We did the extended (+$5) to see the upstairs and were not disappointed. It is too bad that the Ringlings didn't get to enjoy their home longer but it is in great shape and a delight to visit now.
The Ringlings certainly new about picking the perfect spot on the bay for their home. The details inside, the architecture, the views, all are just perfect. The landscaping helped to keep the heat away from the house in pre-air conditioning Florida and add to the beauty of the home. Hard to imagine owning such a house on my teacher's salary!
One can take a guided tour - it hits the nooks and crannies - for extra fee, but well worth the money spend.
The mansion in Venetian style, has been beautifully restored and is a great treasure for Sarasota and the surrounding Keys. I especially liked the self-guided tour.
Docents here do a great job of making the home come alive with stories about the Ringlings. Tour is maybe 45 min. and part of entrance fee. Don't miss the ceilings as they have tales to tell. Bay view from the expansive terrace is beautiful.
Several options to visit this lovely residence. There are hourly self guided tours as well as two types of guided tours for an additional charge. The second more expensive tour provides access to the second floor and the tower. If you are planning on the self guided tour be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early as you have to line up and only 30 guests are permitted at a time. The additional charge tours have specific times scheduled for departure.
What a great place to see. The house is beautiful, hard to believe that this how a circus family lived for a retreat. The décor is amazing. Worth the time and money.
This is a fabulous mansion that John and Mabel Ringling build in Venetian style in the 1920's. It has been restored beautifully and is well worth seeing. You can buy tickets for tours of the house at the house, it's about $10, tours leave every half hour or so. Definitely worth taking the tour. Life was pretty different for rich people in those days!
This is a beautiful mansion in a lovely setting on the Ringling property. We had limited time so did the self-guided tour. In retrospect, we should have paid for the guided one - I think we would have gotten more out of it. Still very enjoyable and worth the time.
Totally overwhelming the size of the painting s, see their vision and hope for this museum to always continue, one of the largest collections I have ever seen!