Daredevils: A Century of Spine-Tingling Spectacles

Daredevils have thrilled audiences for centuries. What began with horse trick riders in circuses inspired new generations of entertainers on bicycles, motorcycles, cars – even flying sofa chairs. From touring thrill shows to Hollywood movie stunt work, “Daredevils” celebrates the exciting history of these death-defying. Witness how incredible feats from long ago inspire modern-day risk-takers.

Drawing on the legendary acts from around the world that left sold-out audiences slack-jawed, “Daredevils” will feature a cavalcade of performers who’ve leapt to fame. A few highlights include:

• The Urias Family Globe of Death, which was first constructed in 1912 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Four generations of the Urias family thrilled audiences the world over with their gravity-defying performances within the globe before it was retired in 2009.
• A Harley-Davidson XR-750 ridden by perhaps Daredevils most famous showman, Evel Knievel, during his famed Wembley Stadium jump in 1975. (On loan from the Evel Knievel Museum)
• A rocket-powered, custom-built motorcycle (aka The Space Cycle) that was designed to jump Niagara Falls and was outfitted helicopter blades to aid in its flight.
• The influence of Buffalo Bill Cody, one of America’s greatest showmen, alongside one of his rare buckskin showcoats costume.
• The living room furniture piece that was employed by the creative (some might say mad) geniuses at Nitro Circus to attempt the world’s first reclining sofa chair jump.

The H-D Museum cordially invites one and all, children big and small to behold how daredevils are born!