Tour the Cà d'Zan

The Ringling winter residence, Ca d’Zan, John and Mable Ringling's Venetian Gothic mansion on Sarasota Bay, was fully restored to its original splendor right down to the upholstery in 2002.

The Ringlings moved into the mansion just before Christmas in 1926. Ca d'Zan--which means "House of John" in Venetian dialect-- took two years to build at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. It took many times that amount and four years to restore it, but worth every penny. Photos taken by Mable were use to reconstruct and position the interior furnishings, including the $50,000 Aeolian organ, the Steinway grand piano with its heavily ornamented rosewood case, the 17th-century Flemish and English tapestries, and other furnishings and works of art.

The mansion is topped by a 60-foot tower, which the Ringlings kept illuminated when they were in residence. The house is 200 feet long with 32 rooms and 15 baths. Its interior plan features the Court, a vast two-and-ahalf story room which served as the main living room.

According to the website, Mable died in June of 1929, at the age of 54, just two-and-a-half years after Ca d'Zan was completed. John died in 1936, at the age of 70, willing his collection of art, the Museum of Art, the mansion and grounds to the state of Florida; however, ten years passed before his estate was settled and the Museum was able to open its doors in 1946.

In July 2000, Florida legislation appointed Florida State University as the guardian of the estate. Following four years of restoration inside and out Ca d'Zan reopened April 27, 2002. Today the 66-acre estate, which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and Ca d'Zan, is recognized as the largest museum/ university complex in the nation.

HOURS OF OPERATION 7 days a week 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days. Estate grounds open until 6 p.m. Call (941) 351-1660 for recorded information about events, hours and programs.

TICKET PRICES General Admission includes the Museum of Art, Circus Museum and  Ca d’Zan mansion. Adults: $15; Seniors (65+): $12; Children 12 and under: Free with adult. Florida Students: Free with ID Florida Teachers: Free with ID. Members: Free with ID. Free Art Mondays. Contact Admissions at (941) 358-3180 for other discounts. Purchase your tickets in the Lobby of the Museum of Art beginning at 9:30 a.m. or by phone at (941) 358-3180.