Musée du cirque et de l’illusion

About the museum

The Musée du cirque et de l’illusion opened on May 28, 2004. It occupies a former disused 700 m² hangar, converted in five months of works under the direction of Rémy Demantes. The museum presents itself as the first of its kind in France, dedicated to the circus and illusion arts. Several circus artists, historians and collectors took part in its creation.

The visit is designed to be interactive and playful, with video on a giant screen, optical effects, magic mirrors, a virtual circus and a big-cat cage. Visitors can even walk a tightrope at great height. The museum displays magicians' objects, such as Harry Houdini's milk jug, as well as costumes and props of clowns, tightrope walkers, animal trainers and acrobats.

Film sets and props are also shown: the cage from “Roselyne et les lions”, the sets of the film “Deux frères”, a scene from Charlie Chaplin’s “Le Cirque”, and pieces from the films “Chocolat” and “Rosalie Blum”. On October 14, 2025, the museum was taken over by Vincent Pedros, known as Charlix, a clown and magician, who manages it and is modernising it.

Highlights

• Magicians' objects, including Harry Houdini's miraculous milk jug
• Cage from “Roselyne et les lions” and sets from “Deux frères”
• Costumes and props of clowns, tightrope walkers, animal trainers and acrobats
• Optical effects, magic mirrors and high-wire walk
• Shop with circus and magic products, free entry

Permanent exhibitions

• Magie et illusion – Rare magicians' objects, such as Houdini's milk jug, the first saw for the woman sawn in half, and costumes of great illusionists.
• Décors et accessoires de films – Pieces from the films “Deux frères”, “Roselyne et les lions”, “Chocolat” and “Rosalie Blum”, and Charlie Chaplin’s cane.
• L’univers des clowns – Costumes, rare instruments, documents and posters of great clowns.

Founded

2004

Operated by

SARL Clown Academy

Visitors per year

approx. 15,191

Admission & discounts

2026 prices.

Accessibility

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

The website indicates access for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive, educational and fun visit for young and old, with optical effects and hands-on spaces. Children's birthday parties and school trips are offered.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Dampierre-en-Burly, on the D 952, about 50 km from Orléans.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with circus and magic products, books, DVDs, toys and soft toys. Drinks, ice cream and sweets on site. Picnic area. Toilets with a baby changing table.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 85 guests.

Private lunch and dinner shows for groups of 40 to 85 people (€59 per person all-inclusive in 2026), Christmas parties for companies and works councils, and children's birthday parties.

Plan your visit