Area History

A RICH CULTURAL HISTORY

Not many cities can claim a cultural founding father as iconic around the world as John Ringling, a co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

It was Ringling who claimed Sarasota as his own, bestowing upon the city a world of art, architecture and literature including his storied library and a Museum of Art which includes his own vast collection of old world art.

Historic properties added to the Ringling legacy include a circus museum, Ringling's Italian-inspired mansion and the Asolo Theater, which was once a royal's castle in Italy.

Today, Sarasota celebrates its history as gateway to the Gulf and a cultural treasure.

Downtown Sarasota

THE HEART OF FLORIDA’S CULTURAL COAST

The arts scene in Sarasota is tied closely with the city’s history, beginning with the Ringling Museum of Art housing the world’s largest collection of Rubens.

The gift of a fabulous art museum by famous circus founder, John Ringling parlayed Sarasota to cultural Mecca for the arts. Performing arts enthusiasts can enjoy the ballet, symphony and theater at famous venues such as the historic Asolo Theater and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.

Connoisseurs of fine and contemporary art can browse dozens of galleries and art festivals. And Sarasota’s architecture is on display at every turn, from Ringling’s famous Ca’d’Zan to an impressive skyline of historic, post-modern and contemporary facades.