Circuses have long been an integral part of entertainment, weaving magic and wonder through dazzling performances and spectacular acts. Across the globe, several circuses have stood the test of time, preserving their rich history and captivating audiences for generations.
Join us on a journey through time as we explore the 12 oldest circuses still celebrated worldwide.
12. Circus Juventas (United States)
Year Founded: 1994
Country: United States
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Juventas, founded in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1994, has gained acclaim for its youth circus programs and innovative performances. It provides training in various circus arts and continues to astound audiences with its youthful energy and talent.
Did You Know?
Circus Juventas is one of the largest youth circus schools in North America, nurturing young talents and fostering a love for circus arts.
11. Circus Flora (United States)
Year Founded: 1986
Country: United States
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Flora, established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1986, combines storytelling with circus arts, creating unique and captivating performances. Known for its intimate tent setting, it continues to charm audiences with its artistic and narrative-driven approach to circus entertainment.
Did You Know?
Circus Flora was founded by Ivor David Balding, a descendant of the Balding circus family from England, carrying on the family’s tradition in the circus industry.
10. Cirque du Soleil (Canada)
Year Founded: 1984
Country: Canada
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cirque du Soleil, founded in Quebec, Canada, in 1984, revolutionized the circus world with its avant-garde performances that blend acrobatics, theater, and music. Despite financial setbacks, it remains a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its artistic ingenuity.
Did You Know?
Cirque du Soleil, initially a small troupe of street performers, has expanded into a multimillion-dollar entertainment empire with shows performed in over 450 cities worldwide.
9. Big Apple Circus (United States)
Year Founded: 1977
Country: United States
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Big Apple Circus, founded in New York City in 1977, is celebrated for its intimate and engaging performances, showcasing world-class acts and fostering a sense of community among audiences. Despite financial challenges, it continues to captivate audiences with its artistic flair.
Did You Know?
In 1984, the Big Apple Circus became the first circus to perform at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
8. Circus Roncalli (Germany)
Year Founded: 1976
Country: Germany
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Roncalli, founded in Cologne in 1976, stands apart for its groundbreaking use of holographic technology in place of live animals, pioneering a new era in circus entertainment. It continues to mesmerize audiences with its innovative approach to performances.
Did You Know?
Circus Roncalli’s holographic animal acts have garnered international acclaim, marking a progressive shift towards animal-free circus entertainment.
7. Great Moscow Circus (Russia)
Year Founded: 1919
Country: Russia
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Great Moscow Circus, founded in Russia in 1919, is renowned for its grandeur and artistic excellence. It has toured extensively worldwide, showcasing traditional Russian circus arts and attracting audiences with its awe-inspiring performances.
Did You Know?
The Great Moscow Circus has performed in over 50 countries, contributing significantly to the global appreciation of Russian circus arts.
6. Circus Herman Renz (Netherlands)
Year Founded: 1911
Country: Netherlands
Status: No longer operational
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Herman Renz, established in the Netherlands in 1911, held a prominent place in Dutch circus history until its closure in 2015. It showcased a mix of traditional and contemporary acts, delighting audiences for over a century.
Did You Know?
Circus Herman Renz was the last major Dutch circus to feature animal acts before the Netherlands banned the use of wild animals in circuses.
5. Circus Krone (Germany)
Year Founded: 1905
Country: Germany
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Krone, established in Munich in 1905, remains one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious circuses. It has evolved over the years, embracing modernity while retaining its traditional charm and offering diverse performances.
Did You Know?
Circus Krone is famous for its menagerie and has a rich history of showcasing exotic animals in its performances.
4. Cirkus Busch-Roland (Germany)
Year Founded: 1884
Country: Germany
Status: No longer operational
Cirkus Busch-Roland, founded in Berlin in 1884, was renowned for its eclectic performances, including animal acts, acrobatics, and theatrical displays. It had a rich history until its closure in the early 21st century.
Did You Know?
The circus was a family-owned enterprise that captivated audiences for generations before ending its run in 2010.
3. Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione (France)
Year Founded: 1852
Country: France
Status: Active
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, founded in Paris in 1852, remains a historic circus venue renowned for its ornate architecture and mesmerizing performances. It has maintained its allure over the years, presenting a mix of traditional and contemporary acts.
Did You Know?
Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione is famous for its circular shape and lavish interior, creating an intimate atmosphere for circus enthusiasts.
2. Royal Circus of Nero (Ancient Rome)
Year Founded: Circa 1st Century AD
Country: Ancient Rome
Status: No longer operational
The Royal Circus of Nero, dating back to ancient Rome, is one of the earliest recorded circus-like structures. Located in Rome, it was a vast arena where chariot races and various performances were held, showcasing the entertainment preferences of the era.
Did You Know?
The circus was part of Emperor Nero’s extravagant palace, the Domus Aurea, and it’s believed to have accommodated up to 100,000 spectators.
1.Circus Maximus (Ancient Rome)
Year Founded: Circa 6th Century BC
Country: Ancient Rome
Status: No longer operational
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Circus Maximus, another ancient Roman circus, was a massive entertainment venue used for chariot races and other public spectacles. Spanning a vast area between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it played a central role in ancient Rome’s social and cultural life.
Did You Know?
Circus Maximus was one of the largest ancient Roman arenas, capable of accommodating over 150,000 spectators.
Conclusion
These 12 circuses represent tradition, innovation, and artistry, each contributing to the vibrant legacy of circus entertainment. Whether preserving age-old traditions or pushing boundaries with cutting-edge technology, these circuses continue to enchant audiences worldwide.
