Madison, WI—The Wisconsin Historical Society will acquire the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, Wis., after working with the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends, Inc., to secure $3.07 million from community donors to ensure the long-term future of the beloved regional theatre. The 700-seat theatre was built in 1915 by Al Ringling, co-founder with his brothers of the world-renowned Ringling Brothers Circus, and designed in the opulent style of grand French opera houses. Ringling built the theatre for the Baraboo community in a show of appreciation for the town that the Ringling Brothers called home and the original site of the Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters. Through the years, the theatre has hosted national touring companies, vaudeville, motion pictures, and more, bringing performing arts and culture to Baraboo and the greater South-Central Wisconsin region.

“The Al. Ringling Theatre is one of the first examples of opulent design applied to the moving picture theatre in this country and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1976,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “It is an architectural masterpiece that puts Wisconsin within the broader context of the history of the United States. Acquiring the Al. to operate with the rest of the Society’s historic sites is a natural tie to our mission of connecting people to history by sharing stories and serving communities throughout our great state. We are grateful for the incredible support from the people of Baraboo—a place that is rich with history and a community where the Society has strong roots already with Circus World.”

Discussions for a change in ownership began in July 2022. The Society completed a feasibility study in February 2023 and outlined a potential model in which the theatre would become an extension of Circus World operations, which is one of 12 historic sites in the Society’s portfolio. The plan required $3.07 million in private support for facility improvements, transition costs, and an operating endowment. That fundraising goal was met earlier this month and the endowment funds will be held by the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Baraboo community members who stepped up to ensure the legacy of Al Ringling’s gift to this town can live for generations to come,” said Charlene Flygt, president of Al. Ringling Theatre Friends, Inc.

The Society’s Board of Curators voted to approve the theater acquisition on March 15, 2024. Programming is expected to ramp up slowly to ensure a sustainable transition and a technical director will be hired to oversee onsite operations.

“The Society is committed to preserving and celebrating the origins of America’s circus history, and to ensuring that the Al. remains a vibrant home to the local and regional performing arts, and community organizations that call the Al. home,” said Circus World Director Scott O’Donnell.

As the Society works toward realizing the 10-year future vision for continued growth at Circus World, the acquisition of the Al. Ringling Theatre underscores its commitment to the Baraboo community and surrounding region. Circus performances will continue to take place under the big top on Circus World grounds, while the theatre will host regional performing arts programming as well as private events and community programs including Concerts on the Square, Baraboo Theatre Guild and high school productions, dance recitals, Downtown Baraboo Inc. holiday events, and more.

“This is the outcome that we wanted to see to secure the long-term future of the Al. It’s a win for Baraboo, a win for the regional arts community, and a win for historic preservation in Wisconsin,” said Paul Wolter, Vice President of the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends, Inc. “The theatre will now benefit from the Society’s resources, operating infrastructure, and expertise.”