Chisinau Circus
A striking example of Soviet brutalist architecture, this 1981 circus building is a historical landmark with a fun dinosaur park on its grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for exterior viewing & park
Chisinau Circus
Best Time
Best for exterior viewing & park
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking example of Soviet brutalist architecture, this 1981 circus building is a historical landmark with a fun dinosaur park on its grounds.
"A fine piece of Soviet brutalism architecture style, abandoned and empty, it looks like a set of the next Jurassic Park."
Admire the Exterior
The interior is closed for renovations, but the unique architecture is worth seeing from the outside. :camerawithflash:
Kid-Friendly Dinosaur Park
Enjoy the surprising dinosaur park on the grounds, a fun spot for families. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Soviet Brutalist Architecture
A striking example of Soviet brutalism, this 1981 circus building is an architectural marvel.
Dinosaur Park
Circus Grounds
An unexpected dinosaur-themed park for kids adds a playful twist to the historic site.
Historical Significance
Once a premier entertainment venue, learn about its past as a hub for international circus artists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Soviet Brutalist Gem
Dinosaur Park Surprise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
An abandoned Soviet era circus in Moldova
Admire the Exterior
The interior is closed for renovations, but the unique architecture is worth seeing from the outside. :camerawithflash:
Kid-Friendly Dinosaur Park
Enjoy the surprising dinosaur park on the grounds, a fun spot for families. :child:
Jedi Temple? - Nope, the Soviet Chisinau Circus!
The Chisinau Circus (Moldova) is an incredibly cool place with chic staircases in the lobby and ceramic sculptures on the walls. The circus building was built in 1984. In 2004, the circus was closed for renovations and never reopened.
Architectural Interest
A must-see for fans of Soviet brutalist design and unique historical buildings. :classical_building:
The Beautiful Brutalist Lines of the Chisinau Circus - [OC]
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire the Exterior
The interior is closed for renovations, but the unique architecture is worth seeing from the outside. :camerawithflash:
Kid-Friendly Dinosaur Park
Enjoy the surprising dinosaur park on the grounds, a fun spot for families. :child:
Architectural Interest
A must-see for fans of Soviet brutalist design and unique historical buildings. :classical_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chisinau Circus a fascinating site, particularly for its striking Soviet brutalist architecture and its intriguing history as a former entertainment hub. While the interior is closed for renovations, the exterior and the adjacent, unexpected dinosaur park offer unique points of interest, especially for families. It's a quirky and memorable stop for those appreciating unique historical and architectural landmarks.
"I don't know how to characterize this one. Well, it's almost a ruin, but such an interesting one, with interesting history. Yeah, you should visit it. 🙂"
Boris Teodosijević
""The Chisinau Circus was built in 1981 by Ala Kirichenko and Simion Shoyhet. The Chisinau State Circus was officially opened in 1981 and was, at the time, a top circus entertainment venue with state-of-the-art equipment and spaces for rehearsals, animals, and veterinarians.
It had a capacity of 1,900 seats and the ring was over 40 feet across, making it the largest auditorium in Moldova. Circus artists would travel from near and far (Belarus, China, Finland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine etc.) to perform there, and at its peak, 57 concerts were held there in the space of a year.""
Lilia Gore
"Very interesting architecture, but there are no events at the moment as the building is closed and undergoing renovation."
Josef Kolbitsch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chisinau Circus is located in the city center. Public transport options like buses and trolleybuses are available. Taxis are also a convenient way to reach the site.
Limited parking may be available in the vicinity, but it's advisable to check local regulations or consider public transport due to potential crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the interior of the Chisinau Circus is closed for renovations and not accessible to the public. +1
Information regarding entrance fees for the dinosaur park on the circus grounds can vary. It's best to check on-site for current pricing.
The grounds, including the dinosaur park, are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific timings might vary, so it's good to confirm locally.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the impressive Soviet brutalist architecture from the outside and explore the adjacent dinosaur park for kids. +1
Yes, the dinosaur park on the grounds is a great attraction for children, offering a fun and unexpected experience.
The Chisinau Circus is a prime example of Soviet brutalist architecture, characterized by its imposing concrete structures.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the circus building offers many striking angles for photography, especially highlighting its brutalist design. The dinosaur park also provides unique photo opportunities. +1
No, as the interior is closed for renovations, photography inside is not possible. Focus on capturing the exterior's grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and offer kids a chance to run around and explore. The contrast between the imposing Soviet architecture and the playful dinosaurs makes for a memorable visit. Remember to check for any specific operating hours or small entrance fees for the park.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Take your time to walk around the building and appreciate its unique form and presence. Consider visiting during different times of the day to see how the light plays on its surfaces. It's a prime example of a style that often evokes strong reactions and is a key element of the city's urban landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance: Soviet Brutalism
While the building's interior is currently closed for renovations, its exterior continues to draw visitors. The sheer scale and the distinctive aesthetic offer a glimpse into a specific period of architectural history. It's a structure that sparks conversation and admiration for its bold design choices, even in its current state.
A Former Hub of Entertainment
It attracted performers from across the globe, including artists from Belarus, China, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine. In its heyday, the circus hosted an impressive 57 concerts in a single year, showcasing its importance as a cultural and entertainment center. Its closure and subsequent renovation mark a new chapter for this historic landmark.
The Unexpected Dinosaur Park
While the circus building may be closed, the dinosaur park offers a fun and engaging experience for younger visitors. It's a testament to how spaces can be repurposed and revitalized, creating new attractions that complement the existing historical context. The juxtaposition of ancient creatures with Soviet-era architecture creates a memorable and quirky experience.
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