Great Moscow Circus

The Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue is one of the largest permanent circuses in the world. This unique building can accommodate over 3,000 spectators at once, and its technical equipment is unparalleled. Since its opening in 1971, the circus has been visited by more than 50 million people, making it a true symbol of the capital.

Location and Opening Hours

The circus is located at 7 Vernadsky Avenue in the southwest part of Moscow. The ticket offices are open daily from 10:30 to 19:30, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. The nearest metro station is “Universitet” on the Sokolnicheskaya Line, from which the circus is a 5–10 minute walk.

History of the Unique Complex

Construction and Opening

The project for a permanent circus was developed in 1960 by a team of four architects led by Yakov Belopolsky and Yefim Vulykh. Construction of the glass-domed building with an area of 3,000 square meters took 11 years. The first performance took place on April 30, 1971, becoming a true celebration for Muscovites and a milestone in the history of Soviet circus art. At the premiere, legends of the circus genre performed – Yuri Nikulin, Oleg Popov, and Mstislav Zapashny, along with numerous acrobats, gymnasts, and jugglers.

Modernization and Development

In the 1980s, the building underwent major modernization, significantly improving its technical equipment and audience comfort. In the early 1990s, the circus began to develop international partnerships, inviting outstanding foreign performers to collaborate.

Revolutionary Technical Equipment

Unique System of Interchangeable Arenas

The main innovation of the circus was a system designed by engineer Georgy Khromov consisting of five movable arenas located in a machinery hall 18 meters below ground. Thanks to this mechanism, the arena can transform within minutes:

• Equestrian arena – for performances with horses and other animals
• Ice arena – for skating acts
• Water arena – for aquatic performances
• Illusion arena – for magic and illusion shows
• Light arena – for light-and-music productions

This technology opens limitless possibilities for creating spectacular show programs and gives directors maximum creative freedom.

Modern Equipment

The construction incorporated advanced technologies: four film projectors, powerful xenon spotlights, and a complex lighting system. The dome reaches a height of 26 meters, allowing for the most ambitious aerial acts.

Auditorium and Seating Layout

The amphitheater seats 3,287 spectators and is divided into six sectors (A, B, C, D, E, F) and two boxes. Each sector has 22 rows, while the boxes have 2 rows each. An orchestra pit is located between the boxes. The best view is from sectors A and E – the largest ones facing the arena directly. The acoustics are excellent throughout the hall thanks to its well-designed architecture.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices range from 1,000 to 7,000 rubles depending on the seat location. The most affordable tickets are in the 22nd row, while premium-category seats are in the boxes. Prices may vary even within the same row across different sectors. Tickets can be purchased on the official website greatcircus.ru or by phone at +7 (495) 9-300-300, with delivery available.

Playbill and Performances

Program Variety

Over more than half a century, more than one hundred unique shows have been staged at the circus with captivating titles such as “Golden Kaleidoscope,” “Larible,” and “Cosmic Takeoff.” Each show is a carefully directed performance involving a team of directors, choreographers, designers, and sound engineers. Popular productions usually run for 2–3 months, allowing as many spectators as possible to attend. Every six months, the circus stages more than 100 performances.

“Idol” Festival

Every year, the circus hosts the international circus art festival “Idol”, where artists from various countries compete in skill. The program includes acrobatics, illusion acts, clown performances, and animal shows. Winners are chosen by both a professional jury and the audience. The final gala show brings together the festival’s most impressive acts.

Circus Stars

The arena of the Great Moscow Circus hosts world-class performers. Since 2012, the institution has been directed by the Zapashny brothers – representatives of a renowned circus dynasty who are also the main producers of acts with wild animals. Among the troupe’s stars are Daria Purchinskaya, Pavel Putilov, and many other masters of the circus genre. Circus artists Askold Zapashny and Andrey Sharnin served as consultants and performers for the closing ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, presenting authentic Russian circus art to the world.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

The circus offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of circus art. Tours are held on Wednesdays at 17:00 and Sundays at 11:00, with individual scheduling available upon request. The tour program includes visits to:

• The rehearsal arena, where artists refine their skills
• The administrative building
• The costume workshops
• The stables with trained horses
• The machinery area housing the arena-changing mechanisms

The tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs 1,500 rubles. The route may vary depending on the rehearsal schedule.

Interesting Facts about the Circus

• The circus is listed in the Guinness World Records for audience attendance
• The building is one of the largest circuses in the world in terms of technical equipment and production scale
• A city legend says that during construction, a worker accidentally left a tool in the foundation, which was never found. It is believed to bring good luck to all performances
• In 2012, the Zapashny brothers attempted to save the Danish giraffe Marius, sparking international attention and demonstrating the humane spirit of the Russian circus school toward animals

How to Get to the Circus

By Metro

The “Universitet” station on the Sokolnicheskaya (red) line is a 5-minute walk from the circus. It is a deep-level station with heavy passenger traffic; the escalator ride takes 5–7 minutes.

By Ground Transport

Many buses and trams stop at “Universitet Metro Station.” From the stop, walk along Lomonosovsky Avenue to the turn onto Vernadsky Avenue.

By Car or Taxi

There is convenient parking near the circus building. All major taxi services are available, including Yandex.Go and others.

On Foot

From Moscow State University or the Botanical Garden – 2.5 km (about 30 minutes on foot along Lomonosovsky Avenue). From the observation deck on Sparrow Hills – roughly the same distance. The Armen Dzhigarkhanyan Theatre is 600 meters away (a 10-minute walk).

Why Visit the Great Moscow Circus

The Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue is not just an entertainment venue but a true temple of circus art. A professional world-class troupe, unique technical capabilities, and the chance to see the legendary Zapashny dynasty performers make a visit to the circus an unforgettable experience for both children and adults. Each performance is a synthesis of mastery, advanced technology, and creative inspiration. More than 50 million spectators have already experienced the grandeur of this venue. Join them and discover the magical world of circus art!