Celebrating the life of the original "Greatest Showman," Phineas Taylor Barnum, the 1893 historic landmark museum in downtown Bridgeport is a repository for thousands of rare and one-of-a-kind items relating to P. T. Barnum and his famous associates, including Bridgeport native “Gen. Tom Thumb,” Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, and Jumbo the elephant.

P.T. Barnum’s legacy, the Barnum Institute of Science and History (now the Barnum Museum) is undergoing major restoration, therefore the galleries are currently closed to the public.  But if you enjoy unusual architecture, stop by 820 Main Street to see the ornate exterior of our building—it is like no other you have seen!   (Caveat: check with us first to find out if scaffolding is in place.)  Look up to see the 3-D terracotta frieze around the dome, featuring historical scenes and busts.  Another frieze offers an I Spy-challenge with its hidden and not-so-hidden creatures like monkeys, turtles, and eagles incorporated in the foliage design.  Our brownstone and terracotta gem, designed by Longstaff and Hurd and based on Barnum’s vision, is aptly called a triumph of memorable architecture.

Visit the Barnum Museum’s YouTube channel to enjoy over 100 professionally-produced programs featuring the collections, short stories, virtual tours, and interviews, and to listen to our podcast, Becoming Barnum: The Journey to Fame and Fortune (also available wherever you get your podcasts).

Other amenities: Dining nearby. Nearby attractions: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and Seaside Park.