The Capital Circus Budapest is located in the City Park, opposite the Széchenyi Baths, in the embrace of the Budapest Zoo. It is the only stone circus in Central Europe and has a capacity of 1450 people. For 8 years now, the Circus has hosted the International Circus Festival, which brings together the best acts from all over the world to compete against each other.

The Capital Circus Budapest is the perfect place for families looking for a magical experience. Featuring acrobats, clowns, animals, and more, the circus promises a night of entertainment for all ages. The high-energy performances, stunning costumes, and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect outing for a family night out. With so much to see and do, you'll be sure to find something to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're looking for an exciting evening or a fun afternoon, the Capital Circus Budapest is sure to bring magic and joy to your family.

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Brief History of the Capital Circus Budapest

The Capital Circus Budapest actually came into being thanks to the zoo, which opened in 1866, but the initial interest in the animals soon waned. Visitors expected a sensation and a spectacle for the price of admission, and the City Park was home to many rival circuses and entertainment venues. The zoo management therefore employed stuntmen, comedians, organised a raffle and finally commissioned the Dutch circus director, Ede Wulff, who was visiting the country at the time, to build a permanent circus building.

Capital Circus Budapest
Capital Circus Budapest - 2023 The Smell of the steppe © ZandArt

Ede Wulff brought back from the World Expo in Brussels a structure that can be dismantled and reassembled. The walls were covered with corrugated iron sheeting, the structure of the building, the pedestals of the seats and the dressing rooms underneath were all made of iron. The building included a huge stable, fifty metres long, as Wulff's show usually featured 86 horses. The building also provided space for the ballet company and extras, who had a separate room next to the dressing rooms. There was also a fire alarm station in the entrance hall and a canteen. In addition, the building already had flush toilets in 1892.

Despite the initial success, Ede Wulff returned the lease of the circus a few years later, which was taken over by Mátyás Beketow and his family in 1904. In 1908, Beketow had the building renovated and moved 80 metres away, so that it was removed from the zoo grounds. He ran the circus, with some interruptions, until 1928, when he committed suicide after becoming financially bankrupt. He was succeeded by his son, Sándor Beketow, who ran the circus with his partner Rezső Árvai from 1929, but attendance declined and financial problems forced them to give back the circus lease.

In 1936, György Fényes took over the post of director, who was director during the Second World War until 1944. Fényes's programme policy was more akin to that of a variety show, and he also introduced the word "variety show" into the name of the circus. Although his shows were world-class, the fact that he mostly hired foreign artists caused a lot of tension among Hungarian artists.

 

 

In 1944 the circus was closed due to bombing. The building suffered extensive damage, but on 1 May 1945, the circus was still open to the public for a festive performance. The circus was taken over by three new owners: Rezső Árvai and the Göndör brothers: Ferenc, who was the leader of a famous diving board group, and Miklós, alias Corodini, a well-known magician.

The circus was nationalised in 1949, when it was renamed the Capital Circus Budapest.

In 1950, the State Artist Training Institute was founded, where not only children of artist families but also civilians could study from the age of 11 to 12. The founder and director of the institute for 36 years was Id. Imre Baross, whose name the school bears today.

By the 1960s, the circus building was well overdue for demolition, becoming structurally and technically obsolete. The state finally decided to build a new stone circus. The old circus was demolished in 1966 and the work took 5 years.

The grand opening of the new circus took place on 14 January 1971, with world-famous artists from all four corners of the globe returning from their foreign tours.

The new building met all the requirements of the time: comfortable dressing rooms for 150 performers, a hotel, combined bathrooms, a spacious lounge and a buffet. The "citadel of Hungarian artistry" was equipped with the most modern sound and lighting equipment of the time. The height of the dome was increased to 15 metres, and modern stables and safe automatic cages were built for the animals. Circus fans were greeted by the usual theatre facilities: a cafeteria, cloakroom and a 2000-seat auditorium.

The smell of the steppe
The smell of the steppe © ZandArt

Discover the magic in the Capital Circus Budapest

The Capital Circus Budapest is one of the most magical experiences one can have in the city of Budapest. Located in the heart of the city, the circus is a captivating show with a mix of acrobats, clowns, and other performers. The circus is a place for all ages, offering something for everyone. It is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for children. There are clowns and acrobats performing daring stunts that will leave you in awe. The Capital Circus Budapest is an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The show is full of energy and excitement, and it is sure to bring a smile to your face. The atmosphere at the Capital Circus Budapest is magical. There are bright lights, colorful costumes, and a lively atmosphere.

Rope dance in the Capital Circus Budapest
Rope Dance © ZandArt

Breathtaking stunts that children will never forget

The Capital Circus Budapest is a truly awe-inspiring experience that children will never forget. From the moment they enter the tent, they will be mesmerized by the breathtaking stunts and amazing acrobatics performed by the world-renowned performers. From the high wire acts to the trapeze artists, the circus has something for everyone.

