Opened in 1948, the Circus Museum celebrates the American circus, its history, and its unique relationship to Sarasota. On display are colossal parade and baggage wagons, sequined costumes, and a sideshow banner line that documents the circus of the past and of today. Also on display are artifacts and memorabilia documenting the history of the Ringling family circus, and John Ringling, the circus king.
The Wisconsin, private rail car of John and Mable, is featured in the Circus Museum. Built during the golden age of rail, it provides a glimpse into the deluxe accommodations enjoyed by the Ringlings as they traveled the country on business and with the circus.
Colorful circus posters, ranging in size from barn to window size, are also on display. These posters were plastered on fences, walls, and buildings all across America to broadcast that the circus was coming to town!
Opening in 2012, an expansion to the Circus Museum will contain exhibitions that celebrate circus performers, where visitors will be able to experience the "magic" of the center ring.
The most spectacular exhibit, though, was the miniature circus........
