Inside the Ringling Mansion: The Rise and Fall of a Circus Empire
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- Опубликовано: 13 апр 2023
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Discover the captivating history of John Ringling, the circus tycoon who lost it all. Tour Ca' D'Zan, Ringling's opulent Sarasota estate, revealing the fascinating story behind this American Venice, and the tragic end to a once-great fortune.
Location: Sarasota, FL
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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress, Rpgray, Daderot, Castle, Otis Historical Archives, National Museum of Health and Medicine, D. Kell
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The Ringling Museum is the finest exhibit of art, culture, gardens, architecture & entertainment in all of Florida. A must see for any visit to the west coast. A treasure beyond compare!!
When Ringling's personal train car was found & restored, and added to the exhibits, I was dumbfounded.
Vizcaya in Miami, while smaller in campus, is a close second. I agree the traincar addition is stellar.
I’ve been to this mansion & it’s breathtaking. The views of the ocean from the terrace is amazing. Highly recommend seeing this.
I’ve always wanted to tour this. Thanks for the recommendation.
Me too, it’s beautiful
Agreed! My gf got married there. A sunset wedding, and it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. The windows and tiles are antique. Still in great shape they were installed with great craftsmanship. The music sounded amazing as we danced until late in the evening. Wonderful experience, really! 😊
In person, this place is absolutely gorgeous. The ocean literally laps at the foundations of the house. The grounds are gorgeous, with a botanical garden that has trees and plants from around the world. We spent hours just wandering the grounds after an afternoon in the art museum. We followed a wonderful fragrancearound until we came upon a Ylang ylang tree in bloom. The collection in the art museum is wonderful. We were so lucky - we were there during the second wave of COVID, and were almost the only people in the entire place. We had it all to ourselves - it was absolutely magical.
This is a very nice Florida Day Trip with the Circus Museum and the Ringling Museum of Art all on the same property. The house and furnishings are spectacular and the third floor play room is a blast! The art museum is a treasure of Italian Renaissance paintings. Very much worth a visit to this estate.
Make sure to go down ten minutes to eat at the Amish Yoder's for the best pie in Florida afterwards!
I do this trip about once every two to three years. Yes the art museum is absolutely amazing. It's basically a grown-up Disney World
I forgot about Yoders! Great food. Lots to look at in the gift shop.
The art museum is just magnificent. Could stare at those huge painting for hours. Stunning
The original choice for Sarasota was that it was where the Ringlings wintered their circuses. As magnificent as the mansion is, there is so much more to this estate. There's the circus museum, the large art museum, and the 1798 Asolo Theater (purchased long after Ringling's death). One of John Ringling's real estate purchases was all the land across the bay (shown in the photo looking through the balustrade) so that no one (at the time) could build on it, giving him a view of only nature. The Empire style bedroom was not a guest room but was actually John's. My favorite room is John's bathroom with the bathtub cut from one block of marble. My favorite thing in the mansion when I visited, was that the dining table was set with the Ringling's own Tiffany Persian sterling flatware. In a biography of Chick Austin , it tells that when he left as head of the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford to get the Art museum here up and running, all of the art (including those huge masterpieces by Rubens) was filthy and covered in mold! There is also the beautiful mansion of john's brother Charles in Sarasota which is part of a college but seems to be available for weddings. Excellent video.
What a grand & opulent mansion!!! I am glad that it was saved & can be enjoyed today!!! Thanks Ken for sharing this elegant estate!!! 👍👍🙂
I loved the carvings to scale of the circus that took a man from West Virginia a lifetime to make. Absolutely beautiful. It takes nearly an hour to walk around it and see it. Beautiful place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. My husband is a former RBBB clown, having performed for nearly 4 years from the late 70's to the early 80's. He literally ran away to join the circus, having hitchhiked from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California to audition. The powers that be in RBBB were so impressed they immediately put him to work, later sending him to Clown College. I was once told by another former RBBB clown that he was the best dwarf clown he had ever known or worked with.
That’s awesome ❤
Thank you for sharing!
That is so cool
For those who like/appreciate classical art, the paintings at the Ringling Museum of Art are magnificent and well worth a visit.
I saw this house when it was derelict. The transformation is astounding and a credit to all those who have contributed.
I have visited this house. It is so beautifully unique. In the garden they had a replica of The Statue of David. The tile work was impressive. A small circus museum next to the house was also very interesting with artifacts and information.
Great story. I was very blessed to be able to work security there for about four years. The home is amazing.
Did you have any paranormal activity experiences while you were working there ?
@@guymorris6596No I didn’t and I worked in the Mansion during the overnight shift by myself. Many other people said they had tho.