The Capital Circus Budapest is known for its daring stunts, especially those involving tightrope walking and acrobatics. High above the audience, the performers will balance on a single rope, demonstrating their amazing balance and agility. The trapeze acts feature daring flips and mid-air catches that will leave children in awe.

Even years later, the memories of the circus will remain with them, and they will be able to share the experience with their own children. The Capital Circus Budapest is truly a unique experience that will leave children with memories to last a lifetime.

A magical afternoon the children will talk about for weeks

A magical afternoon in Capital Circus Budapest is something that the children will surely talk about for weeks afterwards. The Capital Circus Budapest is a family-friendly place with a variety of activities and attractions that are sure to be enjoyed by children of all ages. It has a large outdoor arena with a variety of performers.

The children will be in awe of the performers, who will put on a show that can only be described as magical. They will be mesmerized by the acrobats and jugglers, as they perform feats of strength and skill that are sure to amaze even the most experienced circus goer. The clowns will be sure to bring lots of laughter to the crowd, as they perform their hilarious skits and routines.

The clowns always choose children from the audience and perform funny sketches with them. The audience laughs a lot and the children are very happy to meet their favourites up close.If it's your birthday and you let the circus staff know, they'll say hello and give you a little surprise.But you can also have your birthday party at the Capital Circus Budapest.

Sky Angels
"Sky Angels" © ZandArt

An afternoon of breathtaking stunts and thrills you can't miss

Before you go, it's worth checking what's currently on in the Capital Circus Budapest. Whichever one is on, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience! Shows are usually sold out so it's worth buying tickets in advance.

Daring performers soar through the air on tightropes, trapezes, and other apparatus, performing flips and twists that will leave you in awe. Other acts include death-defying high-wire stunts tricks. The audience is sure to be on the edge of their seats as they watch these daring performers take on such daring feats.The show always ends with an incredible grand finale. You'll be so excited after one performance that you'll immediately buy another ticket just to stay for the magic.

But don't despair, because there's still plenty of magic waiting for you in the City Park to continue this fantastic day.

A magical place where adults can become children again

This Capital Circus Budapest has been bringing people joy and amazement since its opening in 1890. It is renowned for its dazzling aerial acts, death-defying stunts, spectacular costumes, and high-flying trapeze artists.

World-class artistic productions and all-round performances provide a fun and entertaining experience for all ages. Sitting in the chairs, you'll be so fascinated by the different breathtaking stunts that you'll forget how old you are. You'll laugh, clap and get excited for the performers who will do their best to give you the best experience and excitement possible. The clowns will make everyone laugh, whether you're a child or an adult.

An unforgettable experience is guaranteed. Buying a pretzel or popcorn from the buffet is an essential part of the circus experience. Make sure you don't miss it.

The End of the Show
The End of the Show © ZandArt

Ticket prices of the Capital Circus Budapest (2023)

VIP: 
total price: 7.500 HUF
retired price : 5.625 HUF
child:  5.250 HUF

PREMIUM:

total price: 5.500 HUF
retired price : 4.125 HUF
child:  3.850 HUF
family: 14.960 HUF

CATEGORY I.:

total price: 4.500 HUF
retired price : 3.375 HUF
child:  3.150 HUF
family: 12.240 HUF

CATEGORY II.:

total price: 3.900 HUF
retired price : 2.925 HUF
child:  2.730 HUF
family: 10.610 HUF

CATEGORY III.:

total price: 2.500 HUF
retired price : 2.500 HUF
child:  2.500 HUF

Opening Hours

Every day: 10:00 - 18:00

Tips before or after a visit to the Circus

  • Be aware of the difficult parking. There aren't too many parking spaces around the Capital Circus Budapest and the Zoo even in paid parking lots. On weekends, the inspectors check legal parking very strictly, and the penalty for illegal parking is quite high. Come by public transport if you can.
  • Don't miss a visit to the zoo which is right next to the Capital Circus Budapest.
  • Sit down for a delicious coffee, cake or ice-cream in the pastry shop in front of the zoo.
  • Sit on the benches of the lake and have a really good rest.
  • There are two fantastic playgrounds that the kids will love: one directly behind the lake, the other a little further away, on the other side of the City Park, Ajtósi Dürer sor.
  • If you come in winter, you can have a really good skate on the Ice Rink, where you can also rent equipment.
  • In summer, however, where there is an Ice Rink in winter, they fill it up with water and you can go boating while enjoying the view of Vajdahunyad Castle.
  • If you want to take a bath or a sauna in a truly wonderful place, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the place to go. You will find it opposite the Circus.
  • If you don't mind the altitude, you should also try the hot air balloon. You'll be able to see the entire City Park from the top. Air balloon price: 
    Adult: 7.000 HUF
    Sunset: 15.000 HUF
    Children: 5.000 HUF  (aged between 6 and 14 years).
    Family: 20.000 HUF. (2 adult and 2 kids, all additional children + 3.000 HUF.
    Privat fly: 200.000 HUF. (15-30 person)
 

 

For more informations about The Capital Circus Budapest visit the official website: Click here.

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