28 Images Bring You Up Close To A Creepy Abandoned Soviet-Era Circus
The circus in Chisinau, Moldova stands derelict — surrounded by a large paved area which had once teemed with life.
Above the entrance to the circus a crest is formed from the figures of two clowns, one of them now missing its head.
The ticket desk, inside the circus building, displays faded posters for past shows and performances.
Stepping inside the circus foyer: a grand, modernist space now shrouded in shadows.
These days the coat racks stand empty, a symmetrical pattern of hooks and hangers.
The entrance to the circus, seen from inside the foyer — long since sealed against intruders.
Looking up the elegant staircase to the upper levels of the circus.
Adorning the arch above a staircase, a grand mural details circus animals such as elephants, tigers and monkeys.
A close-up of the mural reveals the extent of the damage. The lower-hanging figures have been smashed, seemingly the work of vandals.
Inside the circus ring. Designed to seat 1,900 spectators, this arena hasn't seen a performance since 2004.
There are a number of secure storerooms in the backstage area. Some of these would have housed performing animals.
A dressing room on the top floor of the circus seems to have been used more recently as an art studio.
Detail of past performance posters pinned to the wall of the dressing room.
The view from a tiled room positioned directly beneath the building's 'crown'.
The circus ring, as seen from the top of the auditorium.
Tiered concrete seating surrounds the main arena of the circus.
A bare corridor forms a large ring around the the top floor of the building.
Looking out of a broken window on the top floor of the circus.
The soundboard of a piano lies abandoned in one of the backstage corridors near the top of the building.
Grand light fixtures and wall murals decorate the impressive foyer area of the circus building.
The walls are adorned with circus scenes: featuring clowns, exotic animals and even mythical creatures such as mermaids.
Dirty windows on an upper floor of the circus offer a cityscape view.
Another large, sculpted installation depicts jugglers, monkeys and birds, as well as a girl apparently taming lions.
A close-up detail of the same sculpture.
Ornate balconies and curved staircases define the foyer area in a striking, modernist style.
A performing monkey appears in the marble finish of the foyer floor.
Peering into the main arena, from the first floor balcony. This is the view that would have greeted spectators on arrival.
One final look at the magnificent Chisinau Circus, before turning to leave.
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