the barnum museum

Being in the area North of here, I decide to make a detour and check out Barnum: I have some mixed memories of my previous visit there, at least ten years ago: the exhibits and artifacts ranged from exciting through historical through pathetic. The funny thing is I mostly remember how worried I was about my car, parked in front of the museum: Bridgeport is not a town where such action can be taken easily… I find, to my big disappointment, that a tornado damaged their magnificent red stone historical building in 2010 and some of their stuff is now displayed in the People’s bank on the back of their building. It’s still interesting, but sad in more than one way. The Great State of Connecticut cannot manage to restore it to its former glory and to honor the memory of the Great Entertainer P.T.Barnum? Sad. Admission is free, but they ask for donations, still hoping to do some restoration one day. It’s only open a couple of hours twice a week, so check their web site for current opening hours.

This place was a nice look into an amazing man....border line conman, but he delivered....the only issue I had was that the house should be restored by now. This can be so much more. Great exhibits. My kids, who I drag to places like this, we're interested in what was being said by the great tour guide we had. Just too little...will go again, when house opens

Thanks for visiting and for the review!

In 2010 the Barnum Museum was hit by a toronado-no one else in town, just the Prince of hoaxes I think he would appreciate the irony. while they are rebuilding, you have access to their viewable storage area. Many pieces of furniture-esp from Charles and Lavinia,a few smaller circus wagons, many carriages, paintings &,statuary. The latest acquisition-which arrived on 1 April-no fooling is suppossedly the centaur from the univ of tenn, There is a very interesting art display under a "big top". This is an artist who can see whimsy in metal parts. It is amazing how she set up all these fun displays that look like cicus people and animals and yet it is mechanical. no joined together-only balanced and able to be taken apart. quite fun. I am hoping that they can bring that beautiful building back to life and give us all a chance to see his "wonders"

We have made several trips to Bridgeport and the museum on our way back from Mystic Ct over the years . We were disappointed to hear the museum had suffered damage and might not reopen . We were very happy to learn that it would be open again . Don't miss out on a museum that has been open since the 1890's !

What an amazing building, envisioned by Barnum himself. It's been closed since the tornado 2.5 years ago. I hope it comes back

If you are going to visit any place in Connecticut you must visit Barnum Museum,this place is historic and has a lot of Connecticut first's

if being in the circus is tour are of interest, I foung the subject well presented and that the museum provided a lot of information I just couldn'.t have cared less.

Great building, kept original in a newly developed down town. Full of local history and unusual exhibits dealing with circus and PT Barnum artifacts. Has Freaks and props as well as rooms from his famous 19th century houses recreated with original furnishings. Top floor has neat miniature circus train and Tom thumb exhibit. Big event room has had very cool specials. Other than parking fees and walking distance, its a great city museum with an unusual focus.

Very interesting, it is a collection of PT Barnum's memorabilia from his circuses. There are a lot of quirky exhibits worth the trip.

Haven't visited in a while, so other reviews may be more relevant but exhibits on Bridgeport lore such as Barnum and Bailey and a fantastic in your dreams model train exhibit were real fun.

I was disappointed as I thought they would have had more P.T.Barnum history including Iranistan I didn't see that. Wish it did more with all seaside park contribution from Barnum .

Barnum Museum is a place where you can go and see what P.P Barnum brought to the people of Bridgeport, while on his travels. I use go to when I was little, and enjoy going now, I love to see the look on my grandkids face to see everything there is to see. Ty Mr.Barnum

If you are in the area and looking for interesting things to do, or are interested in P. T. Barnum, then this is worth it. There is more to it than a small circus museum, which is good, because it's not large enough to be a true circus museum.

Amazing pieces from the earlyy days of the circus. A replica carved by hand on the top floor.