Roof damage to Historic Circus Museum to necessitate its closure for a couple of weeks
“The Ringling is open and ready to welcome you with free admission,” the museum announced this week on its website and Facebook page, following a statement that its staff issued last week about damage from Hurricane Milton.
On its website, the museum says, “In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we hope you can find solace in works of art, moments of reprieve, and cool spaces.”
On Friday, Oct. 12, the museum staff sent out a press release, reporting, “The Ringling made it through the storm very well,” referring to Milton. “Ca’ d’Zan [the historic John and Mable Ringling mansion] suffered very little damage and no damage to its glass façade facing Sarasota Bay. The Historic Circus Museum had roof damage, and repair is underway; it will be closed for a couple of weeks. The Museum of Art galleries and Tibbals Learning Center are functioning well, and the collections are safe.”
The release added, “The biggest impact of the storm was on our grounds. We lost several trees, and there was a lot of damage to our banyans.”
The release pointed out, as well, “The Ringling Museum of Art is a campus of Florida State University. FSU leadership has provided instrumental support throughout the storm. They have helped secure the campus and provided services for recovery.”
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road in north Sarasota.