Wednesday, December 11, 2013

living in fantasy land...

.....with a mansion in reality!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned running away to the circus.  Well, I did.  I and two accomplices escaped for a full day of adventure making our way to Sarasota to visit John Ringling's home [mansion] and museum.  Wow... not much else to say but WOW!  

Several years ago [like forever ago] I visited before.  The mansion is as I remembered it but the 'Big Top' has changed dramatically. Now there is an entire building housing a miniature circus.  We were told that the display is three ring in size....massive.  If you're ever close by, it's definitely something to see in person.  

On the grounds there is also a museum housing John Ringling's collection of old masters.  This took us three hours to walk through, we were exhausted but so enthralled by it all. To think that one person collected all of this art.  Mind boggling. 

akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
aka. House of John
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
.......
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Front view of the mansion.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
The terrace in back...just a small patio really with the Gulf of Mexico to launch a boat or two in.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
View of the back.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Heading into the 'miniature' Circus.  
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
.......
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Of course, there were elephants!
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
...and horses!
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
The entire display is glassed.  Wish you could see the copper telephone wires here. 
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
The Midway?  I need to brush up on circus terms.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Did you say clowns? ...but of course.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Another building where they were busy refurbishing.  Not surprising that this beautiful piece caught my eye.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Folding chair in John & Mable's private train car.  Art Deco always catches my eye.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Grounds in the center of the museum.  The furthest point is the front entrance.  Art is housed down both side sections.  We're on a connecting bridge between the two.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
My accomplices!  Bruce and cousin Jeffrey, thank you!  Bruce took several [just over 400] pictures.  I quickly wore out my battery, so happy his kept going!  
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
.......
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
From the entrance...looking back towards the connecting bridge and the Gulf.
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Amazing Banyon Trees!  What kind of trees would you expect a circus man to have!?
akimberlydesign.blogspot.com
Farewell for now.

Big reveal this Friday....watch for it !



6 comments:

  1. Some of the photos are very inspiring for needlework. Just looking at them gives me ideas. NIce photos!

    JHM
    http://needleworkerssamplings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was there a number of years ago. No big top at the time. Did you check out the Dwarf Garden? Or has it been replaced? It was not what I expected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We did happen upon it on our way out. Statues were in need of TLC. A knot garden it was not :-)

      Delete
  3. My husband is very proud that his great-uncle did the iron work at the mansion.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for popping in.
Have a great day,
Kimberly