A very beautiful and palatial house and gardens. Mr Ringling and his wife Mabel had very good taste in interior design for that particular time. I am pleased that the public saw fit to save this house and gardens 😀
I have visited this amazing place several times when I lived in St. Pete. Glad to see it still well maintained and visited. Beautiful.
This is worth seeing in person along with everything on the grounds from the fine art museum to the circus history exhibits. I call it the grown up Disney World.
When I lived in Sarasota years ago, the mansion was closed for repair. 😢 but, the grounds were open to the public and they were magnificent. I wish you’d shown some of that with the house.
I've never been a big fan of circus (probably because of my fear/dislike of clowns) but always fascinated by the circus "show" and business.
In the late 80's had the fortune to perform in their band for 3 days in Charlotte, N.C.
It was awesome showbiz...bigger than life.
Man I'm glad I was able to see this amazing traveling group several times. Even saw original Harlem globetrotters at the circus. Was incredible
So glad this property has been preserved. Thank you for telling its story.
My 101-year old neighbor lady’s dad was the tent master for Ringling. My neighbor still has the papers that showed how the tents were to be constructed. They even knew how many yards of thread was needed per yard.
That’s museum collector gold!
The elephants just broke my heart. That one coming out the doorway with those eyes and the stains beneath them - you can tell she probably cries all day and night. So sad how people didn't care that animals have feelings. Especially elephants.
Oh my god, these eyes are haunting me. I can’t even finish the video knowing on how much pain and suffering this mansion was built. I won’t ever forget this poor abused animal’s face.
Those aren’t tears. It means it’s a male elephant in musk. Essentially losing its mind while ransacking everything to find a mate. You made my day! Hilarious!
@@debbylou5729 Actually you made all of us happy, we would rather be wrong than actually see a beautiful animal needlessly suffering... You are weird though... 🤩🤩💝💝💘💘💫💫✨✨
NO, I can not except your statement " can't you see ".
Why do you favor elephant over ALL the animals that exist.
It was a dream come true for me to visit this mansion and the circus museum located within walking distance from it. I was most impressed by the patio on the back with it’s view of the water. The house also has a big pipe organ in it.
Willie Pogany was the set decorator for Zeigfeld Follies and The Metropolitan Opera. Every culture specializes in their type of dancing, which is beautifully depicted in his "Dances of the Different Nations" ceiling canvasses.
The John and Mabel Ringling home is part of a huge complex in Sarasota, also including "The Ringling" Circus Museum.. WHICH YOU NEED TO SEE. A gentleman by the name of Howard Tibbals (Aug 1936 - March 2022) had spent the last 50+ years carving a circus in miniature - covering at least Six Thousand square feet. (no words to describe), and is on display. Also on complex is the John and Mabel Ringling Art Museum (now the Florida State Art Museum), which outclasses (not that it's a competition) even Henry Clay Frick's collection. And of course, there is the Mansion itself. Even the Ringlings' refurbished private rail car is on display. John and Mabel were an amazing couple, and certainly lived life to the fullest. And by all accounts, they were just damn nice people. Plan on spending at least a day, if not two days. You will not be disappointed. (my favorite part of the tour was the behind the scenes tour. Costs a few extra bucks - but well worth it!)
I liked the beat an elephant exhibit and the burn the front paws of a bear so it "dances" one. Oh, and don't forget the starve a tiger until it's too weak to attack booth. must see
@@byronshepherd8415 - I try not to 'kink-shame' , but that's some weird fetishes you have there.
@@byronshepherd8415 Are you high on something? Or you in a made up psychosis?
Would love to see it. Many of the old circuses wintered here in Peru, Indiana, a heritage that has left us with a wonderful youth circus that performs each July.
The beautiful elephants looked so sad 😢
Wow!!This is a really uniquely constructed estate. The Circus tycoon lived here. New info to me Thanks John!!You never disappoint a font of information. Like I always say another beautiful home with an excellent history background. Love the interior more than the exterior of this estate. The ceilings are incredible. The bathrooms are so luxurious!!My gosh it really must be truly expensive to keep homes of this size and grandeur properly kept and maintained. Not to mention the grounds as well. Ten years sitting empty and not looked after. It’s great to hear that Florida was able to finally step up and fix and maintain this beautiful masterpiece instead of letting the wrecking ball destroy such elegance . Well done again😊👌💯💖🇨🇦🇨🇦
I agree with everyone that this place is truly magical. When my kids were little we would spend a couple of summer days at the beach and then head over to the Summer Spectacular show before heading home. There were some amazing acts performing, they never disappointed. I have wonderful memories of Sarasota ❤
I went to a party there years and years ago. What an amazing place. I can't forget sipping cocktails on the terrace and staring out at the ocean.
