Ringling College of Art and Design Tours

Photo by Bill Dillard


Discover how this education institution makes a statement about the founder’s dedication to the arts. See a college whose graduates have made an effect on the world.

The Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida has been graduating students for over 85 years. The private college offers two degrees in Arts and Fine Arts to a student population of over 1,500, with a faculty-student ratio of 1 to 10. Drive or walk by the building on North Tamiami Trail, but it wasn’t always at this location.

The college began in 1931 in buildings near the Ringling Art Museum on the Ringling estate in the city. John and Mable Ringling’s vision for the arts included having a school to teach courses in the field. Originally it was called The School of Fine and Applied Art of the John and Ringling Art Museum. It was affiliated with what is now Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Imagine the concern two years later when student enrolment dropped from 75 to 14 because of the Depression.

The Ringlings were determined to have an art school and offered scholarships to anyone who could afford to pay $250. Applications increased and in the same year the school dropped its Southern College affiliation and took the name Ringling School of Art. The solitary subject at the institution became art design.

The school eventually changed its name again to the Ringling College of Art and Design. Stand in front of the current school that was built in 2009. In addition to classrooms, the modern building has gallery spaces, a 200-seat auditorium and a café lounge area.

Plan to visit nearby Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park with a bust of the civil rights leader. Tables and grills make the park ideal for a picnic. In the other direction from Ringling College of Art and Design is Indian Beach Park on Sarasota Bay. The one-acre (0.4-hectare) park is popular for its boating and to watch the sun dip under the horizon.

Plan a trip to see Ringling College of Art and Design

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Sleeps 6 Hot Tub Fenced Yard Cozy Chic
Ocean Club Treasure Island Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Ringling College of Art and Design

Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
 4 Bed pool House by Bay!  Lido & Siesta Key Beaches very close

4 Bed pool House by Bay! Lido & Siesta Key Beaches very close

Sarasota
4 Bed pool House by Bay! Lido & Siesta Key Beaches very close
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sarasota Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sarasota Downtown

3 out of 5
Sarasota
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sarasota Downtown
Riverside Oasis 1Bed/1Bath

Riverside Oasis 1Bed/1Bath

Sarasota
Riverside Oasis 1Bed/1Bath
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The Westin Sarasota
Bungalow w/ Heated Pool by Downtown & Beaches

Bungalow w/ Heated Pool by Downtown & Beaches

Sarasota
Bungalow w/ Heated Pool by Downtown & Beaches
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
voco Sarasota by IHG

voco Sarasota by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1223 Boulevard Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL
voco Sarasota by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ringling College of Art and Design

Visit Ringling College of Art and Design to enjoy a vibrant arts scene, featuring engaging campus tours and impressive art galleries. Nearby, you can indulge in birdwatching and witness stunning sunsets, while also exploring local performing arts events. This blend of activities makes for an enriching experience in Sarasota, Florida.

Shopping

Northeast Plaza Shopping Center, located 3 miles away, offers a mix of business and family vibes. Colonial Village Shopping Center, just 2 miles away, features entertainment and city vibes. For unique finds, check out Artisans' World Marketplace, also 2 miles away.

Recreation

Ed Smith Stadium, located 2 miles from Ringling College, buzzes with sports energy, perfect for active visitors. For a tranquil escape, Nathan Benderson Park, 6 miles away, offers serene walking paths and beautiful lakes. Enjoy family-friendly laughs at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, just 0.5 miles from campus.

Adventure

Explore Sarasota BayWalk, a scenic hiking trail located 3 miles from Ringling College of Art and Design, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water sports, head to Blue Water Explorers, 12 miles away, offering thrilling underwater adventures. Play a match at Payne Park Tennis Center, only 2 miles away, for an exciting tennis experience.

Nightlife

Sarasota's nightlife near Ringling College of Art and Design is vibrant and cultural. Catch a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, just a mile away, or enjoy the Asolo Theatre and Florida Studio Theatre, both within two miles, offering family-friendly entertainment and romantic atmospheres.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ringling College of Art and Design

Visiting Ringling College of Art and Design offers a delightful mix of urban parks, beaches, and vibrant streets for every type of traveler. Explore the renowned Ringling Museum and nearby attractions, perfect for family outings or outdoor adventures. Additionally, you'll find convenient accommodations near the Ringling Circus Museum to enhance your stay. Whether you’re diving into the art scene or enjoying the local culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around this artistic hub.

  • Lido Beach: Just 4 miles from Ringling College, Lido Beach offers a serene escape with soft sand and tranquil waters. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball while soaking in the laid-back beach vibes.
  • St. Armands Circle: Located 3 miles away, this vibrant street is a shopper's paradise, featuring boutiques, galleries, and delightful dining options. Experience the lively atmosphere and unique charm that brings the city vibes to life.
  • IMG Academy: Situated 7 miles from the college, IMG Academy is a renowned sports training facility. Explore its impressive campus and catch a glimpse of aspiring athletes honing their skills in various sports.

Best time to go to Ringling College of Art and Design

The best time to visit Ringling College of Art and Design is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ringling College of Art and Design

To save money on your trip to Ringling College of Art and Design, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Booking your stay for a Tuesday can also help reduce costs, as Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to find the best hotel deals by sorting results by price and filtering for eco-friendly options. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package for further savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ringling College of Art and Design are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ringling College of Art and Design is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ringling College of Art and Design is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort your results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll be shown a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Ringling College of Art and Design with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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