The Cirque d’Hiver was inaugurated by Napoleon in 1852 as a venue for traveling circus acts and orchestral performances. Located in the heart of Paris, its the world’s oldest circus building as well as the world’s oldest still-operating circus. Over the years, the venue has also been a backdrop for films, photo shoots and even luxury fashion shows.

Today, the massive stadium still features classic circus shows complete with magicians, trapeze artists, tigers and more. Although the shows change from season-to-season, much of the building still holds the charm and fancifulness just as it did when the venue first opened.