Museum of the Circus Many Sarasotans earned international acclaim as circus artists, and their personal mementos are on display in the circus museum, including clowns Lou Jacobs, Otto Griebling and Emmett Kelly; animal trainers Clyde Beatty and Gunther Gebel-Williams; the Zacchini Human Cannonballs; and the famous Wallenda highwire-walking family.
St. Martha's Catholic Church Dubbed "the church that the circus built," St. Martha's chapel was funded by charity circus performances. Many circus families remain active at St. Martha's, which now boasts authentic circus wagon wheels as part of its official religious décor.
Ringling Cà d'Zan Mansion The Ringlings' dazzling palatial mansion is a tribute to the American Dream and reflects the splendor and romance of Italy. Described as "the last of the Gilded Age mansions" to be built in America, Cà d’Zan has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings.
Let's Go to the Circus!
Circuses continue to call Sarasota County home. Step right up and learn about them below.