The roar of the crowd still echoes. Can you hear it? Feel the energy of a bygone era? Right here stood the legendary Circo Price a vibrant hub of Madrid’s entertainment scene.
Circo Price wasn’t just any circus. It was a Madrid institution. For decades it hosted dazzling shows. From thrilling acrobats to captivating zarzuelas it drew immense crowds. It began its life in a different location. Thomas Price an Irish equestrian and part of the famed Price Brothers clown family established it in 1853. Initially it found its home on the Paseo de Recoletos.
But the Circo Price wasn’t destined to stay there. In 1880 it relocated to the Plaza del Rey. This wasn’t just a simple move. It was a significant step in the circus’s evolution. The new location saw the construction of a permanent building. A magnificent structure designed by the architect Ortiz de Villarejos. It boasted a unique 16-sided polygon shape capable of holding 2000 spectators. For years it was even colloquially known as the Circo de Parish after its influential manager Leonard Parish.
Circo Price wasn’t just a circus. It was a theatre. It hosted operas ballets and even sporting events. The building was a social melting pot for Madrileños. The scent of popcorn and the thrill of the unknown filled the air. Generations of Madrileños remember the magic. They recall the music the incredible feats of balance and the uproarious laughter. Imagine elephants saluting with their trunks under the bright lights.
Sadly the magnificent Circo Price was demolished in 1970. A victim of progress and changing times. But its legacy lives on. The current Circo Price a modern cultural center pays homage to its illustrious predecessor. It is a testament to the enduring power of entertainment. It also embodies the enduring spirit of Madrid itself. The memories of the original Circo Price remain. It continues to be an integral part of the city’s rich history.