Rīgas Circus

Times viewed: 19737

Karte

Description

Riga Circus is among the oldest world circuses

Latvia is the country among the three Baltic States, which has the winter circus. It was built more than one hundred years ago (1888) nut is still standing as it was and during all this long time circus performances have been being constantly arranged there. In 1880 the land plot, on which the circus is situated now, was bought by that time famous circus artists Alberts Salamonskis. Soon after the purchase, he came to Riga each summer to erect a circus tent on the plot and arrange performances, in which he participated himself as an exellent master of horse training. After a number of years when Riga was enjoying performances, the circus tent had become too small; therefore A.Salamonskis decided to build a stone building. Janis Fridrihs Baumanis, had become the architect and the author of Riga circus project. J.F.Baumanis, begin already famous Riga centre public buildings' builder of the second part of the 19th century, developed the project of Riga circus undoubtedly using new solutions for building constructional structures. In comparison with Eiffel Tower opened in Paris in 1889, which was built for the purpose to show the modern construction potentiality of velvet secional iron, Riga Circus, projected by Baumanis, was opened in 1888. The hall supports and roof construction that covers the circus amphitheatre at the angle of 76 degrees was formed by the architect using rails. Because of that the circus building is unique as the construction of its big top is developed very originally. Sixteen columns that consist of three connected rails support the round big top of the circus. Although the construction looks very light and simple, it can bear high load, when complicated and heavy equipment for rope-walkers or air gymnasts is hanged unter.
In the circus building there are: hall with arena (12m diameter) and the big top over it (operating height 11 m), parterre for 580 seats and amphitheatre for 450 seats, lobby and cloakroom, training hall for actors, rooms for animals, including elephants' room (for 6 elephants maximum), 2 stables (for 30 horses maximum), joiner's shop, 20 make-up rooms, costumier's room, orchestra room, electric shop, sound technician's room, rooms for performance maintenance staff and administration.
In accordance with the Ministry of Culture Order Nr.126 of November 11,2003, amendments fo “List of state protected memorials”, Riga Circus building was named “Architectural memorials of national importance”.
The researches carried out by scientists confirm that the quality of metal rails is good and our old circus will serve us for a long time.

Performances in Riga Circus are being arranged thoughout the year, although traditionally the most important is just the winter season that starts in October and continues till the end of March. In this time period performances are arranged regularly at the end of each week. Guest actors from various countries as well as our Latvian actors participate in performances. The main principle of program creation is the following - it must be interesting for our spectators.

Latvian circus actors are supported by Riga Circus and are famous in many countries of the world and Europe. They are not prohibited to prepare their own performances, are offered the professional support of producers, choreographs or genre professionals, allowing to keep their animals innthe circus.