Tohu is Montreal’s dedicated circus arts hub, a destination for circus lovers seeking an alternative to Cirque du Soleil. With its stunning 360-degree circular performance hall, Tohu stages live acrobatic shows, improv sessions, and exhibitions year-round. Tohu is not just about spectacle; it also provides a cultural and historical journey through circus arts via its Jacob-William Collection, one of the world’s largest private circus collections. It features tens of thousands of artifacts, with 80 highlights on permanent display, encompassing centuries of circus history and themes like clowns, animals, and acrobats.
Located in the Cité des arts du cirque, Tohu is a model of sustainable development, housed in a LEED Gold-certified green building. The venue offers a unique peek into Quebec’s circus legacy and the international evolution of this beloved art form. From the captivating “Going Full Circus” exhibition that traces Montreal’s circus roots to themed showcases on clowns, circus animals, and parades, Tohu serves as a dynamic space where circus culture is both celebrated and preserved.
2345 Rue Jarry E
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Art, history, oddities, curiosities: The best museums in Montreal
Together, the best museums in Montreal make up an eclectic scene that tells the city’s stories with living, breathing spaces. From botany and art to avant-garde architecture and archeology, expect a mix of high culture and grit that challenges you to rethink what a museum can be.
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