Experience Circus History
Explore Circus World
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Our Treasures
As other entertainment forms gained popularity, Circus World began documenting and collecting important treasures of the American Circus. From original Ringling Circus buildings to the smallest flea circus prop
Our Treasures will astonish!
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1969-1978
Circus World continued to grow by leaps and bounds during its second decade, and this was evident all over the site. The museum built a massive Circus Parade Pavilion to store and display the wagon collection. The library and archives moved to a new location on Lynn Street and staff began creating mobile displays to share circus history with audiences throughout the country. Visitors could now see performances under a canvas big top along with street parades and many different types of demonstrations during the daily experience. Circus World began a new chapter in late 1972 when Chappie Fox left the museum and William Schultz began his tenure as the new director. ... See MoreSee Less
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Fun times, I was in a movie made at circus world long ago…I believe it’s at the circus library at the circus on top of the hill. Nice if it ever was shown at the circus again.
Wow, so many happy memories! These from when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful years to enjoy CWM!
Besides John I remember those English wagons in the crates. We could only get a little peek at them.
Love these beautiful histories!
Love the history!!!!❤️🎪
Greg Pittman
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May is Member Month! To show our appreciation for our members, we're offering special discounts, activities, and prizes this month!
Visit wisconsinhistory.org/membermonth to learn more about these special benefits. Not a member? Join now to get in on the fun! wisconsinhistory.org/membership.
And a gift membership makes a great gift for mom or grandma for Mother's Day! Gift memberships are now 40% off. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 1rst of May!
Today the circus community celebrates a special day in our culture, a day that historically signaled the official start of a new performance season. It also represented the start of an amazing journey for first time performers, staff, and crew, who would be known for their first year as first of Mays.
That first year was likely filled with triumph and frustrations, with travel and amazing stories to tell, a welcome into a special community, a place to call home. Today, and everyday, we honor that spirit of a welcoming city without a zip code, a sawdust and spangled community of timeless circus traditions.
Live circus performances begin under the Big Top here at Circus World on Friday May 17th! ... See MoreSee Less
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Circus World is the best place to go to! I have been going every year since I was about 2 years old and I'm 30 years old. I cannot wait to bring my son to Circus World this year, it will be his first time.
Good memories! Happy the Clown.