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"One clown gives us more than a hundred donkeys loaded with medicine," said Soviet artist Yuri Nikulin, who began his career in the circus. The Soviet Union understood the value of this art form and wanted to popularize it. Thus, in the 1960s, a large-scale project to build the Great Moscow State Circus began. The project was designed by outstanding architects Stepan Satunts, Yakov Belopolsky, Efim Vulykh, and Lev Misozhnikov.
The circus building was constructed in the spirit of Soviet modernism. The glass tent, under a 31-meter-high folded dome, seats over 3,000 spectators. It is the largest circus in Europe. The new cultural facility at 7 Vernadsky Prospekt opened its doors in April 1971.
Popov, Nikulin, Karandash
The country's main circus carefully preserves the traditions of circus arts. In 2000, an Alley of Stars was opened in the foyer, honoring famous performers: illusionist Igor Kio; clowns Yuri Kuklachev, Yuri Nikulin, and Mikhail Rumyantsev (Karandash); tiger trainers Margarita Nazarova, and Walter and Mstislav Zapashny.
Currently, the Great Moscow Circus is headed by Walter Zapashny's sons, Edgard (director) and Askold (artistic director). The successors of the circus dynasty, together with the troupe, prepare at least three new shows a year and host the World Festival of Circus Arts "Idol."
Circus Backstage Tours and Open Rehearsals
Dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, stables, and workshops are the holy of holies for circus performers. Many spectators are interested in learning about their work from the inside. The Great Moscow Circus has organized special tours and open rehearsals for circus enthusiasts. First, guests will be shown around the administrative building and told about the history and traditions of the circus.
Then they will head to the circus hold, where the control console for the five arenas is located: equestrian, ice, water, light, and illusion. Here you can catch a glimpse of ballet rehearsals in the choreography hall, as well as the training of tightrope walkers, magicians, and animal trainers. After the tour, you will definitely want to see the performances of four-legged performers – elephants, tigers, lions, monkeys, and dogs.
Address: Vernadsky Avenue, 7
Shows and excursions: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Staying at the AZIMUT City Hotel Comcity, you can also visit the Govorov Forest, Meshchersky Nature Park, the writers' village in Peredelkino, and the Ostafyevo Museum-Reserve.
