BWW Reviews: CIRCUS FACTORY is a hands-on look at the history of this enduring form of performance at Powerhouse Museum.

Powerhouse Museum, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Ultimo NSW

The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences' new exhibition CIRCUS FACTORY at the Powerhouse Museum is set to delight children of all ages with its mix of live performance, sideshow activities, international and local exhibits and the chance to ride on a 100 year old carousel.

The exhibition draws on the Powerhouse Museum's own archives and collections from around the world to present an experience in keeping with MAAS Director Rose Hiscock's vision that Powerhouse be "the world's leading museum of science and design, acclaimed internationally and loved locally".

Powerhouse Museum has collaborated with French scenographer Gérard Cholot and designer Alban Le Henry to create an immersive experience that will take visitors back into the world of imagination and discovery that was synonymous with a day at the circus whilst still providing the opportunity to learn, experiment and become involved.

The main space, beyond velvet curtains houses a mix of large exhibits, some of which may trigger memories for older visitors, and interactive sideshow games where people can try their hand at activities like the strongman game and laughing clowns, dress up and pose for photos, and learn tricks like spinning plates. For those that want to understand more, there is the opportunity to learn the science behind these mysteries.

A central Ring welcomes audiences during the January and April school holiday seasons to enjoy the talents of Australian contemporary circus troupe, Circa. The 15minute shows, running on the hour, will vary during the day and based on the taste given during the preview, are well worth coming back each hour for.

Another interactive exhibit is Craig Robson's beautifully restored "Galloping Horses and Racing Cockerels" carousel. Visitors can ride the handcarved timber horses on this English built carousel that dates back to around 1900. Whilst modern circuses and fairs have new carousels, a ride on this antique, accompanied by music from the original Luna Park Gavioli Organ is a magical experience.

More interactive exhibits continue on the lower level with coin operated games and David Archer's collection of Automata. Archer has created a delightful collection of handmade scenes that move with the turn of a handle. The coin operated games will require dollar coins to operate (with proceeds going to the museum).

The static exhibits include costumes and artifacts from the Centre National du Costume de Scène, Moulins, France and Powerhouse' own collections which include pieces from Australia's own Wirth's Circus. The costumes and artifacts range from pieces over 100 years old, to modern costumes worn by contemporary troupes such as Circus Oz and Cirque du Soleil. As well as showcasing some amazing artwork, these pieces also show the evolution of costuming as well as how elements have remained constant.

This exhibition provides a great day out for those looking for something to do with children over the school holidays and better still... kids are free (3 children under 16 years free with the purchase of an adult ticket). If you have any time left over after viewing CIRCUS FACTORY, there is still the regular collection on offer at the Powerhouse Museum.

CIRCUS FACTORY

20 December 2014 - 3 May 2015

Powerhouse Museum,

500 Harris Street Ultimo

Maas.museum

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Admission:

KIDS FREE! (three (3) kids under 16 years FREE with the purchase of an Adult ticket)

Adults $35

Member Adult $25

Additional Child $8

Book online at maas.museum or ticketek.com

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