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General Note

The photograph shows the U-shaped Italian Renaissance style building surrounding a sculpture garden courtyard with a row of Royal Palms marking the western end of the original building. The new wing (upper left) added in 1966 houses administrative offices, education department, temporary exhibition galleries and building maintenance department. Structure at upper right was specially built to contain the 18th century Asolo Theater, imported from Italy and reassembled on the museum grounds.

Biographical Note

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.