Howard Brothers Circus Model

Housed in the Tibbals Learning Center of the Ringling Museum is the The Howard Bros. Circus model.  This model is a replica of the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus.  It is on  is a ¾-inch-to-the-foot scale.  

Howard B Tibbals began playing with circus models when he was 7 years old in 1943.  He began building circus models when he was 12.  In 1956 he began his  work to create a model of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus which he completed in 1974.  His modeled was displayed in the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.  

The model contains over 42,000 pieces not including such small pieces such as the individual railroad stakes.  There are eight large tents with 7000 folding chairs, 152 circus wagons, 1500 workers and performers and over 500 hand carved animals. 

The model can be viewed at eye level and from above.  

The view from above

I took this picture to show the attention to detail–Tibbals included the electric company linesman working on the power to the show.  

Joy