Florida’s state museum is one of Sarasota’s most well-known attractions, whether for its Baroque and Renaissance art, circus museum, emerald-tiled Center for Asian Art or association with circus magnate John Ringling, whose Italianate mansion overlooks Sarasota Bay. The Ringling constantly opens new exhibitions—this month’s range from woodblock prints to ancient Mediterranean sculpture.

“When I became The Ringling’s executive director 15 years ago, the wonder and vastness of this estate captivated me,” says Steven High, who announced his retirement this year. “Leading this museum has been the greatest privilege of my career. As it enters its next era, I am especially excited by the momentum behind our Wonder initiative [a museum initiative that explores wonder as a source of creative inspiration, community engagement and well-being] and the philanthropy that is helping bring it to life—a reminder that the awe that first captivated me here 15 years ago is the very thing we are now investing in.”