Back in Time Today
Step right up and behold the splendor of vintage circus posters that once decorated the streets and captured the imaginations of onlookers.
These artistic advertisements heralded the arrival of the greatest shows on earth, drawing crowds eager to witness the spectacle of acrobats, exotic animals, and dazzling performers.
Each poster tells its own story, echoing an era when the circus was the pinnacle of entertainment.
Join us on a journey back in time, exploring 12 unique vintage circus posters that encapsulate the magic and mystery of this bygone world, inviting you to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus.
1. Dazzling Heights with M’lle Beeson – The High Wire Venus
This enchanting vintage poster for the Sells Floto Circus captures the grace and bravery of M’lle Beeson, billed as “A Marvelous High Wire Venus.” Dressed in a delicate blue costume with bright yellow accents, she balances fearlessly on the tightrope, poised high above a packed arena.
Behind her, a vibrant umbrella and elegant poise emphasize the theatrical flair and beauty of her act.
The artwork showcases the golden age of circus performance, when acts like Beeson’s drew crowds in awe and admiration. It’s a stunning tribute to the daring artistry of early 20th-century circus women.
2. The Great Coney Island Water Carnival – A Barnum & Bailey Spectacle
This vibrant vintage poster advertises the Barnum & Bailey “Greatest Show on Earth” with their spectacular Coney Island Water Carnival. At the center, fearless divers plunge headfirst into shallow waters from dizzying heights, showcasing breathtaking precision and athleticism.
Surrounding them are swimmers, clowns, and performers adding color and joy to the aquatic spectacle, all set against a lively seaside amusement park backdrop.
From hot air balloons to acrobatic swimmers, the scene is bursting with action and daring feats. The poster promises “remarkable head-foremost dives” and thrilling water acts, capturing the awe-inspiring spirit of early 20th-century circus entertainment.
3. Under the Big Top – A WPA Circus Spectacle
This cheerful vintage poster announces a thrilling 5-day circus event presented by the Federal Theatre Project in New York City. Held under a grand 3-ring big tent in Forest Hills, L.I., it promised “All New Acts” and the excitement of a full 50-piece band.
A beaming clown with bright red accents dominates the design, inviting families to experience joy, music, and marvels. With admission just 15¢ for children and 25¢ for adults, this circus was an accessible delight during the Great Depression.
4. Clyde Beatty and the Savage Jungle Beasts – A Hagenbeck-Wallace Thrill
This intense vintage poster from the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus showcases famed animal trainer Clyde Beatty in a dramatic encounter with a ferocious lion and tiger. Billed as a “Trained Wild Animal Circus,” the show promised jaw-dropping action and bravery.
Beatty, known for his fearless performances, is shown mid-battle, armed with only a whip and a pistol as he faces off against the most savage jungle beasts known to man.
The poster’s bold colors and thrilling imagery capture the raw danger and excitement that drew massive crowds. It’s a powerful tribute to the spectacle and daring spirit of early 20th-century circus entertainment.
5. Step Right Up to the Lewis Bros. Circus!
Step into the whimsical world of the Lewis Bros. Circus with this bold and colorful 1940s poster. Founded in 1923, the circus thrilled American audiences with trained animals and spectacular performances until 1942.
A cheerful clown beams from the lower left, inviting viewers into a world of laughter and wonder.
The poster promises “Trained Animals – All New Features – A Show For Your Money,” ensuring excitement and value. Printed by Central Show Printing Co., it’s a perfect piece for lovers of vintage circus art and 1940s nostalgia.
6. The Great Grimes – Masters of the High Wire at Cole Bros. Circus
This electrifying vintage poster spotlights the daring feats of The Great Grimes, stars of the Cole Bros. Circus. Balanced high above the crowd, performers ride bicycles across the tightrope while supporting a platform holding an acrobat standing tall.
