Address: Moscow, Tsvetnoy Boulevard
Opening date: 10/20/1880 year
Coordinates: 55 ° 46'13.8 "N 37 ° 37'10.5" E
Content:
Moscow circuses are considered the most popular entertainment that Moscow offers for children. The oldest of these was built at the end of the 19th century and continues to flourish to this day. Parents bring their children to Nikulin's circus so that they can rest, laugh at the jokes of clowns, see unique tricks and believe in the limitless possibilities of man.
View of the Nikulin Circus from Tsvetnoy Boulevard
Circus history
The first circus in Moscow was opened in 1880, thanks to the hereditary circus artist and successful entrepreneur Albert Vilgelmovich Salamonsky. The design of the circus building was prepared by the talented architect Avgust Yegorovich Weber.
Salamonsky became not only the director of a new entertainment establishment, but also showed numbers with trained horses in the arena. Strongmen, gymnasts, clowns, jugglers and riders performed in his circus. In addition, the first shows in Moscow on artificial ice and Christmas trees were held here. Moscow merchants became the biggest fans of circus art.
Until the 1880s, children were not taken to the circus, and Albert Salamonsky was the first to offer programs for young residents of the city. By his order, on Sundays, morning performances or matinees were introduced in the circus. Rich Muscovites bought tickets for the most convenient seats in the stalls, while unnumbered wooden benches and seats in the standing gallery were reserved for less wealthy citizens.
The main entrance to the Nikulin circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard
In 1919, the Salamonsky circus was nationalized and renamed the First State Circus. He was very popular with Muscovites and tourists. Every evening people went to the performance to hear the witty jokes of the famous clowns - Karandash, Oleg Popov, Leonid Yengibarov and Yuri Nikulin. Muscovites and visitors came to see trained animals and fearless acrobats.
In 1985 the circus was closed for renovation. The old building, in addition to the facades, was demolished, and a new building was erected in the vacant place. Today, the dome of the circus rises above the arena at a height of 22 m.
What can be seen in the circus
The circus performance brings a lot of joy and pleasure to both children and adults. Every day, guests are greeted by well-coordinated equilibrists, dexterous jugglers, gymnasts and funny clowns.
Circus arena
Experienced trainers show specially trained lions, bears, tigers, horses and dogs. Animals perform complex stunts in the arena and amuse spectators.
Monument to Nikulin
Since 2000, next to the circus building, near the roadway, there has been a monument created by the sculptor Alexander Iulianovich Rukavishnikov. The unusual monument is dedicated to the famous film actor Yuri Vladimirovich Nikulin.
Yu. V. Nikulin worked in the circus for over 50 years, and from 1983 to 1997 was its director. On the monument in a clown outfit, he stands next to a chic convertible, which starred in scenes of the popular Soviet comedy "Prisoner of the Caucasus". Instead of numbers, a plate with the inscription "Yuri Nikulin" is fixed on the bronze car.
In the circus arena
A beautiful monument near the circus has long turned into a Moscow landmark. Everyone who walks along Tsvetnoy Boulevard likes to be photographed next to the car. Among the townspeople and tourists, there is a belief that if you rub Nikulin's nose, a happy event will happen in life. Many people believe they will, so the bronze nose and details of the clown's clothes shine in the sun.
Information for visitors
The circus auditorium seats 2,000 people. Performances take place in the daytime and in the evening. Circus tickets are sold at the Moscow box offices and online. Children under 6 years old are allowed here for free, provided that they watch the circus show on the lap of an adult.
In the foyer of the circus, before and after the show, young spectators can take pictures with dogs or a tiger, as well as make funny face art - a drawing on the face. The lobby sells popcorn, junk food, soft drinks and sweets, while the souvenir kiosk sells colorful clown noses and other inexpensive souvenirs.
Monument to Yuri Nikulin
How to get there
The circus is easily accessible on foot from the Tsvetnoy Bulvar or Trubnaya metro stations. In addition, the circus is approached by buses and trolleybuses, which make a stop at Trubnaya Square.
