About the Museum
Preserves Wisconsin's circus heritage on original winter quarters of Ringling Brothers Circus. Features world's largest collection of circus wagons, artifacts, and archives documenting when Baraboo was "Circus Capital of the World" in late 1800s-early 1900s.
Spanning 64 acres on the original winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers, Circus World Museum holds one of the largest collections of circus materials in the world. The museum's crown jewel is its collection of over 200 antique circus wagons, with 50 fully restored wagons on display in the W.W. Deppe Wagon Pavilion. Visitors can watch active restoration work at the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center, where craftsmen bring these colorful vehicles back to life using traditional techniques.
The museum complex includes seven National Historic Landmark structures that once housed the Ringling Bros. Circus during winter months. The Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall, the museum's largest building, features comprehensive exhibits on Ringling Brothers history alongside displays of circus posters, costumes, and equipment from shows across America. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center offers free public access to thousands of circus-related books, photographs, manuscripts, and business records documenting the golden age of American circus.
From May through August, the museum comes alive with daily live circus performances under the permanent big-top Hippodrome. World-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and magicians perform alongside animal demonstrations and sideshow recreations. The museum also offers hands-on programs for children and adults, circus instrument concerts, and outdoor thrill acts that capture the excitement of circus life when Baraboo truly was the "Circus Capital of the World."
Plan Your Visit
Circus World Museum is located at 550 Water Street in Baraboo, on the original 64-acre winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The museum features seven National Historic Landmark buildings. From May through August, daily live circus performances take place under the permanent Hippodrome big-top. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center offers free public access to the world's largest collection of circus materials. For hours, admission, and performance schedules, call (608) 356-8341 or visit circusworldbaraboo.org.
Getting Involved
Support Circus World Museum by becoming a member, volunteering, or donating to help preserve America's circus heritage. The museum welcomes donations of circus-related artifacts, posters, photographs, and memorabilia. Watch traditional wagon restoration at the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center, where craftsmen bring antique circus wagons back to life using techniques from the golden age when Baraboo was the "Circus Capital of the World."
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