The Florida Home Of The Circus King - Ca’ d’Zan

The Ringlings had been traveling through Europe for about 25 years, acquiring circus acts, art and inspiration for there soon to be winter home on the Sarasota Bay. In 1924, one of America’s wealthiest couples, started building a 36,000 square-foot mansion called Ca’ d’Zan (meaning House of John). Mabel Ringling kept a portfolio she had filled with postcards, sketches and photos she collected during their travels and she oversaw every aspect during the construction. The fifty-five room mansion was completed shortly before Christmas 1926. Unfortunately, Mabel died a few years after the completion and John died in December, 1936. He bequeathed his estate to the people of Florida, but legal battles with creditors lasting 10 years left the mansion closed and not maintained until 1946, when it was opened to the public.

Ringling’s investments included oil, railroads and he founded the Bank of Sarasota in 1923. He was instrumental in the development of Sarasota through his real estate investments.

The mansion we see today has had several rounds of comprehensive restoration under the ownership of the University of Florida. It is a survivor and a glamorous icon of the Florida boom years of the 1920’s.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The house is five stories tall and has a full basement

The original 70’x 36’ white marble swimming pool, now just a reflecting pool, was restored in 2019.

The house is constructed from terra cotta “T” blocks, concrete and brick covered in stucco and terra cotta and embellished with glazed tile.

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

Ringling: The Florida Years, 1911-1936

By Weeks, David C.

Three Ringling Circus: A History of Sarasota, Florida, and the Famous Ringling Brothers

By Gurvis, Sandra

Ringling Remembered: Through the Eyes of a Circus Clown

By Severini, Ron

A few of the many statues in the Dwarf Garden

.

In the garden

Soon after its completion the mansion received national attention and was called “A Venetian Palace in Florida” when it was featured in Country Life magazine.

The entrance foyer which was a solarium

The reception room

.

The Dining Room table had twenty leaves that were installed to accommodate the couple’s larger dinner parties.

The Dining Room ceiling

The Dining Room fireplace

.

The Tap Room

Looking into the Court, which was the main room in the residence.

The grand Court

This chandelier was said to have come from the original Waldoff-Astoria that was demolished to make way for the Empire State Building.

The couple purchased many antiques and furnishings at Gilded Age auctions during the change in fashions among the wealthy.

.

.

Twenty-six different canvas paintings adorn the gilded coffered cling here in the court.

The Ringlings hired artist and designer Willy Pogany to create elaborate murals for the interiors. This is part of the ceiling in the Ballroom.

The beautiful grand piano in the Grand Court

At the entrance to the Ballroom

Stained glass windows

The Breakfast Room

One of the beautifully carved chairs in the Breakfast Room.

The call system register in the party area.

The kitchen

.

The Westinghouse Automac stove in the kitchen

Some images of the house on display as you exit the home.

The terrace and waterfront facade

The mansion’s facade features an array of decorative details drawing from different cultures and historical eras in European architecture.

.

The rounded section of the building contains the servants spiral staircase.

.

The building was meant to impress as a showplace of an entertainer.

More of the waterfront facade and terrace area.

.

.

.

The Secret Garden

.

The final resting place for the Ringlings.

In Mabel’s rose garden

.

A lion guarding the building that was one the guest cottage.

Inside the Circus Museum Historic Gallery

.

One of the circus wagons

.

The Wisconsin was John Ringling’s private rail car. The Pullman car was built in 1896 and refurbished at Ringling’s request in 1905.

Inside the private rail car

.

.

Some circus employees

A display of the circus’ many wagon wheels

This is one of the art pieces on display in the art museum building that John Ringling decided to build in 1925 designed by John H. Phillips. The museum was mean to be both a legacy to outlast his business interests and as a memorial to his wife, Mabel and himself. By sharing the arts of Europe with the people of Florida, Ringling sought to educate and encourage curiosity for the wider world.

What you should know:

• Museum admission includes entry to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens, there is an additional fee to tour Ca’ d’Zan.

• The grounds, circus museum and house are self-guided audio tours.

• There are walking trails.

• Restrooms are available.

• There is a picnic area available.

• The staff are friendly and informative.

• Check website for days and hours of operation and any special events or exhibits.

• There are a few dining options on-site.

• You could spend a couple of hours to a full day exploring here, depending on you level of interest.

• Tickets can be bought in person.

Location: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida. 34243

For more information: The Ringling