Completed in 1926 by Owen Burns,[2] Cà d'Zan features an eclectic array of architectural styles including Venetian Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Moorish, and Spanish-inspired elements drawn from different historic periods.

Soon after its completion, Cà d'Zan garnered national attention and was called "A Venetian Palace in Florida" when featured in Country Life magazine in 1927.

The Ringlings hired Willy Pogany (American, born Hungary, 1882–1955), an artist and designer, to create murals for the elaborate interiors of the house.

Pogany's most notable contribution was the series of 26 canvas paintings that adorn the gilded coffered ceiling of the ballroom that depict "Dancers of the different Nations".

As such, purchases of much of the ornate, revival style decor of Cà d'Zan may be viewed as acquiring the trappings of wealth that had been fashionable during the cultural era that preceded their time.

The estate was in limbo for ten years, however, as it took much time to settle debts, claims by heirs, and taxes before the state of Florida could take control of the property.

The residence is a rare survival and glamorous icon of the Florida Boom Years of the 1920s, for which John Ringling played a major role as a real estate developer in Sarasota.

In the summer of 2020, work was done on the West façade window glass and framing structures to prevent further intrusion of water into the mansion during storms.

Moisture and salt had infiltrated the failed mortar in some of the terra cotta joints, threatening architectural stability and the integrity of some interior decorative features.

Hurricane Milton's high winds brought roof and window leakage, especially over John Ringling's exercise room on the second floor and the spiral staircase by the kitchen.

An rented HVAC system was acquired and installed by the seawall north of the house with help from the museum’s FSU partners to address humidity and temperature control needs.