Circus World Museum

Come Home to Circus World!

BY CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM Circus World proudly welcomes everyone home to the birthplace of the Ringling Bros. Circus. It’s time to laugh, be happy, and feel moved to dream once again. The big top is home to electrifying entertainment under a canvas sky of blue. The 1,800 seat venue allows 800 guests to spread out and safely enjoy live performances. Where better to present the majestic mastodonic magnificence of the Circus World elephants? These three lovely ladies will touch your heart; and excite with their endearing elephantine elegance. We welcome clowning legend Bill Machtel back home to Circus World. Bill is a Milwaukee native with a degree in education and a diploma from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He has brought joy and laughter to children of all ages throughout the U.S. and Japan. Circus World audiences fondly remember him for his hilarious hijinks and spectacular shenanigans with Happy the Clown. Mr. Bill is always wonderful and wildly entertaining. Alex, Vicki, Richie and Sophia consider performing a family affair, with their circus heritage dating to the late 1700s. Vicki attended an arts school in Hungary, and met her husband, Alex Petrov, in the circus. Alex, who was 45 days old when he came to the United States from Bulgaria, was raised on the Ringling show. He learned his family’s perch act and incline wire act, in addition to performing as part of a teeterboard troupe. Alex also helped train and present tigers and elephants with circus legend Gunther Gebel-Williams. Vicki, always felt a connection to animals, and proudly presents her three loveable performing ponies. Appearing with her son Richie, this mother and son duo will astound with their high-energy juggling. The youngest family member, Sophia, showcases her astonishing aerial artistry high in the dome of the big top. Unparalleled unicyclist T. J. Howell brings his agile accomplishments, playful pranks and energetic excitement to Circus World audiences. A fan favorite with people everywhere, T.J. comes home to his circus roots this summer. Mother Lillian was a Danish trapeze artist and his father trained wild animals. T. J. was raised on the circus, and made his debut at the age of 12. Accompanying T. J. is his captivating wife Gayle, whose hula hoop manipulations mesmerize magnificently. Best of all, it’s going to feel fantastic, coming home to enjoy the circus! Your safety is our top priority, and we have modified operations so you can experience the wonder of the circus in safety! Here’s what to expect: • Plan for extra time in the admission line as we honor social distancing. • There are specific directional paths and one-way flow through all exhibits. • Unless actively eating, everyone is asked to wear a mask… it protects you and your fellow guests. • Follow the queues and markers to maintain safe distances. • Continuous cleaning throughout

Circus World exhibits and venues will be happening. • Big Top and Hippodrome seating is distanced – plan extra time for ushers to seat you. • There are multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds for you to use.

Circus World will do everything possible to ensure your visit is exciting and pleasant, while placing the health and protection of everyone at the heart of our priorities.