Chișinău Circus, Soviet-era circus building in Chișinău, Moldova.
Chișinău Circus is a Soviet-era building defined by its circular design and prominent dome, embodying modernist architectural principles. The interior arena seats around 300 spectators for performances.
Built in 1981 with Soviet funding, this circus replaced an earlier 19th-century venue that operated on Alexandru Street from 1870 to 1874. The new structure marked a shift in how the city approached entertainment and cultural spaces.
Two large sculptures of smiling clown-acrobats flank the main entrance, created by Matvey Levinson in 1988 and now protected as national monuments. These figures set the tone for visitors and express the playful spirit that has long defined the circus tradition.
The renovated building hosts performances year-round featuring clowns, gymnasts, acrobats, and occasional animal acts. Check the program ahead of time, as shows change regularly.
The architects won the State Prize of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic for their design, reflecting the project's importance in Soviet planning. The building remains one of the largest auditoria in the city today.
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