A Bigger Big Top For Florida Resort Guests

In February 2008, The Ringling Museum of Art announced that a donation by Howard Tibbals, a Longboat Key philanthropist and circus enthusiast, will provide the seed money for a new circus museum and learning center at the John and Mable Ringling Estate in Sarasota, Florida.

Combined with a state match of $4 million, the money will go toward the first phase of construction of a new circus museum that will eventually replace the 40-year-old structure – an exciting new attraction for guests of Longboat Key Club & Resort, an exclusive Florida resort on the southwest coast.

Tibbals' long-term plan calls for 50,000 square feet of new space that will cost up to $32 million. It is an ambitious vision, but, as Mr. Tibbals’ says, "f you don't dream, you don't get there."

The Tibbals Learning Center houses a handcrafted miniature circus that was built by Mr. Tibbals himself and has become the centerpiece of the museum. The model is a sprawling miniature show featuring thousands of tiny people and animals. Tibbals is still making new pieces to add to the project he has been working on for nearly 50 years.

"It's one of a kind," said Ringling Executive Director John Wetenhall. "Howard Tibbals created a massive model. It’s twice as large as many people’s homes."

Florida resort guests have been astounded by the detail and imagination of Mr. Tibbals’ work, just as they have been drawn to The Ringling Museum of Art for decades.

And soon, this museum will have an even bigger "big top" venue. Staff members are excited about expansion plans made possible by a $4 million donation by Tibbals, which will also include a study center for circus historians.

Florida resort guests can find out more about visiting hours at The Ringling Museum of Art by calling Longboat Key Club & Resort at 888-350-7730.

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