Once upon a time, the circus was just tents and traveling troupes. Today we stand before the Cité des arts du cirque. It is a testament to Montreal’s commitment to contemporary circus arts.
The Cité des arts du cirque is more than just a venue. It is a hub where creativity meets innovation. This sectorial cluster is dedicated to contemporary circus. It is an important center for creativity, innovation, outreach and employment. It resides in Montreal’s Saint-Michel district.
Did you know that the Cité des arts du cirque was born from a shared vision? Montreal’s circus community wanted to equip itself with the right infrastructure. This would allow them to pursue their development. The Cité des arts du cirque was created in the late 1990s.
The Cité is composed of the National Circus School and Cirque du Soleil’s international headquarters. Also part of it is La TOHU. La TOHU is North America’s only specialized circus presenter. The Cité is a unique concept worldwide.
Nearly 2,000 people pass through the Cité des arts du cirque daily. They study, teach, research, create, program or perform contemporary circus. Around 135,000 spectators attend shows each year.
The Cité brings together thousands of square feet of studios. These spaces are for training, research and creation. There are also spaces dedicated to the dissemination of circus arts.
La TOHU’s grand hall is unique. It is North America’s only circular hall. This design pays tribute to the traditional circus tent. Twenty such halls exist. They are mainly in Europe. They are members of Réseau360.
Up until 2019, En Piste was located in the Cité des arts du cirque. It is the national circus arts association. Today, En Piste faces growth and development opportunities. Other players could join in the coming years.
The Cité des arts du cirque also serves as the official gateway to Parc Frédéric-Back. So, if you are visiting the park then the Citè des arts du cirque is the landmark to look out for.
The major circus players in Montreal joined forces in 1999. They built the Cité des arts du cirque with TOHU as its public venue. The Cité hosts the facilities of TOHU. It also houses Cirque du Soleil, the National Circus School and En Piste.
Since its inception in 2004, TOHU has been a unique hall in North America. It has a 360-degree circular hall seating 1,200 spectators.
TOHU is home to a permanent exhibition. It chronicles the circus arts in Québec. The exhibition goes from their inception in Montreal in 1796 to international stardom. TOHU promotes the global growth of Québec circus. It does this with its annual MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE festival.
Montreal is the circus hub of North America. The city is home to the National Circus School. It has many circus companies. Cirque du Soleil is just one example. Spectators enjoy the circus arts year-round in Montreal.
Remember that the Cité des arts du cirque is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies Montreal’s vibrant circus culture. It is a place where dreams take flight. This place is a celebration of human potential.