Sarasota, Fla. - The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce an extraordinary slate of activities to honor Mom on her special day.

The museum staff has created a Special Mother's Day Pop-Up Audio Tour. This curated audio experience will guide visitors through works of art related to motherhood and prompt them to reflect on their own family’s stories. “If you are able to visit with your mom, this is a great way to treat her to an arts experience full of lively discussion,” said Laura Steefel-Moore, Head of Education,” If your mom is no longer with you, taking this tour with other loved ones is a great way to honor your memories of her.”

Guests can also celebrate Mom on The Ringling’s 66-acres of gardens and Level II Arboretum by enjoying a Bayfront Gardens Tour. This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce participants to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. Garden Tours take place entirely outdoors, are 90 minutes in length, and cover approximately 1 mile. Participants are encouraged to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock and hats. Masks are required of all participants, as well as social distancing. Tours are subject to weather conditions. The Tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Mother's Day, May 9. Space is limited and tickets are required.

The Ringling is pleased to also offer a Mother’s Day must-have:  Brunch at The Ringling Grillroom!  Located in the John M. McKay Visitor's Pavilion, the Ringling Grillroom will offer a variety of traditional brunch entrees. Both indoor and outdoor seating and take-away service are available. Reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 941.360.7390.

For those in need of a last minute gift for Mom, the Museum Store is offering Jewelry, Scarves, and Tote Bags on sale May 2-9. Everyone saves 10% and Members will save 20% on jewelry, scarves and bags.

While visiting The Ringling, treat Mom to one of the special exhibitions currently on view including: Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade, Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre, Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening, Sam Gilliam: Selections, and Off to the Races.

Finally, Mom can wind down the day by relaxing in the Historic Asolo Theater for a 6:30 p.m. screening of Tea With Mussolini, a semi-autobiographical film directed by Franco Zeffirelli starring Dame Joan Plowright, Dame Judy Dench, Cher, Lily Tomlin and Maggie Smith. Tickets are required.

For tickets and more information please see: https://www.ringling.org/events/mothers-day-ringling

About The Ringling
The Ringling is a preeminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences.

 A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world.

MEDIA CONTACT:
The Ringling
Virginia Harshman
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations