Karaganda Circus
A Cultural Legacy of the USSR
In the Soviet Union, the circus was never just entertainment, it was part of official cultural policy. From the 1950s to the 1980s, circus art experienced a boom, and permanent buildings were erected in major cities. Kazakhstan used to have only two: in Almaty and Karaganda. After Astana became the capital, a circus was built there too.
By the 1970s, Karaganda had already become one of the largest industrial centers of the Kazakh SSR. Its new status demanded a circus of its own. Construction began in 1975, was finished in 1982, and in 1983 the first audience filled the stands.
Soviet Modernism under the Dome
The circus building is an example of Soviet modernism with shades of brutalism and functionalism. Its design is all about geometry, clarity, and scale, without unnecessary décor.
The centerpiece is the arena, surrounded by an amphitheater. The dome without internal supports provides an unobstructed view from every seat.
In 2004, a four-meter statue of a girl balancing on a ball appeared on the roof. The architect of the building opposed it, fearing the structure would not bear the extra weight. But the statue has stood firm for two decades, becoming the circus’s symbol.
A Stage for the World
Karaganda Circus never had its own resident troupe, but this only makes the repertoire more diverse. Touring circuses from Kazakhstan, Russia, and abroad regularly perform here. The arena also welcomes pop stars and musicians, turning the circus into one of the city’s most versatile cultural venues.
How to Get There?
The nearest bus stop is “TSUM.” You can reach it by buses #1, 33, 43, 44, 45, 55, 65, 70, 73, 145 or minibuses (marshrutkas) #01, 02, 07, 011, 13. Buses from nearby towns (Temirtau, Shakhtinsk, Saran, Aktas) also stop here: №107, 121, 122, 127, 141 and 165. If you are coming from the South-East district, you can also use the “Valyut-Transit” stop, served by buses #40, 53 and minibus #29.
Other Tourist Attractions near the Circus:
- Central Park
- Church of Saints Peter and Paul
- City Mall
- Monument to Nurken Abdirov
- TSUM (Central Department Store)
- Museum of Ecology
- Museum of Fine Arts
Gallery
Recommended tours:
All offers
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This journey will take you to the gems of Central Kazakhstan, including Karkaraly National Park, the Bronze Age Kent settlement, Scythian burial mounds, and the remnants of the ancient Buddhist temple known as Kent Palace.
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Embark on an exploration of the Soviet legacy on Kazakh soil! This tour takes you to the infamous labor camps of the Stalin era, Karlag and Alzhir, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, and various other landmarks from the Soviet era.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "CIP Lounge at Karaganda Airport")
Escape the busy airport environment. Book the CIP lounge access at the Karaganda Airport online. This service is available to passengers traveling on domestic and international flights.