Zirkusquartier

Zirkusquartier Zurich

Picture © Kira Kynd

Space for contemporary circus

The Zirkusquartier is Zurich’s production, performance, training and learning center for contemporary circus and home to the Zirkus Chnopf.

The varied program of shows, workshops and courses invites you to experience and learn about circus in all its facets.
Zirkusquartier also offers numerous opportunities for professional circus artists.
Zirkusquartier is a meeting place for children, teenagers and adults, for professionals and amateurs, for visitors and artists – and not least for the local population. The Zirkusquartier offers space to learn, train, watch and meet.
The Zirkusquartier was founded in 2016 by the Zirkus Chnopfwhich rehearses its new creations here.

Shows

Picture: Annik Lynn

Circus moments: from large circus festivals to small tryouts, you can experience a variety of shows in the Zirkusquartier.

Workshops

Picture: PebbleandKite

Our regular workshops with renowned Artists offer the perfect opportunity to get to know different circus disciplines.

Courses

Picture: Laura Tikka

Learn a wide variety of acrobatic disciplines in our weekly courses or come along to our open training sessions!

Open Call: Artist in Focus

Festival ZirQus September 2-6, 2026

Artist in Focus is a platform for young circus artists during the ZirQus Festival. The selected artists will have a 1-2 week residency and show a work-in-progress as part of the festival program.

The Open Call for Artist in Focus for the ZirQus 2026 festival is open. Apply now until March 15!

We offer you:

  • 1-2 weeks residency before the festival
  • 2-3 entlohnte Shows von 15 bis 40 Minuten während dem Festival (Ergebnisse aus der Residenz)

Prerequisites:

  • You would like to participate as a solo or duo (larger groups are unfortunately not possible)
  • You have completed a training in circus, physical theater or similar within the last 2 years
  • You have a connection to Switzerland through place of residence, work or origin

Application:

  • A short description (max.1/2 A4) of what you want to work on and what motivates you to participate in Artist in Focus this year
  • A short statement about your connection to Switzerland
  • A link to a video that reflects you and your artistic work (this can be a rehearsal, training or performance video).
  • Your availability for the residency and during the festival

Application by e-mail by March 15 to: coleitung@zirkusquartier.ch

Apply

Next Events

Image for 43rd open stage Fri 27. February — 20:00

43rd open stage

Not all good ideas are full-length and some simply have to be tried out in front of an audience. We can expect a varied program with short pieces by artists from various disciplines. Whether you want to stand on stage… Mehr

Image for Vertical rope Sun 1. March — 11:00

Vertical rope

In this workshop, we will explore dynamic movement on the rope and different movement qualities, as tools for aerial composition. The workshop begins with a dynamic floor-based warm-up that develops coordination, stamina, and body awareness. In the first part of… Mehr

Image for Rosies Sun 1. March — 15:30

Rosies

At the end of the 1930s, women were called upon to make their contribution to the war by taking on the roles of the men who had gone to the front.Rosie the Riveter, known from the famous picture, is representative… Mehr