This once-abandoned Soviet circus is gradually being brought back to its former Communist-era splendor. The Chişinău State Circus, which was once one of Moldova’s top entertainment spots, is now being revived in what is Europe’s poorest country. First opened in 1981, the circus was known for its cutting-edge facilities, including rehearsal spaces and areas for animals and veterinarians.
The Chişinău State Circus, once Moldova’s largest auditorium with 1,900 seats and a 40-foot ring, was a hub for circus artists from around the globe. At its height, it hosted 57 shows in a single year, featuring performers from countries like Belarus, China, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine. However, after Moldova gained independence and shifted to a market economy, the country was hit by rapid inflation and a deep economic crisis. With Moldova still being the poorest country in Europe, the circus couldn’t withstand these tough times and was abandoned in 2004.
Fortunately, on May 30, 2014, the Chişinău State Circus began its comeback after being abandoned for a decade. Thanks to a long restoration process, largely funded by the Ministry of Culture, a smaller venue within the building was reopened. Today, the circus can host 300 spectators in a round seating arrangement, showcasing classic performances with clowns, gymnasts, acrobats, and exotic animals. The Chişinău State Circus is slowly regaining its former glory, once again bringing joy and entertainment to a new generation of Moldovans.
