Circus magic in Vienna: Clown Museum opens its strange doors!

Circus magic in Vienna: Clown Museum opens its strange doors!

In the heart of Leopoldstadt, one of the most culturally rich areas in Vienna, a unique attraction flourishes: the Circus & Clown Museum. Here the colorful world of the circus comes to life in a way that makes every visitor's heart beat faster. The clown Amedeo Belai, whose huge black leather shoe is almost a century old, is the heart of the collection and impressively shows the interweaving of circus history and Viennese culture. Andreas Swatosch, the director of the museum, emphasizes the central role of the 2nd district for entertainment art. After all, the first Viennese circus, the Zirkus Gymnastikus, was located here in 1808, and many historic variety shows and artist cafés can look back on a fascinating past.

The history of the museum also includes an amusing anecdote about the famous magician David Copperfield, who once tried in vain to get a dog out of a display case in the museum - a memory that illustrates the special relationship between circus art and the audience. Michael Swatosch, a tireless volunteer, and his brother bring their passion for clowns and the circus to every corner of the museum. Visitors can look forward to artfully displayed exhibits that are connected to Vienna and document the development of the circus over the decades. Historical costumes, props and photographs from different eras invite you to marvel.

Diverse events

An interesting highlight is the “Night at the Circus & Clown Museum” event, which takes place on September 9th at 7:30 p.m. The focus here is not just on experiences, but also on the stories and personalities that shape the museum. The unconventional tour costs 32 euros for adults and 18 euros for children up to 14 years old. Such events are great opportunities to learn more about the diverse world of circus. Anyone interested in the colorful diversity of circus art will regularly find live performances by circus and magic artists here.

“The museum preserves unique props, costumes and posters of circuses, clowns and artists,” says the museum’s website. The Prater and Vienna are central to the work of many artists - a connection that can be felt at every step through the exhibition. A special room for clowns features important archetypes, and the clowns powerfully reflect human behavior - such as those portrayed by great artists such as Charlie Chaplin. The “side show characters”, including the Prater legend “Dicke Mitzi”, are also worth a visit.

A place for everyone across generations

The Circus & Clown Museum has established itself as a place that not only conveys history, but also promotes active participation. School classes are warmly welcome, and special tours and participation activities for children make the visit an interactive experience. With their commitment, the Swatosch brothers also ensure that the cultural value of the circus and everything related to it remains alive in Vienna.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the museum every Sunday all year round from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. With a very special connection to Viennese history and a big heart for circus art, history comes to life here - a visit is definitely worth it! Further information can be found on the museum's official website: circus-clownmuseum.at.

For more exciting details about the museum and the importance of the circus in Vienna, also read what courier and TravelTips report.