Circus Highlights

The history of the circus comes to life through the vast and varied collections in the Circus Museum. Among the highlights of the collection are performers’ wardrobes, beautifully carved parade wagons, sturdy utility wagons, and a cannon that shot fearless performers across the big top. Among the paper collections are beautifully printed lithographic posters used to advertise circuses and other fine art prints that document the circus’ influence on American and European cultures. Singular items such as The Howard Bros. Circus Model, The Greatest Show on Earth Mural, and John and Mable Ringling’s private Pullman car, The Wisconsin, are among the stars of the Circus Museum collections.