The Hippotheatron was an entertainment venue in New York built for large-scale circus and equestrian performances although ballets, dramas and pantomimes were also held there.

[2] The theatre historian T. Allston Brown (1836–1918) in his A History of the New York Stage (1903) wrote at length about the building and its history, stating that it was constructed of corrugated and ridged iron, was fireproof, and was built after the model of the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The main supports of the dome were a series of columns surmounted by richly ornamented caps.

There were two ring entrances exactly opposite one another; this item alone was a great improvement, both for spectacular pieces and for battoute leaping.

[5] Spalding & Rogers' Circus, which had just returned from a two years' tour in the seaports of Brazil, Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, and the West Indies, were in residence for four weeks from April 25 to May 21 1864,[6] during which period a new roof was built.

Theatrical productions included the pantomimes Harlequin Bluebeard, or, the Good Fairy Preciosa and the Bad Demon Rusifusti (December 1864-February 1865) and Mother Goose!

He changed its name to 'Lent's New York Circus' on 6 November[2] and continued the season until 27 May 1866; it was reopened by Lent on 24 September 1866.

It had been announced to open on 11 September, but the epizootic prevailed to such an extent among the horses that he was compelled to defer it.

[2] The front entrance was materially improved by alterations, and a large false front, entirely concealing the iron building from view, was erected and covered with large oil paintings, characteristic of the entertainments within, and the season ended on 4 May 1867.

[8] Other animals dashed with terrific force against the sides of their cages, vainly endeavoring to regain their liberty.

As the fire grew hotter the bears, lions, and leopards were seen with their paws endeavoring to wrench the iron bars of their cages asunder, and, as the flames or heat prevented their keepers from rescuing them, they were abandoned to their fate.