Almaty Circus
The Almaty Circus, established in 1970, owes its inception to Dinmukhamed Kunayev, the 1st Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The circus initially comprised graduates from prestigious institutions such as the Moscow Variety and Circus School, as well as the Almaty and Saratov Variety and Circus Studios. Early performances embraced the Kazakh national style, highlighting captivating equestrian acts.
During the 1970s, the Land of Wonders program enthralled audiences with its blend of ballet, circus acts, and musical performances. It swiftly gained recognition as the premier program across the entire Soviet Union.
The Almaty Circus embarked on extensive tours throughout the USSR and abroad, garnering accolades and prestigious titles for its performers, who also became laureates of international circus art festivals. The arena hosted a wide array of skilled artists, including riders, trainers, gymnasts, tightrope walkers, and more. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's dissolution, the Almaty Circus troupe expanded its ranks to include artists from other former Soviet circuses.
Architecturally, the circus buildings harmoniously combine elements of national style with modern classics. The design of the Almaty Circus building resembles the traditional yurt, a distinctive dwelling among various Turkic peoples. The venue can accommodate up to 2160 spectators and boasts amenities such as a foyer, dressing rooms, a dining area, grooming and cleaning facilities, animal quarters, and a training arena.
How to get there?
Address: Almaty, 50 Abay Ave.
You can get to the Almaty Circus by buses #3 (night bus), 25, 34, 57, 62, 65, 66, 92, 98, 118, 120, 128 and trolleybuses #5, 19, 25. If you prefer using the subway, you can access the circus easily from the «M. Auezov Theater» station, which has two exits located near the entrance of the circus.
Other tourist attractions near the circus:
- Fantasy World Amusement Park
- Central Stadium
- Kazakh Drama Theatre named after M. Auezov
- Dostyk Sports Complex
- A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts
- Baluan Sholak Arena