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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𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Hippo Cage Wagon No. 73 is believed to have been built in 1903. Although the original builder is unknown, the wagon was regularly maintained for many years by the Moeller & Sons Wagon Works, cousins and longtime business associates of the Ringlings. The wagon housed black-tailed deer for most of its time in use, but it also ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: During the golden age of the American circus (1872-1929) few things could eclipse the size and scale of a circus. With hundreds of shows on the road each circus vied to outdo the competition with numerous huge tents, a diverse collection of exotic animals, three performance rings including an elevated stage, and a massive colorful train to carry ... See MoreSee Less
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Love these little history posts
Wow! Really cool poster Pete! So much detail, so much information! Love it!
Now this is an original poster I'd love to have.
As my mother once said, oh Paul, you were born a hundred years too late!
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: Ella Bradna came from a European circus family and became a premier equestrienne as a young woman, performing in locations such as the Nouveau Cirque in Paris and the London Hippodrome. While in London, she married a former German army lieutenant named Fred Ferber before they came to the United States with Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1903. She performed in a double b ... See MoreSee Less
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"three white horses, 60 pigeons, 30 dogs, three clowns, and 12 ballet girls" Wow. To have seen that!