The vibrant colors and dramatic composition capture the thrill and danger of their act, performed under the big top. Billed as “undisputed champions of the high wire,” The Great Grimes astounded audiences across two continents.
This poster is a stunning tribute to the elegance, precision, and breathtaking spectacle of classic circus artistry.
7. The Silbons – Aerial Royalty of the Barnum & Bailey Circus
This vibrant vintage poster celebrates the world-famous Silbons, star aerialists of the Barnum & Bailey Circus—The Greatest Show on Earth. Dressed in bright yellow, the performers soar and twist through the sky with breathtaking elegance and daring precision.
Billed as “Masterly Monarchs of the Air,” the Silbons captivated audiences with feats described as ingenious, difficult, and startling.
Set against a serene countryside backdrop, the imagery contrasts the calm landscape with the thrilling motion above. This poster captures the grandeur of an era when aerial artistry ruled the circus tent.
8. The Raschetta Brothers – Gravity-Defying Wonders of the Ringling Bros. Circus
This thrilling vintage poster from the Ringling Bros. “World’s Greatest Shows” highlights the jaw-dropping acrobatics of the Raschetta Brothers. With blindfolds on and precision in every move, they execute sensational somersaults over barrels and platforms, defying gravity with astonishing agility.
Billed as “Marvelous Somersaulting Vaulters,” their act promised “feats of agility & daring that seem absolutely impossible.” The bold imagery and dynamic layout capture the excitement and risk of their daring stunts.
Premiering in America, these performers were the embodiment of the circus’s most electrifying acts.
9. The Circus Girl – A Theatrical Delight by Charles Frohman
This charming vintage poster advertises The Circus Girl, a theatrical production brought to life by famed impresario Charles Frohman. A confident young woman in a striking red jacket and white breeches stands poised before a green curtain, ready to dazzle the audience.
With its bold Art Nouveau typography and warm palette, the design reflects the elegance and excitement of early 20th-century stage entertainment.
Managed by A.H. Canby, the production promised a delightful mix of circus charm and theatrical flair. It’s a captivating glimpse into the era’s blend of drama, glamour, and spectacle.
10. Explosive Laughs with Clyde Beatty and Cole Bros. Circus
This colorful vintage poster bursts with energy, capturing the playful chaos of the Clyde Beatty and Cole Bros. Circus—billed as the “World’s Largest Circus.” A trio of classic clowns steals the spotlight, with exaggerated expressions and a dramatic cartoonish explosion front and center.
The bright palette and bold typography amplify the excitement and humor promised under the big top. Known for blending thrills with laughs, the circus invited audiences of all ages into a world of wonder and delight. This poster is a lively tribute to the golden age of American circus entertainment.
11. Poodles Hanneford Shines in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
This cheerful vintage poster spotlights the exuberant world of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, featuring the beloved performer Poodles Hanneford. At the heart of the illustration, acrobats and dancers radiate joy as they perform in the ring, while Poodles—hailed as the “Prince of Clowns”—leads the antics with infectious energy.
Portraits of Hanneford in both his formal attire and clown persona frame the scene, highlighting his versatility and star power. The vibrant colors and dynamic composition capture the spirit of laughter, elegance, and spectacle that defined this legendary circus.
A celebration of classic circus entertainment, this poster honors one of its most iconic entertainers.
12. Nellie McHenry in A Night at the Circus – A Theatrical Spectacle
This elegant vintage poster features celebrated actress Nellie McHenry in the theatrical production A Night at the Circus, written by H. Grattan Donnelly. Dressed in a radiant yellow tutu, McHenry sits gracefully atop a horse, captivating the audience under a grand circus dome.
The richly illustrated background depicts a packed house, ornate architecture, and the warm glow of gaslight chandeliers, evoking the grandeur of late 19th-century performance halls. Combining drama, spectacle, and equestrian flair, the production promised an unforgettable theatrical experience.
This poster stands as a beautiful testament to the intersection of circus and stage in American entertainment history.