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The 1980 Legislature designated the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art at Sarasota as the "official art museum of the state." The museum was bequeathed to the State by John Ringling, of circus fame, and has been operated since 1946 by board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. The trustees are authorized to loan paintings and other objects of art to the Governor's mansion and to schools, libraries and other public buildings where such loans are in the interest of the public.

"The great hall of the fabulous John Ringling residence on the grounds of the Ringling Museums in Sarasota, Florida, is furnished wit magnificent period furniture and rare objects of art. Its huge crystal chandelier once hung in the lobby of the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The residence was built for his wife by circus king John Ringling and willed at his death to the State of Florida."