Roncalli Clowns Visit the City Hall Dome

Quirky spectacle in Hanover's arched elevator

In the circus tent at Waterlooplatz in Hanover, the Roncalli clowns are treating their audience to plenty of fun almost every day through October 8. But what do these red-nosed pranksters actually do in their free time? They go sightseeing in the state capital!

Roncalli Clowns on the dome of the New City Hall

On Thursday, September 7, Roncalli’s performers visited the dome of the New City Hall via the archway elevator. Fortunately, they didn’t stumble around quite as clumsily on the observation deck as they do in the circus ring. Instead, they enjoyed the views of the city and the Hanover region through a clown’s eyes, letting the summer breeze blow around their red, bulbous noses at a height of nearly 98 meters. After the outing, they headed straight back to Waterlooplatz for the 3:00 p.m. performance.

Thrilling sightseeing: Soaring high in a tilting elevator

Hanover’s city hall dome, just under 98 meters high, can be reached via an arched elevator that’s the only one of its kind in the world. On the way up, guests are transported first vertically and then at a 17-degree angle. Through a window in the cabin roof, you can watch the ride unfold up close. Another window in the floor of the cabin can be made transparent at the push of a button—a special thrill—even for circus performers.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the

Rewarded by the state capital. On a clear day, you can see the Deister and even the peaks of the Harz Mountains. The last ride up the funicular this season is expected to be on October 31, 2023.

Experience with a panoramic view

Dome driveway in the arched elevator

Head to the town hall dome to take the spiral elevator and enjoy the panoramic view of Hanover

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Juggling with big emotions: Circus Roncalli is performing through October 8

Anyone who wants to see Clown Paolo, Gensi, or Anatoli in action still has until October 8 to do so. Until then, the Circus Roncalli troupe will be enchanting guests of all ages with breathtaking acrobatics, visually stunning holography, and top-notch live music at Waterlooplatz in Hanover as part of their show titled “All for ART for All.”