It all began with a
unique passion.
Over the decades, Heino Seitler’s circus and clown collection grew into a museum that preserves and passes on the heritage of the circus ring.
Mission
Our Purpose
We, the non-profit Kulturverein Circus- & Clownmuseum Wien, preserve and share the cultural heritage of the circus, clowning and variety arts so that the wonder and laughter of these art forms remain alive for future generations. As the world's oldest museum dedicated to circus and clowning, we see ourselves as a living place of remembrance: we collect, organise and research historical evidence – from programmes and posters to costumes, photographs and props – and make it accessible through exhibitions, guided tours, shows and publications. Our mission is to reveal this heritage in a European perspective – through archival work, scholarly cooperation, international networks and cultural outreach that make Vienna visible as a circus city and the circus ring as part of Europe's cultural history.
History
Milestones of the Museum
The Beginning of an Extraordinary Collection
Journalist Heino Seitler presents his clown collection to the public for the first time in Hirschengasse. With this, he lays the foundation for today's Circus & Clown Museum. The "Viennese Clown Museum" soon attracts international attention as well.
Early Public Attention
The designation "Wiens lustigstes Museum" (engl. Vienna's funniest museum) appears in a newspaper for the first time. In the following years, Seitler's collection is honored as an extraordinary attraction in numerous national and international newspaper articles.
Parts of the collection goes to Berlin.
In 1943, Berlin-based publisher Rudolf Haufe acquires a part of Seitler's collection. Together with other collections, a museum is intended to be established in his publishing house. The destruction of the publishing house during the Second World War and the subsequent restructuring of the publisher prevent these plans from being realized.
Vienna in the International Circus Network
Parts of the remaining Berlin collection belonging to Seitler is handed over by Rudolf Haufe to the "Free University of Berlin," while other parts return to Vienna. Meanwhile, Heino Seitler expands his collection and, as President of the "Fédération Internationale du Cirque," commits himself to the international networking of the circus world. Vienna thus becomes an important location within the European circus network.
From Private Collection to Public Cultural Asset
Heino Seitler hands over parts of his collection to the Association of Vienna District Museums (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wiener Heimatmuseen) and the City of Vienna, respectively. The collection is housed as the "Austrian Circus & Clown Museum" in the Leopoldstadt District Museum. The CITY OF VIENNA has supported the museum since that time as an important funding body.
A support association for the future
To ensure long-term financial security and the expansion of the collection, Heino Seitler establishes the "Society of Friends of the Austrian Circus Museum." The resulting Circus & Clown Museum Cultural Association remains a vital pillar of the museum to this day, enabling its continuous work and international presence.
Berthold Lang becomes museum director
After the death of Heino Seitler, his longtime colleague Berthold Lang takes over the management of the museum. Together with custodian Emily Kubis, he further develops the collection and its presentation. In 1988, Berthold Lang is awarded the professional title "Professor" for his services.
A New Museum Generation
Robert Kaldy as well as the brothers Michael, Herbert, and Andreas Swatosch become employees of the museum and shape its development and work over decades up to the present day.
Professionalization of the Museum
Following the sudden death of Berthold Lang, Robert Kaldy takes over the management of the museum. Together with his team, he consistently continues the professional and organizational development of the museum.
Research and international networking
Circus historian and collector Christoph Enzinger becomes an employee of the museum. With his scientific expertise and Europe-wide contacts, he particularly strengthens the museum's research and networking efforts.
A New Home
The museum moves to its current location in Vienna's 2nd district. For the first time, exhibition, archive, library, and education programs are permanently united under one roof.
A new era for the museum's design begins
The comprehensive redesign of the museum spaces begins. The goal is to showcase the landmark collection in a fresh, modern way while opening up new possibilities for public engagement, research, and visitors.
Digitization and European networking
Michael Swatosch takes the helm as museum director, ushering in a new era of international outreach and digitization. Under his leadership, the archives are being systematically cataloged and digitalized, while partnerships with circus museums and archives across Europe continue to expand.
The Budapest Memorandum
A major milestone for European collaboration was reached on January 11, 2024, with the signing of the "Budapest Memorandum." Thirteen circus museums and archives from eight European countries pledged to work more closely together—aiming to boost research, improve documentation, and drive cross-border knowledge sharing for the long haul.
100 Years of the Collection—The Future Begins
Ahead of its 100th anniversary, the collection's history is being thoroughly researched, documented, and preserved for generations to come. Through ongoing archival digitization, scholarly research, and expanding international partnerships, the Circus & Clown Museum continues to evolve into a vibrant hub of European cultural heritage.
Values
What drives us
Our Value
Passion
We preserve history not out of duty, but out of love for the art form.
Our Value
Fascination
Every exhibit should awaken the wonder that can only be experienced in the circus.
Our Value
Authenticity
We show the real stories behind the glittering costumes.
where history becomes alive
Our Vision
We want to establish the Circus & Clown Museum Vienna as an internationally visible center for research and public engagement dedicated to Europe's circus and clowning heritage – a living hub where history lives on not only in the archive, but also on stage and in direct contact with our audience. Our vision is a museum where collection work, academic research, digital cataloguing, and creative formats for engaging the public come together: interactive exhibitions, age-appropriate guided tours, shows, and events that open up the world of the ring to even more people. In doing so, we want to make Vienna visible as a circus city and to showcase circus and clowning heritage as part of European cultural history – telling the story, with every visit, of just how much of Europe lives in the ring.