Circus World Museum
Wisconsin
The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing circus history, particularly that of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Established on the original wintering grounds of the Ringling Brothers, the museum holds one of the largest collections of circus artifacts worldwide, including wagons, posters, and costumes. Visitors can explore Ringlingville, a National Historic Landmark area with original circus buildings such as the Ring Barn and Elephant House, offering behind-the-scenes insights into circus operations. The Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall presents extensive displays on circus history beyond the Ringling Brothers, while the Hippodrome hosts daily live circus and magic shows during the summer months. The museum also features the W.W. Deppe Wagon Pavilion with fifty restored antique circus wagons and the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center where visitors can watch ongoing wagon restorations. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center provides a wealth of circus-related research materials open to the public. The museum was a key participant in the Great Circus Parade from 1963 to 2009, celebrating circus heritage with spectacular parades. Owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society and operated by a dedicated foundation, Circus World Museum offers a unique and immersive experience into the golden age of American circuses.
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Tip: Plan your visit during the summer months to enjoy the daily live circus and magic performances at the Hippodrome. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for special events and performances to ensure availability. The museum offers discounts for groups, seniors, and children. Arriving early allows ample time to tour the extensive exhibits, including the wagon restoration center where you can see artisans at work. Check the official website for seasonal hours and any special programming during your visit.
Zajímavosti
- •Circus World Museum holds one of the largest collections of circus materials globally, including wagons, posters, and photographs.
- •The museum's Ringlingville area is a National Historic Landmark, preserving original circus wintering grounds buildings.
- •The Great Circus Parade, in which the museum was a major participant, ran annually from 1963 until 2009.
- •The Hippodrome is a permanent big-top tent where daily circus and magic shows are performed during the summer.
- •The museum features a wagon restoration center where visitors can watch the refurbishment of antique circus wagons.
Historie
Circus World Museum was incorporated in 1954 by John M.
Kelley, a former Ringling Brothers attorney, to preserve circus history.
It is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the original home and winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus, which began touring in 1884.
The museum opened to the public on July 1, 1959, on land deeded by the Ringling family to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Over time, it acquired eight of the ten remaining original Ringling buildings and expanded its collections.
The museum played a major role in the Great Circus Parade, held annually from 1963 to 2009, celebrating circus heritage and history.
Průvodce po místě
Ringlingville1880s-1918
This area includes the remaining original buildings from the Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters, such as the Ring Barn, Elephant House, Animal House, and Wardrobe Department. Visitors learn about circus history and get behind-the-scenes views of circus preparations.
Irvin Feld Exhibit HallMid-20th century
The largest building in the museum, housing exhibits on the Ringling Brothers Circus and general circus history, including artifacts, posters, and costumes.
Hippodrome20th century
A permanent big-top tent where the museum hosts daily live circus and magic performances during the summer season, offering an authentic circus experience.
W.W. Deppe Wagon PavilionVarious
This pavilion displays fifty restored antique circus wagons, showcasing the craftsmanship and design of historic circus transportation.
C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration CenterContemporary
A working restoration facility where visitors can observe the process of refurbishing antique circus wagons, preserving circus heritage through skilled craftsmanship.
Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research CenterEstablished mid-20th century
A research library open to the public that houses extensive archives, books, photographs, and periodicals related to circus history, supporting scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Kontakt
Telefon: (608) 356-8341