Kyiv Circus/Photo: from open sources
The Kyiv Circus is not just an arena for spectacles, it is a heart that beats in the rhythm of laughter, wonder and human courage. Under the majestic dome of the National Circus of Ukraine, stories that intertwine centuries come to life, from medieval jesters to modern stars who conquer the world stage. Today, when the war has left its mark on every corner of Ukraine, the circus in Kyiv remains a symbol of resilience, where performers continue to create miracles and spectators find moments of joy in the midst of darkness. This article is a journey through time, memories and names that have made the Kyiv Circus a legend.
Historical path: from Alcazar to National status
Imagine Kyiv in 1875: noisy streets, wooden tents where travelling performers entertained the audience with tricks and jokes. It was then that Austrian Ignatius Sobbot, with the support of Frenchman Auguste Bergonier, opened the first stationary circus in the city – the Alcazar. Located at the intersection of modern-day Bohdana Khmelnytskoho and Pushkinska streets, this two-storey stone building hosted more than 60 artists. Ballet from Naples, clowns from London, an orchestra of 35 musicians and equestrian performances with 40 horses – all of this amazed Kyiv residents. But it was expensive to maintain such a miracle, and within a year, the Alcazar closed, giving way to theatre companies.
Kyiv Circus
The next step in Kyiv’s circus history took place in 1903, when Mykhailo Krutikov, the son-in-law of the Kyiv governor-general, built the Hippo-Palace, or Horse Palace. Located on what is now Architect Horodetskyi Street, this brick giant with a three-tiered hall and electric lighting was considered the largest circus in Europe. The design by architect Eduard Bradtman was impressive: a huge dome, a spacious arena and technology that was ahead of its time. World-class stars performed here – jugglers Rastelli, acrobats Vinkini, clowns Bim and Bom, and the legendary trainer Anatoly Durov. But in 1941, the war destroyed this gem, leaving only memories. In its place, the Ukraine cinema was built in 1964.
The modern chapter of the story began on 5 November 1960, when a new building of the Kyiv Circus was opened on Victory Square. Designed by architect Valentin Zhukov, the building could accommodate 1900 spectators, and the first performance – “For You, Kyivans!” – was a gift to the city. In 1998, the circus was granted the status of the National Circus, securing the title of the main circus centre of Ukraine. Today, it is a place where performances that tour the world are born, and technical upgrades make the shows even more impressive.
Kyiv Circus
Stars shining under the dome
The Kyiv Circus is not only a building, but also the people who breathe life into it. One of the brightest stars was Lyudmila Shevchenko, People’s Artist of the USSR and Ukraine, who served as artistic director from 2012 to 2017. Her talent and charisma raised Ukrainian circus art to a new level. Under her direction, the performances became real theatrical productions, where acrobatics were combined with drama.
Among the historical legends is Anatoly Durov, whose humour and training skills amazed the audience in the early 20th century at the Hippo-Palace. His performances were more than just a show – they were thought-provoking satire. Modern times have given us the Mosienko sisters – the Gemini Twins duo, who recently joined the Ringling Brothers Circus in the United States, continuing the tradition of Ukrainian artists on the world stage.
We cannot ignore those who worked behind the scenes. Boris Zayets, CEO for 40 years, created a unique Ukrainian team that made the country famous far beyond its borders. And the current head, Vladislav Kornienko, saved circus animals from shelling during the war by organising special shelters for them, and continues to support the team’s spirit.
A circus with a soul: from the past to the present
Today, in March 2025, the Kyiv Circus is more than just entertainment. It is a place where the soul of the people is preserved. During the war, the performers did not stop performing, even when alarms forced them to interrupt the show. The audience hiding in shelters and then returning to watch the show is a symbol of resilience that cannot be broken.
From the Wheel of Courage, the most dangerous act without insurance, to gentle spring jazz programmes, the circus remains alive.
For both Ukraine and Israel, countries with a difficult history, the circus is a reminder of the power of art. While Israeli audiences can find in the performances echoes of their own struggle to find joy in the midst of adversity, Ukrainians see it as a reflection of their resilience. The Kyiv circus is not just a story or stars. It is a soul that shines under the dome, inviting everyone to touch the miracle. And until 30 March, the Circus Rendezvous performance is taking place here – a cabaret show that combines grace, humour and incredible skill of the artists, giving the audience an unforgettable show.
Author: Ekatrina Bogdanenko
