Explore Circus World
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Our Treasures
As other entertainment forms gained popularity, Circus World began documenting and collecting important treasures of the American Circus. From original Ringling Circus buildings to the smallest flea circus prop
Our Treasures will astonish!
Members Get Free Admission!
Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.
Tickets available for Gunhild! ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
I enjoyed it there , I bought my mother a brick
Love it
Emmett Kelly (1898-1979) is one of the recognizable clowns of all time, delighting audiences throughout the world for more than 50 years. Although he began his circus career as an aerialist, Kelly is best known for developing a down-on-his luck clown named Weary Willie. This character resonated with audiences when he debuted during the Great Depression and continued to be a favorite of both young and old. Willie interacted with the other acts during circus performances, making Kelly’s clowning style very different than others at the time. Emmett Kelly possessed extraordinary artistic abilities that he used throughout his lifetime, including drawing cartoons, painting portraits, and even painting whimsical scenes on circus wagons. His talents also extended into television, film, and the stage. Although Kelly’s later career evolved away from the circus, he continued to perform as a clown until his death.
📸: Emmett Kelly married Eva Moore in 1923, and they performed together as the Aerial Kellys during the 1920s | CWi Image ID 1936
📸: Emmett Kelly is shown here with James Stewart on the set of the film The Greatest Show on Earth | CWi Image ID 1935
📸: Emmett Kelley completed this gouache self-portrait in 1966 | Object ID 2003.22.1
📸: Emmett Kelly signed this photo for circus fan and photographer Edward Kennedy while performing with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1946 | CWi Image ID 1931 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Sat ringside with Jesse Gollmar when Ringling Brothers Circus was in Janesville, Wisconsin in the 1950's. Emmett and Jesse, who was part of the Gollmar Brothers Circus family had been friends for decades. Emmett come over to us and did part of his act within arms reach. What a great memory!
I love these background stories!! Thanks!
I have a statue piece on this guy that I inherited from my grandfather when he passed.. (along with several other circus items)
Love the old aerialist photo!!
Jenny Allred Wright
Way cool!
View more comments
Look to the air and watch for Cupid’s arrow as the very soulful, strong, and stunning, Sofia, performs her ethereal artistry on the aerial hammock. St. Valentine himself would fall in love with this act! Roses are red, the Big Top is blue, look to the air and my, what a view!
Celebrate classic and kooky holidays with our all-star caCircus World World during our live summer performance season Friday, May 16 – Sunday, August 31. 2025. Make your plans now for your family to celebrate with us! ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
So happy to see this talented beauty back again!!
Congratulations ❤️
❤️