Clown House and Cinema “Masks”, Odessa

When visiting Odesa, the city’s lively cultural scene includes the House of Clowns, a venue unlike the more formal opera houses or drama theatres. Established on 28 March 2003, the House of Clowns occupies a repurposed cinema building and became the home base for the Masks Show troupe under the leadership of artistic director Georgiy Deliev.

The troupe itself has its roots in the 1980s, founded in 1984, and over time, they developed a distinctive style combining pantomime, clowning, choreography, and visual comedy. Their performances often feel like a blend of silent-film humour and expressive theatre, keeping dialogue minimal and physical comedy front and centre.

Inside the venue, you’ll notice that the interior has been rebuilt to reflect this playful yet cultured spirit: restored balconies and columns, walls decorated with paintings by Deliev and photographs of the troupe, all of which create an atmosphere of theatrical celebration. The House of Clowns isn’t just about laughter—it actively embraces experimentation, hosting stand-up, children’s shows, film screenings and other creative events beyond the troupe’s own performances.

For a tourist seeking something different in Odesa’s cultural offer, a visit to this venue promises an evening of lightness, artistry, and local colour. You might attend a full performance by the Masks Show or simply stop in for a shorter event, but in any case, you’ll leave with a sense of Odesa’s playful theatrical side—rooted in tradition yet unafraid to improvise.