A major exhibition on Finnish circus has arrived at the Theatre Museum, located in the Cable Factory cultural complex in Helsinki. In the exhibition Amaze! Tales and Magic of Circus, figures from circus history, the earliest circus troupes, and the newest currents in Finnish circus art unfold side by side throughout the exhibition space.
The story of Finnish circus began in the 19th century, when international troupes touring Scandinavia started performing also in Finland. Soon, Finnish travelling circuses began to emerge, passing down their skills and traditions from one generation to the next.
From the 1990s onward, a new wave of ideas began to reshape the art form. Influences from contemporary dance, popular culture, and visual arts merged with classical circus techniques. By the 2000s, Finnish contemporary circus companies were gaining acclaim on international stages, establishing Finland as a renowned country in the global circus scene.
What gives circus its spellbinding charm — and how does one prepare to hang from their hair?
Finnish circus history is filled with legendary personalities, international adventures, absurd storytelling – and thousands of hours of sweaty rehearsals. The exhibition explores questions such as what gives circus its spellbinding charm? How do artists train for gravity-defying feats, like hair hanging? And how exactly do you make a person disappear on stage?
And yes, visitors will even get the chance to try a vanishing act for themselves.
Among the highlights are original costumes from the early days of Sirkus Finlandia, juggling clubs and rings used by legendary juggler Björn “Henrico” Gammals, an overhead projector from the contemporary company Portmanteau, and a mechanical hobbyhorse cart created by Race Horse Company. In video interviews, circus artists share their favorite touring memories and reflect on current issues such as the environmental challenges of a touring art form.
During the exhibition, the Theatre Museum will host a range of circus-themed events, such as talks, guided tours open to the public, workshops, and screenings of short films with a circus focus.
Amaze! Tales and Magic of Circus is curated by journalist and MA Emma Vainio. The exhibition is open until 10 January 2027.