The Future of Bolshoi Moscow Circus: New Building in Mnevnikovskaya Poyma

The Bolshoi Moscow Circus, one of the main symbols of the capital's cultural life, will soon acquire a new modern building. After lengthy discussions and votes, the Moscow authorities have decided on the construction site — it will be Mnevnikovskaya Poyma in the northwest of the city. In addition, Muscovites will have to choose the architectural concept of the future circus. In this article, we will tell you how the construction will proceed, what the residents think, and what plans await the legendary circus.

New Location for the Circus: Mnevnikovskaya Poyma

The new building of the Bolshoi Moscow State Circus will be built in Mnevnikovskaya Poyma — an artificial island in the Khoroshevo-Mnevniki district. This modern area is actively developing and already has convenient infrastructure, including two stations of the Big Circle Line of the metro — 'Mnevniki' and 'Terekhovo'. Thanks to this, visitors will be able to easily reach the circus from any point in Moscow. Initially, the authorities considered the possibility of reconstructing the historic building on Vernadsky Prospekt, where the circus has been operating since 1971. However, experts and the circus management supported the idea of moving to a new site. The main arguments were the technical difficulties of implementing such a large-scale project at the old location, as well as the need to ensure the continuous operation of the team during construction. This was reported by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin in his blog. "Taking into account all the opinions expressed, it was decided to build the Moscow Circus building in a new convenient location in Mnevnikovskaya Poyma," noted Sobyanin. During the construction period, the historic building on Vernadsky Prospekt will continue to host spectators. Its future fate will be decided later — taking into account the opinions of artists, management, and the public.

What Muscovites Think: Voting Results

The question of the future of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus was actively discussed among the capital's residents. In February 2025, a vote titled 'What Will the Moscow Circus Be Like?' was held on the 'Active Citizen' platform. More than 250 thousand people participated, and the results showed that citizens are interested in updating the circus:

• 73% of participants supported the idea of building a new modern building;
• About 50% spoke in favor of the circus remaining on Vernadsky Prospekt;
• 27% voted for a new site;
• 23% trusted the experts' opinion.

Despite the desire of many to keep the circus at its historical location, the authorities and specialists chose Mnevnikovskaya Poyma as a more suitable location. The decision is explained not only by technical aspects but also by the desire to create a modern space that meets all the requirements of the 21st century.

Voting for the Design: Residents Have a Say

Now, Muscovites will have to decide what the new building of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus will look like. A new vote has started on the 'Active Citizen' platform, in which not only adults but also children — the main audience of circus performances — can participate. Experts have already selected several options for architectural concepts, and citizens are invited to choose the most successful one. "We want the new circus to become not just a building, but a real landmark of Moscow. Therefore, the opinion of residents, especially young Muscovites, is very important to us," emphasized Sergey Sobyanin. The voting promises to be interesting: the projects include modern design elements, and some ideas involve creating a multifunctional space with recreation areas, a museum, and even a food court.

Why Was Mnevnikovskaya Poyma Chosen?

Mnevnikovskaya Poyma is not a random choice. This area of more than 340 hectares has been actively developed in recent years. Previously, there were plans to build a Parliamentary Center for the State Duma and the Federation Council here, but this idea was abandoned in 2018. Now, the territory is becoming a new point of attraction in Moscow, and the circus fits perfectly into the concept of its development. Advantages of the new location:

• Transport accessibility: proximity to metro stations and a developed road network;
• Space for construction: unlike the constrained site on Vernadsky Prospekt, a large-scale project can be implemented here;
• Modern infrastructure: the area is already equipped with everything necessary for comfortable visits.

What Will Happen to the Old Building?

The circus building on Vernadsky Prospekt, built in 1971 in the style of Soviet modernism, will remain in operation during the construction of the new facility. It is famous for its unique design — a tent with a folded dome and an amphitheater for 3400 seats. An interesting fact: it even had a special elevator for the General Secretary of the USSR, Leonid Brezhnev, which took him from the parking lot directly to the government box. After the completion of the new circus construction, the fate of the historic building will be determined taking into account the opinions of artists, management, and residents. It may become a museum, a cultural center, or continue to operate as an additional venue.

Future Plans

The construction of the new building of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus is a long-term project that will take several years. The authorities promise that it will become not only a home for circus performances but also a multifunctional venue where families can spend time together. The capacity of the new hall may increase to 5000 seats, which will allow for even more spectators. While the work is underway, the circus on Vernadsky Prospekt will continue to delight Muscovites and guests of the capital with its shows. And after the project is completed, Moscow will receive a modern cultural facility that will preserve traditions and bring new opportunities.

Join the Creation of the New Circus!

The construction of the new building of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus in Mnevnikovskaya Poyma is not just a change of address, but a step into the future of the capital's culture. Every Muscovite has a chance to influence the appearance of this iconic facility. Take part in the voting for the architectural concept on the 'Active Citizen' platform and follow the project news. The new circus will soon become part of Moscow's history!