Through circus posters, explore the changing nature of commercial printing from wood block to the modern offset lithography process.
Considered by the circus community to be one of the Royal Family of the Circus, the Cristianis' performance history dates back to the 1840's Italy. Hear Victoria Cristiani Rossi talk about both her personal and public life as described in ther book, Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me: The Circus Inside Out.
The printed advertising that was the dominant media for circuses of the 19th and early 20th centuries offers a fascinating glimpse at how American attitudes slowly evolved, becoming increasingly informed and interested in the cultures and experiences of people from around the globe.
Discover unexpected similarities between early museums and modern circuses, and see how both used curiosities to appeal to their respective audiences. This Gallery Walk & Talk will be led by Museum Staff.
While the styles of clowns have evolved since the circus debuted, the role of the clown as a visual symbol of the circus is still strong. This exhibition examines the use of the clown image in circus advertising from the 1850's to present day.