The Ringling Mansion is the most beautiful piece of art inside and out. I don't have a favorite room!!! All the furniture with amazing colors and the bathrooms still intact is just fantastic. Love the outside structure. Right there in Florida. I hope this current hurricane does not destroy this beautiful home to John and Mabel Ringling. Love the Ringling Bros/Barnum Bailey Circus. It's history and the fact we have the Hadi Shrine Circus in Evansville, IN. Some of our houses built when John was just a toddler. Oldest 1869.
WOW, if I ever get to visit the US , Florida is high on my list for things to see and do . I'm glad this historic mansion has lived to tell its tales and not been torn down .
Living in Sarasota..i often take visiting friends snd family to tour the Mansion and Museum..it is a must see..and I too enjoy the History of not only this property but the art collection which is quite impressive
Those poor sweet elephants and big cats.
Good to hear that so many antiques, furniture and artworks are all here, saved from the gilded age mansions 😊
I had no idea this was still standing!! I had read Barnum’s mansions had burned down and never heard of Ringling’s. This would be an incredible trip to tour.
I toured this Mansion back in the 70s. Very elegant. I loved ringling's Barber chair. Also found it interesting that they have bricks on the floor in the breakfast nook that would be heated in the morning for their feet to sit on ,so not to be cold during their breakfast.
I never saw 5 young brothers look so much alike. This mansion is stunning, only it's a shame they didn't live long enough to enjoy it.
A steadfast display of mustaches.
that's the irony of this life, you can't take it with you...
Thank you I have been wanting to see this for awhile.
I love the lawn. It has great sculptures everywhere. Also has a wonderful view of the bay.
The Ringling brothers elephant beating videos on RUclips really did them in
I was just there three weeks ago. A must see.
This house is a definite on my bucket list. Thanks Ken
As I watched this video I was afraid you were going to say it was torn down( I don’t know the history of this mansion until now) but happy to see it survived! Oh, btw, it so happens that the Ringling Brothers circus will resume September, 2023. I LOVE that Ken “brings” this history to us and I find it so intriguing that I continue the search from there. ❤❤ Thank you, Ken!!!
I use to go to their Circus when I was a little girl
@@virginiaeckley3047 yes!!! Same here 😁
@@virginiaeckley3047 My grandpa used to be a clown for the Shriners. He was a part of them when they came to Minnesota. We'd go when I was a kid as well. I rode the elephant and the camel.
Glad all the animals are no longer a part of the circus.
No reason to go then. Animals made the circus. What's next zoos without animals?
Check out Cirque du Soleil for an Amazing circus without animals!
Since it moved to Las Vegas it's gotten more fantastical, but it originally was a Circus with Amazing human performances... No animals needed.
@@boomerbristol3774 👍❤
As a child this was an inspiration of what wealth was to me. The black and white tiles still amaze me.
A beautiful opulent estate! It's a shame that Mrs. Ringling only got to enjoy the finished home for three years.
I still remember the amazing ballroom ceiling from my visit back in the sixties!
Fascinating video Ken!
When I visited, I liked the room that was in almost an attic type space with whimsical paintings on the ceiling and a secret entrance to the liquor storage. They used to play cards and games up there.
Went here as a small child, it was very impressive to my little eyes.
Amazing place for sure, I have been there several times. I remember a couple things that you may or may not cover in the future. That bathtub that was shown was carved out of a single piece of alabaster. The other thing that I noted was the dual kitchen ranges for cooking one was electric and the other was natural gas. I also enjoyed looking at their private railroad car.
I visit every chance I get; the house is just one of the things to see and it is worth it! Thank you!
The whole place is stunning! Inside and out!
I loved spending time at the Ca' D'Zan in the '90s while I was a student at the Ringling School of Art and Design. Good times!
Thank you for the history along with the fantastic photos! I was sure the house wasn't going to be saved... Thankfully it was!!!
I can't imagine living in a house with that kind of space and room. You would definitely need a small electric golf cart to get around. For that midnight snack. It was an amazing place I'm glad they could save it thanks for sharing the video.
I visited back in the “80’s. Fascinating property. The tour at that time provided a brilliant back story…
I was so hurt when i heard that they weren't going to do anymore shows! That hurt me and I am an older lady! I remember going with my nephews and niece at the circus! All the children moving all over the place! I never would have thought that there would never be a circus anymore! I never thought that would happened! It's a shame! No more elephant and lion tricks. No more clowns and tight walking rope acts. It all went down the drain. I surely didn't see that coming😳 😢
I've had the pleasure of spending several hours enjoying the house both inside and the grounds surrounding it. My favorite room is Johns bedroom area with the barbers chair where he was shaved every morning. He truly lived a first class life.
