Ringling Museum

The Circus Museum at the Ringling Museum in Florida is a fascinating tribute to the history of the American circus. The museum showcases the artifacts and history of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey® Circus, including a stunning 44,000-piece Howard Bros. Circus Model, that is a must-see for any visitor.

Although the galleries located on the 2nd floor of the Circus Museum's Tibbals Learning Center are currently closed for reinstallation, there are still plenty of things to explore on the first floor. The interactive galleries, poster exhibitions, and The Howard Bros. Circus Model are still open to visitors. You can walk through the museum and marvel at the glittering costumes, parade wagons, and even snap photos with a (faux) tiger.

The Circus Museum also houses the Ringling archives, including records, manuscripts, and papers of the American circus. You can step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of this phenomenally popular entertainment, viewing newspaper clippings dating back to 1816, performers’ wardrobes, performing props, equipment, and even a cannon that shot fearless performers through the air.

The Tibbals Learning Center, which houses the archives, also features the Greatest Show on Earth Mural, which is a 924-square-foot depiction of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® show of the 1970s and 80s. Donated by the Feld family and Feld Entertainment Inc., the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, this colossal work salutes such feature acts as aerialist Dolly Jacobs, her father, master clown Lou Jacobs, and the celebrated animal presenter Gunther Gebel-Williams.

The Circus Museum at the Ringling Museum is a treasure trove of entertainment history, showcasing the legacy of the American circus and the fascinating people and stories behind it. If you’re ever in Florida, it’s a must-see destination for circus enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the rich history of American entertainment.