This exhibition at the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus presents the captivating evolution of circus arts in the Czech lands. Explore over two hundred years of transformation, moving from intimate family shows to grand international spectacles. Visitors will encounter unique historical photographs and artifacts documenting this significant journey. The displays highlight how performing arts reflect societal changes and maintain their enduring appeal through time.
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This exhibition at the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus explores the evolution of circus arts in the Czech lands over two centuries. Through large-format photographs and unique objects, it documents the transition from traditional performances with animals to contemporary circus arts, reflecting societal changes and the art form's enduring appeal.
The exhibition 'Circus Through the Changing Times' offers a comprehensive look at the development of circus art in the Czech lands, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus. It highlights the significant transformations the phenomenon has undergone over more than two hundred years, from intimate family-run shows in the countryside to grand international spectacles. The exhibition meticulously traces the journey from performances rooted in horse acts and animal exhibitions, through the changing attitudes towards animals that led to the ban on wild animal performances, to the emergence of new and contemporary circus forms that blend acting, physical theatre, and circus skills. It also provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who dedicated themselves to the circus. Visitors can expect to see significant historical photographs, including the Jung Circus under a big top in 1885 and a group portrait of the Kludský Circus artists. Notable artifacts include the salon wagon of circus director Karel Kludský from 1929 and a model of the Czechoslovak State Circus Dunaj. The final section features artistic interpretations of the circus theme through paintings.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Specific prices are listed for adults, reduced categories, and school excursions. Free admission is available for children up to 15 years old when accompanied by an adult, persons with severe disabilities and their assistants, and holders of specific museum society cards. On Sunday, May 10, 2026, admission is free to the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus.
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