February 14, 2012
Inside is a mammoth collection of miniature circus exhibits.
Many small video screens show film footage of the activities under the tent. This is the farrier area where horseshoes are fitted and applied.
As many as 10,000 workers traveled on the railroad cars along with wagons, tents, animals and food. The Ringlings, however traveled on this special car with staterooms, kitchen, dining room, and a parlor.
The trains are shown traveling through a city in this diorama.
Some of the life-size exhibits included replicas and actual items from the circus.
Joan was particularly fascinated by the decorated wheels on the wagons.
John Ringling's Ca d'Zan Mansion was a short walk from the big top museum and the back faces Sarasota Bay.
This opulent Ventian-style building is huge and impressive.