Rooted in History: Ringling Museum and New College

Some opportunities arise unexpectedly, and when they do, they make undeniable sense. 

The decision to bring The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art under the stewardship of New College of Florida is one of those moments — an alignment that strengthens Sarasota’s role as Florida’s premier hub for arts, education and scholarship, while ensuring that this historic and cherished museum remains deeply connected to and preserved by the community that has shaped it for nearly a century.

This transition is not only sensible; it is a collective win. It is a win for Sarasota, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in the arts and higher education; boosting tourism, cultural engagement and economic growth — all while preserving a historical gem. 

It is a win for The Ringling Museum, which will receive an infusion of resources to elevate its world-class exhibitions, research and outreach. 

It is a win for New College, strengthening its continued growth and academic prestige by offering students unparalleled access to one of the most significant cultural institutions in the region. 

And it is a win for Florida, ensuring that our state’s higher education system continues to build one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts schools.

Sarasota has long been recognized as Florida’s artistic and cultural epicenter, a distinction dating back to 1927 when John Ringling moved the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to the city from Bridgeport, Connecticut. This decision transformed Sarasota, attracting artists, performers and visionaries who established one of the nation’s most vibrant arts communities.

At the same time, New College of Florida has been a vital part of Sarasota’s intellectual and cultural evolution. Founded in 1960 on land originally part of the Ringling estate, New College has always shared a deep connection with The Ringling Museum. For decades, students and faculty have collaborated with the museum, conducting research, curating exhibitions and engaging in artistic exploration and community events.

Moving The Ringling from FSU in Tallahassee to New College’s stewardship on its neighboring property is not just logical. It ensures the museum’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with Sarasota’s cultural and educational future. 

While this transition strengthens local stewardship, it also opens new doors for collaboration with other institutions across Florida, expanding research partnerships, student engagement and statewide academic initiatives in the arts and humanities.

With New College providing direct oversight, The Ringling Museum not only will sustain its role as one of Florida’s premier cultural institutions, it will also grow in ways that expand access to art, history and performance while ensuring its long-term sustainability and historic preservation.

For New College students, this deepens their connection to Sarasota’s artistic and academic resources, enriching their education while reinforcing New College’s commitment to fostering innovation in the arts. For The Ringling Museum, this transition secures its future by increasing resources, expanding programming and research and strengthening community ties.

As New College enters a period of unprecedented growth, the marriage with The Ringling Museum strengthens our role as a premier liberal arts institution that leads, inspires and innovates. 

We are proud to take on this responsibility, to champion Sarasota’s artistic and academic legacy and to build upon the foundation that John Ringling laid nearly a century ago, shaping the city’s future for generations to come.

Richard Corcoran is president of the New College of Florida.