Circus & Clown Museum Vienna – Where Magic, Laughter, and History Meet!

Join us to discover the only museum of its kind in Western and Central Europe! The Circus & Clown Museum Vienna invites you into a world of wonder, humour, and human creativity, a colorful journey through the history of clowns, magicians, circus performers, and entertainers who have inspired joy for generations.

This hidden gem in the heart of Vienna is just steps away from the Prater amusement park, at Ilgplatz 7. It offers nearly 400 square meters of exhibits, stories, and surprises where clowns are a central focal and where you will learn interesting facts about the Vienna Prater, circuses, and other establishments. You will see with tons of photos, posters, props, and original and famous costumes. With more than 20,000 fascinating artefacts from historic posters and rare photographs to original costumes and props you can dive deep into the enchanting world of the circus.

It all began in 1927 as a private passion, when Viennese writer and editor Heino Seitler opened his personal clown collection. His lifelong devotion to the circus arts became the foundation for today’s museum.

The museum became a public cultural treasure in 1968 when Seitler donated his collection to the City of Vienna, officially establishing the Austrian Circus and Clown Museum. Over the decades, the museum has grown thanks to the dedication of passionate curators and volunteer, all committed to keeping this living heritage alive.

The museum has welcomed a dazzling lineup of famous visitors such as Freddy Quinn, Bernhard Paul and David Copperfield, many of whom donated personal memorabilia. Artists such as Arnulf Rainer, Rudolf Hausner, and Silvia Wichtl have also drawn creative inspiration from the collection. Scholars and students from institutions like the University of Vienna regularly use the museum’s archives for research, ensuring that the cultural legacy of performance art continues to shine.

Whether you’re a small or a more adult lifelong fan of the circus or simply curious about Vienna’s vibrant entertainment history, the Circus & Clown Museum offers you a joyful, family-friendly experience you’ll never forget. There is no fee but the museum is only open on Sundays, so check your calendar before coming.

The museum is fully accessible. Also, do not forget to check the two hidden corners, too. There is an accessible loo, too but check the width, though. There is a shop at the entrance with interesting books about circus and some kid stuff. You can also buy a coffee and cold drinks there.

Circus & Clown Museum Wien

Ilgplatz 7, 1020 Wien

https://www.circus-clownmuseum.at