Thank the lord you pronounce "foyer", correctly. I love your content.
Thank you so much for showing us this gorgeous house! I appreciated being able to see it.
Magnificent mansion! Loved this video. Thanks Ken 🙂
I think our phones report back to the algorithm. I have never watched a video about Ringling etc, but we went to the Ringling mansion YESTERDAY and this video pops up in my feed today. Random? I don’t think so.
My favorite room is the outside. This home is spectacular and on spectacular grounds. It is so beautiful from the outside
I graduated from The Ringling College of Art & Design in 1975. Students could tour the mansion and adjacent museum for free and I could be found there often.
Seeing those elephants breaks my heart.
Thank you. So glad this incredible home was saved.
This is a spectacular piece of history and the Italian art is magnificent.
A stunning and magnificent edifice. Glad it is still with us
I loved it here! Video doesn't do it justice. I also love the circus museum.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
This one is going on my ever-growing This House Road Trip List!!!
Mesmerizing Exterior! 😵💫
“Antique” Gilded Age Interiors! 🤩
1920’s Aesthetics 😍
Can’t wait!!! 🚐
The kitchen was my favorite! Such a massive house in Florida, I imagine they had to drive piles deep to support it. The construction of these mansions are as interesting as the finished product to me.
Family story is that my great-grandfather and his brother came to the U.S. from Austria with Ringling Brothers as "strong men" in the 1890's.
I love circus and thank you for showing the beautiful mansion of John Ringling.
We had a vacation home in Sarasota, and I was fortunate enough to visit. As others have commented on, I found the terrace to be the most amazing and beautiful aspect of the home. Apparently the Ringling family did as well, because that is where they literally docked a couple of yachts a short distance away. One boat was destroyed in an explosion, and the other one sank. It is also interesting that there is a Wanamaker connection with the boats, and one of the Wanamaker's was the owner of Falling Water. I must say, for the most part, I am not crazy about FLW houses- visited Falling Water twice and thought it was dreadful. Too much of a cave environment that can simultaneously feel like a tree house. For everyone who loves Frank's houses, I do not mean to offend and wish for everyone to have a home that they feel is beautiful and can live their best lives in! We all need to feel like Kings and Queens of our homes, modest as they may be. P.S. If your first yacht explodes, think twice about getting a second one.
I went there 40 years ago and even then it was a stunning home, all be it a little gaudy! My favorite rooms are the bar and the game room
The global elitists are all about gaudy so that mansion is a fit.
Great documentary Ken……I like the happy ending ❤
One of the first old American mansions that I've actually liked. Thanks!
Thanks for this
Awesome videos
I too have been there, beautiful Mansion. A definite must see.
one of my most favorite places ever!
How crazy that I grew up outside of Tampa and never knew about this. Next visit down there I’m gonna look it up.
That color palette is really nice!!
Stunning, but my heart is broken for Elephants, and All Creatures used to enable this wealth. I am glad that it seems to be still standing. Such a beautiful place.
Stunning.
Love the stained glass in the bar,the green kitchen, Males bedroom, the grand staircase and the outdoor terrace.
Mable not male.
I really miss the circus :-( My grandson will never feel the excitement of it all..
I’ve been there a few times. It’s a beautiful place. Amazing history
I been there and many of the materials were brought over on boats. It’s absolutely beautiful.
I just found your channel and this video was really interesting. Have you done a video on Howard Hughes mansions?
We went Every year, when it came over to Anaheim California. I was held in our Anaheim Convention Center. It was Huge 😲😲😲😲
Absolutely beautiful
If those grand pianos are still there I certainly hope they still get played. Pianos are maintained best by regular playing.
Ohhhhhh si es hermoso el lugar, me tocó visitarla.
I knew that the circus had ended. But was there not anyone left to keep the property ❓🤔🧐🤨oh ok I'm very happy that the beautiful mansion is being cared for. This is so Awesome Cool ‼️👍🏽😃❤️
So many of the mansions of that era were torn down, especially in and around New York. I won't go to Flori-duh but glad it's still around.
Great choice, this is a really cool house.
I toured this place. Was really beautiful.
I ate on the Circus train one when The circus was in Boston. I met an acrobat duo from Morocco and they cooked for me. It was sooooooo Freaking exciting for me. But now upon looking back it was kind of sad to live taht way.