John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library & Archive, Special art research library in Sarasota, United States.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library & Archive is a research library in Sarasota holding about 70,000 books, journals, and databases. The collection focuses on European art history, circus arts, Baroque painting, studio glass, and Asian art spanning many centuries.
The library was founded in 1946 and houses the personal collection of John and Mable Ringling along with rare books from the 16th century to modern times. The core collection grew through decades of deliberate acquisitions that documented one family's collecting passion during the 1900s.
The collection reflects the Ringlings' passion for art history and shows how private collectors shaped museum institutions. Visitors can see what artistic periods and subjects captivated the family, from old European masters to contemporary works.
The library is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and requires scheduling an appointment by email with the special collections librarian beforehand. Visitors should clarify their research needs in advance to ensure the materials they want are available and accessible.
Among the archive's holdings are route books and courier ledgers from the Ringling Bros. circus trains, listing stops, payroll and daily routines of performers and crew. They record how a touring show moved thousands of people and animals across the country by rail in the early 1900s.
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