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Venues #26 in Montreal

Circus Arts City TOHU

4.6 · 2,203 reviews
Contemporary, artistic, and ecologically conscious.
Circus Arts City TOHU, 2345 Rue Jarry E, Montreal, Quebec H1Z 4P3, Canada
Interesting facts
1

The venue is built on a rehabilitated landfill site that was once the largest quarry in Canada.

2

The structure is the first building in Canada to be certified LEED Gold for its environmental performance.

3

It is the physical headquarters for the Cité des arts du cirque, a unique global hub for circus talent.

4

The circular design of the arena is specifically chosen to facilitate the immersive 360-degree viewing experience common in modern circus.

5

The surrounding Frédéric-Back Park functions as a massive ecological laboratory for urban green space restoration.

Overview

TOHU is a circular performance venue in Montreal specifically engineered for contemporary circus arts. It serves as the primary base for the international circus arts community and the Cirque du Soleil archival center. The building features a 360-degree circular stage designed to accommodate high-wire and aerial acrobatics. It is located on the site of the former Miron quarry, which was rehabilitated into the multi-functional Frédéric-Back Park. The facility prioritizes sustainable development and is LEED Gold certified. Beyond performance, it hosts international residencies for circus companies. The architecture is defined by its iconic circular shape and industrial aesthetic reflecting its environmental mission.

Photo spot

The exterior circular silhouette of the building against the backdrop of the park's rolling hills.

Insider tips

Combine your performance viewing with a walk through the adjacent Frédéric-Back Park for a complete experience.

Check the residency schedule in advance if you are interested in seeing rehearsal processes rather than formal shows.

The venue maintains a constant indoor climate; bring a light layer if you are sensitive to air conditioning.

What to avoid

Do not confuse the main performance venue with the administrative offices located in separate adjacent buildings.

Good to know

Programming is seasonal; events are significantly more frequent during the summer months and festivals.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Summer and early autumn, when outdoor programming in the surrounding park is most active.
Address
Circus Arts City TOHU, 2345 Rue Jarry E, Montreal, Quebec H1Z 4P3, Canada
Website
45.559, -73.616
Get directions
Details
Venue TypeCircular arena for aerial and ground-based circus arts
ArchitectureLEED Gold certified circular industrial design

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Summer and early autumn, when outdoor programming in the surrounding park is most active..

The exterior circular silhouette of the building against the backdrop of the park's rolling hills.

Close by you'll find Parc Jarry, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Nicolas-Tillemont Park.