Riga Circus, originally called Salamonska Cirks after its founder Albert Salamonsky, opened in 1888 and remains the only permanent circus building in the Baltic states. It was designed by Latvia’s first professional architect, Jānis Frīdrihs Baumanis, whose work can be seen across Riga in many other historic landmarks.
The building was an engineering novelty of its time. Its large dome is supported not by heavy stone but by sixteen slender columns made from repurposed railway tracks. This inventive solution allowed the arena to have wide open space inside with clear sightlines for the audience - something rare in the late 19th century. It became one of Riga’s major entertainment venues, right alongside theatres and concert halls.
In its early days, the circus offered not only acrobatic acts and clowns but was a stage for traveling performers and a cultural hotspot for the city’s residents. Over time, the building has evolved, while holding on to its heritage. During renovations in recent years, efforts have been made to preserve Baumanis’ original design while updating the venue for contemporary use. Today, Riga Circus has shifted away from traditional animal shows, focusing instead on modern circus arts, theatre-inspired productions, and creative residencies that breathe new life into this historic arena.
Why visit
Riga Circus welcomes both loyal fans and first-time visitors into a space where tradition meets innovation. While animal acts have been left in the past, today’s stage is alive with acrobatics, juggling, dance, street art, and theatrical storytelling. Beyond its performances, the circus has grown into a creative hub within Riga’s cultural scene, supporting festivals, workshops, and collaborations that keep the historic venue relevant for a new generation.
Historical highlight
Since its first performance in 1888, Riga Circus has been a lively stage for entertainment and culture. During the Soviet period, it continued as one of Riga’s key cultural venues, drawing audiences with traditional circus shows. In more recent years the circus has reinvented itself - banning animal acts in 2017 and embracing contemporary, performance-driven programming that highlights creativity and modern artistry.
How to get there
You'll find the circus at Merķeļa iela 4. It's at the very centre of Riga and is well connected by several tram and bus lines - making it easy to reach from most corners of the city.