The Barnum Museum Information

The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT is the last surviving establishment attributed to the extraordinary American icon, Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891). Barnum's story is a fascinating exploration of 19th century social, commercial, political and industrial history, and his tale begins long before his circus enterprise was created in 1872. He was an entrepreneur, museum proprietor, business leader, political leader, urban developer, community benefactor, philanthropist, temperance leader, emancipationist, lecturer and author. Barnum was committed to the intellectual and cultural development of society, and was a voice for the pursuit of freedom and choice. Barnum's impact reaches deep into our American heritage, and his remarkable stories of influence and contribution are preserved and interpreted at the Barnum Museum in downtown Bridgeport where it has proudly served an international audience of well over a million students, scholars and lifelong learners. The Museum showcases events, programs and exhibitions of wondrous artifacts and curiosities from the 4,000 year-old mummy to the carriages of General Tom Thumb. As one of the country's greatest national treasures, the Barnum Museum is a vibrant cultural asset in the region, and the centerpiece of Fairfield County's cultural heartbeat. Spurring innovative thinking and learning for the future, empowering and strengthening the community through dynamic interactions and lively exchange of ideas, the Museum is committed to expanding its presence in the community and to fully serve as a place of knowledge and enrichment.