The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida is one of the leading arts institutions in the United States, drawing visitors from around the world. The unique challenge in creating the identity was how to unify a disparate range of offerings including the country’s premiere circus museum and a world-class collection of Baroque and Renaissance art.

Worldstudio began the project by interviewing over twenty-five stakeholders; department heads, civic leaders, board members and donors. Results, along with a comprehensive strategy were compiled into an Objectives & Strategy Statement. From this document, Worldstudio created and managed all aspects of the program from concept development through the production of an extensive identity manual.

A secondary naming system build around “The Ringling” was created as a platform to communicate the diversity of what the museum has to offer. A suite of names and color-coded icons were developed for each venue.

The icons visually represent the museum to a global audience.

The stationery system.

Creating an identity that would translate to merchandise was an important aspect of developing the program.

Coded wristbands allow visitors different levels of access.

Coded membership cards identify different donor levels.

The identity applied to exhibition promotional materials.

A series of posters by noted illustrator John Pirman, showcase the different venues. John also collaborated with Worldstudio to develop the identity.

The icons will act as a visual wayfinding system for the museum’s 66-acre campus.

A comprehensive manual was created for use by the in-house design and marketing department.