“An archive of real dreams and dreamed realities” That’s how poet André Heller described the Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien. This isn’t just a museum it’s a living testament to the joy and artistry of the circus.
Step inside the Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien. Discover its extraordinary history. It showcases the lives of domestic and international entertainers. Clowns are central. You’ll see photos posters props and costumes. Twenty thousand permanent exhibits fill the space. There are always temporary exhibits adding new content.
The Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien began as a private collection. Writer and editor Heino Seitler amassed it during the interwar period in Josefstadt. He donated this extensive collection to the city of Vienna in 1968. A hall in the Leopoldstädter Bezirksmuseum became the Austrian Circus and Clown Museum. Heino Seitler remained involved until his death. His colleague curator Professor Berthold Lang took over. Professor Lang expanded the museum. He continues to adapt it to modern times. Since 2011 the museum has been located near the Prater.
The Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien is more than a static display. It’s a dynamic environment. It hosts a wide variety of events. Regular magic shows entertain both children and adults. Talks with celebrities readings and musical performances add to the experience. The museum is an ongoing celebration of circus history. It’s also a living space for the art form.
The museum doesn’t just preserve the past. It looks towards the future. It highlights forgotten arts like juggling ventriloquism and animal training. It champions the artistry of clowns acrobats and magicians. The Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien is a place to discover laughter wonder and the enduring magic of the circus. It’s a celebration of the unique and the extraordinary. It’s truly an archive of dreams. It’s an archive of dreamed realities. It’s an archive you simply must experience.