Circus! Show of Shows ^expired Free

Celebrate 250 years of circus in Great Britain through rare memorabilia and original props at this new exhibition.
Delve into the drama of the big top and explore the incredible stories behind the spectacle.
With wondrous surprises for all ages, including activities and events inspired by the exhibition.
Gallery highlights include the fabulous Arthur Fenwick Collection of circus art and memorabilia, a collection of national importance spanning the 1770s up to the 1950s.
We will also shine the spotlight on the fascinating life and career of Tyneside’s nineteenth century clown and entertainer extraordinaire Billy Purvis, as well as exploring the history and development of clowns in the circus ring.
The story will be brought right up-to-date with the inclusion of the Family La Bonche Collection providing an intimate and colourful look at contemporary Newcastle and North East circus communities and the contribution they make to the changing face of circus in our own times.
Circus! Show of Shows, is series of major exhibitions celebrating 250 years of circus in Great Britain. Exhibitions at Discovery Museum, Sheffield’s Weston Park Museum and Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life are co-curated by The University of Sheffield’s Professor Vanessa Toulmin, one of the UK’s pre-eminent circus experts.
Circus! Show of Shows is made possible thanks to National Lottery players through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Weekdays 10.00 - 16.00
Weekends 11.00 - 16.00