The Original Circus Museum Reopens to the Public

The Ringling announced that the galleries of The Original Circus Museum are now open to the public after an extensive renovation. Visitors will be able to view reinterpreted displays of historic circus wagons, costumes, and the Ringling’s private railcar –  The Wisconsin – in the historic galleries. 

“Chick” Austin, The Ringling’s first director, opened the circus museum in 1948; it was the first museum in the country to document the rich history of the American Circus. Today, The Circus Museum is comprised of the Tibbals Learning Center, The Ringling Archives, and The Original Circus Museum.