Circus institutions of Kazakhstan -
Unusual buildings in Astana -
The Astana Capital Circus is a unique cultural institution of the capital, one of the top three main circuses in the republic. The building, which has become a hallmark of the left bank, instantly catches the eye with its futuristic shape, resembling a giant flying saucer (UFO). Near the circus is the Central Park, where you can take a walk before or after a performance.
This is a place where classic arena traditions meet the technologies of the future, creating a holiday for viewers of all ages. The convenient location of the circus near the Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex makes it a highly popular place to visit.
The complex is one of the newest in the CIS and represents a sophisticated architectural ensemble. In addition to the main arena, an entire infrastructure for performers and their animals has been created on the circus grounds, including the Alley of Fairy Tales with figures of folk characters and the famous "Golden Clown" fountain.
Here, legends of batyrs and masters of illusions come to life, and every performance becomes a bright event in the cultural life of Astana. After the circus show, you can walk to the Ishim River embankment and stroll along the river.
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How to get there and visit -
The Astana Circus is located in the center of the new city at: 5 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, left bank of the Ishim River, Nura district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°08'41"N 71°25'08"E
You can reach the circus by buses No. 21, 32, 44 (stop "Ailand Family Recreation Center") or routes No. 18, 28, 37, 45, 52, 70 (stop "Astana International University"). Route No. 10 conveniently connects the site with the airport and the railway station.
Working schedule: performances take place on weekends. The ticket office is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00. It is recommended to book tickets online on the official website in advance.
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History
Construction of the circus began in 2001 after Nursultan Nazarbayev approved the master plan for the development of the left bank. The project was carried out by the companies "Keruen-Stroy" and "Naiza-Kurylys Concern." The first director was the Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan Baltabek Zhumagulov, who formed the core of the troupe from the country's best talents.
The grand opening took place on December 14, 2005. The first program to captivate the audience was the "Children of the Sun" show. Since then, the team has prepared dozens of unique acts with which the artists have successfully toured in Japan, China, Turkey, and European countries.
Information
The institution's staff consists of 320 people, of whom 66 are administrative personnel, and the rest are the creative team. The circus employs not only Kazakh masters but also leading managers and artists from China, Russia, and Uzbekistan. For example, such masters as lion tamer Khan Tacho and director Leonid Korpenko have worked here.
Based at the circus is its own 113-bed hotel, where each room is equipped with a "winter-summer" climate control system, allowing invited world stars to prepare for performances in comfort.
Detailed description of the halls
• Auditorium: a classic amphitheater with a capacity of 2,000 people and excellent visibility from any row.
• Arena: a ring with a standard world diameter of 13 meters, equipped with mechanisms for changing surfaces (ice, water, special effects).
• VIP box: a special zone with 36 seats for honored guests and official delegations.
• Training block: a separate arena for rehearsals, dressing rooms, workshops, and spacious enclosures for keeping animals.
Architecture
The project was created by the "Kazgiprogor" team under the leadership of architect Tolegen Abdilda. The disk-shaped building is made of monolithic concrete and metal. Thanks to well-thought-out night lighting, the illusion of a spacecraft hovering in the air is created.
The internal space is divided into functional zones: the administrative and utility building and a 4-story hotel block are adjacent to the main hall. The interior design and external decoration emphasize Astana's status as a city of high technology and bold solutions.
Legend
Among the staff, there is a belief in a "lucky arena." It is believed that the circular shape of the building in the form of a saucer concentrates positive cosmic energy, so artists get injured less frequently in this arena.
Children have their own tradition: if you shake the hand of the Er Tostik batyr statue on the Alley of Fairy Tales before entering, you can become as strong and agile as a circus acrobat.
Interesting landmarks nearby:
• Astana Arbat (pedestrian street);
• Amphitheater on the Ishim River embankment;
• State Symbols Square of Kazakhstan;
• The main flagpole of the capital;
• Alley of Heads of State;
• Ailand Family Recreation Center.
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