The building that housed the Zaporizhzhia State Circus was inaugurated on April 20, 1972. In 2022, it was hit by shelling twice as a result of the russian federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Description of the institution
The first mentions of circus performances in Oleksandrivsk (now Zaporizhzhia) date back to the 20s of the last century. At that time, theatrical performances were held in temporary buildings.
On May 26, 1948, a summer circus, destroyed during the World War II, was restored in Zaporizhzhia, which had a wooden building of the summer type, designed for 1,785 seats in the audience hall, and was located on the territory of the city’s Park of Metallurgists. Regretfully, the archival documents about the date of foundation of this circus were lost during the World War II. Therefore, restoration works were carried out using the method of folk construction.
Interesting Facts
The jazz group of the circus presented its musical programs not only to the people of Zaporizhzhia, but also to the residents of the capital (concerts in the National Palace “Ukraine”, the National Academic Drama Theater named after I. Franko).
Destruction
The Zaporizhia Circus was damaged twice during the shelling of Zaporizhzhia: on September 22 and October 6, 2022. The blast wave damaged the stained-glass windows on the staircase gallery, which is located on the dome of the circus from the 4th floor to the grates, and the stained-glass windows of the 2nd floor of the circus foyer.
How to help
Currently, the Zaporozhye State Circus needs help. You can help with restoration here
