Cirkusmuseet

About the museum

The Cirkusmuseet is based on the private collection of the juggler Ølund "Barly" Jacobsen (1917–1999), who gathered photos, posters, costumes, and props from the circus world from his first engagements in the late 1930s onward. After the Hvidovre municipality bought the Avedørelejren grounds in 1999 to convert the former barracks into a city district with businesses, culture, and housing, the collection found a home there. Supported by the association Danske Cirkusvenner (then "Barlys Venner"), the museum opened in 2001 in the camp's former headquarters building.

Since 2004, the museum has been a municipal institution of the Hvidovre municipality and is organizationally linked with the local museum Forstadsmuseet. In 2009, the former fencing hall ("Fægtesalen") added another building, where a new permanent exhibition and spaces for circus activities were created with funding from Realdania and other foundations.

Today the collection comprises more than 110,000 objects – photographs, posters, costumes, props, programs, and newspaper clippings – and is considered the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Alongside Barly's estate, it also includes the collection of the magician Truxas. The exhibition tells of clowns, acrobats, animal trainers, and magicians, of the everyday life of circus families, and of spectacular acts. An animated ventriloquist guides visitors through the rooms via film, and in workshops visitors can try circus arts themselves.

Highlights

• Northern Europe's largest circus collection with over 110,000 objects
• Charlie Rivel's red clown nose
• Ventriloquist Peter Nørgaard and his dog Charlie as film guides through the exhibition
• Glittering performer costumes and props from famous acts
• Play room with dress-up, juggling props, and funhouse mirrors

Permanent exhibitions

• Den faste udstilling – The permanent exhibition leads through the world of clowns, acrobats, magicians, and circus families with films, costumes, and props – accompanied by an animated ventriloquist and his dog.
• Legerum – Play room for families to dress up, draw, juggle, and marvel at funhouse mirrors.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Hvidovre Kommune

Director

Mikkel Knudsen

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Copenhagen Card and for members of Dansk Artist Forbund, Danske Cirkusvenner, ODM, and ICOM, and for guests of the hostel Belægningen. Daycare centers and schools free with registration. Tickets online or at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access via ramp and elevator; wheelchairs available to borrow. Many of the exhibition's films have English subtitles. Dogs only as assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Circus games (Cirkusleg) on Sundays from 10:30 to 12:00, in July 11:00–13:00, no registration required; also a circus scavenger hunt through the exhibition and, on Sundays and during school holidays, a creative workshop. Play room with dress-up boxes, a drawing table, juggling props, and funhouse mirrors. Children's birthday parties (3.5 hours with guided tour, workshop, and mini show, DKK 3,095) on weekends. Wear comfortable clothing and no shoes for the activities. Strollers can be taken along; rental strollers and a baby changing table are available on the first floor.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the former Avedørelejren barracks. Bicycle parking directly next to the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Beverages, candy, snacks, and toast for sale. Museum shop with circus posters. Nine lockers that require no coins.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 150 guests.

Meeting rooms for 4 to 150 people; circus team building with professional performers (juggling, acrobatics), which can be combined with a guided tour and catering.

Plan your visit