This article is devoted to an experimental validation of a theoretical model presented in an earlier contribution by the same authors. The non-linear forced vibrations of circular plates, with the excitation frequency close to the natural frequency of an asymmetric mode, are investigated. The experimental set-up, which allows one to perform precise measurements of the vibration amplitudes of the two preferential configurations, is presented. Experimental resonance curves showing the amplitude and the phase of each configuration as functions of the driving frequency are compared to the theoretical ones, leading to a quantitative validation of the predictions given by the model. Finally, all the approximations used are systematically discussed, in order to show the scope and relevance of the approach. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.