Do you remember going to the circus as a kid? There was nothing more magical than seeing the high-flying trapeze artists, the talented acrobats, and the funny clowns. P.T. Barnum created the world’s most famous circus in 1872, and there’s a museum right here in Connecticut that’s full of all kinds of cool memorabilia from his life. Check it out:
Phineas Taylor Barnum was already a famous politician, lecturer, and entertainer when he started his now-famous circus at the age of 61. Before his death, he donated a huge collection of personal items to the Barnum Institute of Science and History, which was his legacy.
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Today, it goes by the name of The Barnum Museum, and the magic starts inside this beautiful, historic building. It was completed on February 18, 1893, about two years after the famous showman’s death.
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The museum is home to more than 60,000 artifacts from Barnum’s life, the circus, and the town of Bridgeport.
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Learn about one of the world’s most famous elephants, Jumbo, who was purchased by the circus for a cost of $30,000.
The Barnum Museum/Facebook
Check out this model of Barnum’s huge mansion, which he called Iranistan. It was an ornate, three-story home that was built in 1848, and burned to the ground in 1857.
The Barnum Museum/Facebook
See a model replica of the circus tents from back in the 1800s…
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..and gaze upon one of the original programs from a show.
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From the strangest oddities…
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…to the most elegant and beautiful furnishings, instruments, and fashions from the 1800s, this museum definitely has plenty of fascinating items to inspire your imagination.
Joel Slutzki/Google The Barnum Museum is open every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free!
Learn more about The Barnum Museum on its website, then hop over to its Facebook page and follow it so you can see upcoming events. Have you seen the amazing collection at this museum? If so, tell our readers about your favorite items!
The Barnum Museum/Facebook
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The Barnum Museum is open every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free!
The circus probably makes you feel like a kid again, and so will this gigantic toy store that’s a favorite of both kids and adults.
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Address: 820 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA
