French Lick, Indiana: Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Diorama

Sprawling 1,000-square-foot miniature replica of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Has nearly 6,000 itty-bitty people and animals. It took 40 years to build.

French Lick West Baden Museum

Address:: 469 S Maple St #103, French Lick, IN
Directions:: French Lick West Baden Museum. East of Wells Ave./56 at corner of College Ave. and N Maple St.
Hours:: M-Sa 10-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 812-936-3592
Admission:: Adults $15.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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French Lick West Baden Museum

A bit pricey at $15, but it was pretty cool. The circus diorama was amazing. Good explanation of the town of French Lick and West Baden, and how the hotels came to be. There is a very cool shop next door, part of the same building. Easy parking. Public bathrooms.

[Dave O, 02/15/2023]

The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus miniature contains thousands of itty-bitty people and animals, and took 40 years to build.

Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Diorama

In the French Lick-West Baden museum, this 1,100 square foot model depicts three circus scenes from the 1920s: the circus arriving by rail, the circus parade, and finally the circus itself. It includes 5,700 human and animal figures and took 40 years to complete.

[Hcshannon, 12/05/2014]

Tents, rail cars, clown alley, side show -- the circus diorama was the project of Peter Gorman (and about 20 volunteers over the years).