San Antonio’s Witte features: Secrets Behind the Big Top

From promoters to performers to roustabouts, Circus Folk: Secrets Behind the Big Top unravels the secrets from behind the big top and is drawn from the Witte’s famous Hertzberg Circus Collection, one of the largest and most impressive collections of circus art and artifacts in the world. Come one, come all and discover exactly who circus folk were October 24, 2009 through February 14, 2010.

Categorized into four sections, this exhibit takes visitors through every aspect of creating these traveling spectacles. First, life in a Traveling Village, focuses on their life on the road. Circus folk lived their lives for the next performance on the tour, and traveled as a group by train, truck and motor home—creating a mobile village. Second, The Circus Family, delves into their special ties that are a complex blend of business, love and family relationships. Third, Getting Physical, visitors learn that athleticism and strength are required in all areas of the circus—from a roustabout using an elephant to put up tents as large as football stadiums to a great athlete flying through the air on a trapeze. Finally, the fourth section, Rules of the Ring, explains the rules for work, play, travel and circus life.

For more information on the exhibit visit www.wittemuseum.org.

For more information on San Antonio visit www.visitsanantonio.com.