The Greatest Show on Earth – New circus exhibit opens at The Ringling Museum
Of course The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Fla. has many circus exhibits, but a new interactive one opened today. The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery focuses on the history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey shows since the Feld family purchased it in the 1960s.
This latest addition to The Ringling showcases the era of modern circus by exploring the first 50 years of the Feld Family’s stewardship.
“This exhibit will serve as a dynamic testament to the vitality and innovation of modern circus,” said Steven High, executive director of The Ringling. “We are thrilled to finally have permanent gallery space dedicated to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus era that many of our visitors remember.”
The new exhibit continues the story found throughout the Circus Museum, of how Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey grew to become one of the most well-recognized brands in the world. The gallery space uses interactive displays and special effects to show both front- and back-of-house perspectives of the circus. Visitors can explore artifacts, costumes, and more.
Located at the culmination of a timeline of the history of circus in America, an authentic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey marquee draws visitors to the entry portal of the new gallery. Once inside, visitors can explore the four sections of the exhibit at their own pace:
Introduction to the Feld Family’s Stewardship
A combination of video, artifacts, and text introduce visitors to how three generations of the Feld Family have continued to re-invent the circus for modern times.
Evolution
Moving behind the curtain, visitors find original costumes, props and design documents that represent the variety of talents that come together for every production. Interactive stations give visitors a chance to revisit many of the greatest acts to appear with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in the last 50 years.
The Show
The spectacle of the circus inspired this innovative experience that presents a dynamic combination of video, lighting, and original circus wardrobe to showcase acts popular for the last 50 years.
Memories
As visitors make their way out of the exhibit, they pass by a display of souvenirs representing decades of memories created for audiences of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
Throughout the exhibit, many individual stories are represented – from one-of-a-kind artifacts like the marquee sign, to moments of cultural importance (including the debut of Jonathan Lee Iverson as the first African American Ringmaster), and the amazing and varied talents of five decades of circus artistry.
“We find ourselves at the perfect moment to open these galleries, to contextualize the living history of the show and to update the museum’s interpretation of the history of the circus in America,” said Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Tibbals curator of circus at The Ringling.
Not Just a Circus Museum
While at The Ringling Museum, you’ll want to allow a full day to explore all the venues around the expansive grounds, including, but not limited to:
The Howard Bros. Circus Model: A miniature replica of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as it traveled in the early 20th century under tents), plus posters, costumes, and more.
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 mansion features free audio device tours downstairs, or you can purchase a ticket for a guided tour on the upper levels.
The Ringling Museum of Art: From European art from the medieval period to the 19th century, to early photography and immersive contemporary installations and Asian art. Don’t miss the large Italian-inspired courtyard.
Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden: Situated within 66 acres of bayfront grounds and gardens.
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. Parking is free.
The Ringling is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. There is a table service restaurant onsite called The Ringling Grillroom. For more information, visit Ringling.org.
