Estate has to offer by taking advantage of our many tour options. 

General Estate Information

Film: The Life and Times of John and Mable Ringling at the Historic Asolo Theater is a PBS-produced 30-minute film chronicling John and Mable’s lives and the history of the Estate.  Theater schedule permitting, check at box office upon arrival.

Video: Estate Orientation Video in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion is a continuous loop giving an overview of facilities and programs on the Estate.

Virtual Tours 

Guided tours

Guided tours are led by experienced docents and unless otherwise indicated are complimentary with admission.  Pricing is provided for those tours that are not included with admission.  Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Complimentary tours do not require reservations.  A donation to the Museum's Historic Preservation Fund is welcome at the end of each tour.

Museum of Art

 John and Mable's Museum Tour

An introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Ringling’s travels through Europe and some of the master works on view in their magnificent Museum.

Meet in the Museum of Art Lobby

Daily:  11:00 a.m.; noon; 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m.

 Private Docent Tour of Permanent Collection

An hour tour and talk with your own private docent creates an intimate, exclusive, personalized tour of John and Mable’s Collection.  Requires a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance and additional charge of $100 for up to 25 people.  Call 941.358.3180 for more information.

 Special Exhibition Tours

Tours focus on the changing exhibitions that are currently on view.

Meet in the Searing Wing Lobby

Availability based on current Special Exhibitions – Daily: 1:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.

 Private Docent Tour of Special Exhibitions

Learn more about current special exhibition by arranging a private docent tour.  Requires a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance and additional charge of $100 for up to 25 people.  Call 941.358.3180 for more information.

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Circus Museum

 What a Show!

A tour featuring the Ringling Family and the great American Circus.
Meet in the Circus Green Gallery

Daily: noon; 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m.

 Private Docent Tour of Original Circus Museum

Discover little known facts about Circus life and history by spending time with a docent who loves sharing stories of the Circus.  Requires a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance and additional charge of $100 for up to 25 people.  Call 941.358.3180 for more information.

Cà d’Zan Mansion

 Tour the main living spaces of John and Mable in their beloved winter home.

Meet in the Solarium

Daily: 11:00 a.m.; noon; 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m.

Tickets: $5 /no charge for Ringling Members. This tour is an add-on to general admissions and may be purchased on-site or in advance by calling 941.358.3180

Private Places -Special Cà d'Zan Experience

 An exclusive 45-minute tour through the mansion. Visit the rooms where the rich and famous stayed when visiting the Ringlings, John Ringling’s study and exercise room, the third floor game room and weather permitting, the spectacular view from the Belvedere Tower.

Meet in front of Cà d'Zan

Daily: 11:00 a.m.; noon; 2:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m.

Tickets: $20 / $10 Ringling Members. This tour is not included with admission and may be purchased on-site or in advance by calling 941.358.3180.

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Self-Guided Tours

To enhance your self-guided tour a guide (The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Guide to the Collection) is available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Audio Tour 

Audio Tours of the Museum of Art's permanent collection and Cà d'Zan Mansion are available for rent in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion. Both tours feature Ringling curatorial experts, character voices, period music and digital images of the highlighted objects and are available on one iPod® for one price - $5 / $4 for Ringling Members.

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Museum of Art

Enjoy a self-guided experience of the Museum Art during regular business hours, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. 

Circus Museum and Tibbals Learning Center 

Step right up to the big top and be a child again as you learn the history of the great American circus during regular business hours, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily.

Cà d'Zan Mansion

The first floor of the Ringlings’ historic home is available for self-guided visits:

Daily:10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m; 11:30 a.m to 12:00 noon; 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.;2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m  to 4:00 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Special Group Tours Available

Accessibility (for people who are visually impaired)

The Ringling Museum of Art offers special group tours for blind and visually impaired visitors and their companions.  These interactive tours, led by trained docents, include engaging verbal descriptions of the works of art on view; reproduction enhancements; tactile diagrams to help visitors “feel” the work of art; and touchable props. Reservations for accessibility tours need to be booked four weeks in advance of the tour date.  Accessibility tours are offered Tuesday through Friday at 10:30am. 
To book an accessibility tour, please call Advance Sales at 941.358.3180.

School and Community Tours

Self-guided and docent-led tours are available for school groups K-20. Visit our School and Community Tours information page for more details.

Contact the Education department for more information at education@ringling.org or 941.359.5700.

All tours are subject to docent availability and are subject to change. Tour participation may be limited due to Museum safe-practice policies. 

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