Visiting The Ringling

The Museum of Art is Florida's state art museum. The Circus Museum tells the story that made the Ringling name, and Ca' d'Zan is John and Mable Ringling's bayfront mansion. Add the Bayfront Gardens and the Historic Asolo Theater, and there's more here than one quick visit can cover. Wear comfortable shoes, since walking between venues is the norm.

It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., just the Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens stay open. The Ringling closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Keep your wristband on and you can leave and come back the same day. The art museum's galleries have long offered free admission on Mondays, so confirm that with The Ringling before you plan around it.

All parking is free. Spaces line both sides of the drive toward the Museum of Art, with a large lot on the north side at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts and an unpaved lot on the south side. Accessible spaces are on the north side near the Visitors Pavilion.

The Visitors Pavilion has The Ringling Grillroom and Mable's Coffee. You're also welcome to bring your own picnic to the picnic areas, though rolling coolers aren't allowed. Kids can burn off energy at the Playspace and Dwarf Garden.