Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Barnum Museum
September 28 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$75
A tornado closed the doors of the Barnum Museum in 2010. Since then, extensive repair and reconstruction have taken place at the Nationally Registered landmark. Now, for the first time a select number of visitors will be able to participate in an exclusive hard-hat tour to see the ongoing reimagining of the Barnum. This one-time tour has been created in connection with our exhibition “Playful Pastimes 1890-1910” focusing on the history of fun and games, as well as a Connecticut showman.
The Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum created multiple museum’s including the American Museum in New York City. Barnum’s American Museum burned in 1865, and his rebuilt New Museum burned again in 1868. Following the fires Barnum left show business but in 1871 employed Westporter George Bunnell, who would become a successful showman himself. Barnum financially supported Bunnell’s New American Museum in New York in 1876. Finally, Barnum approved construction of Bridgeport’s Barnum Institute of Science and History (as the museum was originally known) as a celebration of American cultural and scientific achievement. Barnum never saw the Barnum Museum’s completion before his death in 1891, but the site became an icon for showman of the era including Bunnell.
The Saturday afternoon event at the Barnum Museum will feature a 30-minute hard-hat tour of the historic building and admission to an exhibit of items related to Barnum’s life including furniture owned by General Tom Thumb, who was among both Barnum and Bunnell’s most famed performers. Enjoy light refreshments, mocktails, and virtual content while waiting for your tour. The evening’s proceeds will go to support both the Barnum and the Westport Museum. One free admission ticket for the Westport Musuem’s exhibit (to be used through December 28th) is also included with your event purchase.
