Reviews of The Barnum Museum (Museum)

Carla West

While the amount of artifacts they have on display right now is small, the tour guides know so much about everything it doesn't seem like a small museum!! She was able to stop at each artifact and talk about them for a few minutes each, giving so much more information than I even knew was possible. I love how they embrace the success of the movie but also are able to describe the things that are incorrect from it. You could tell the ladies working here are honestly passionate about Barnum and it was great that all of the artifacts are 100% original. I really can't wait to come back when the full museum is restored, if the description of the renovations on their website is accurate it sounds like it'll be a amazing. We left here really believing in the magic of Barnum and would definitely recommend this little gem of a museum

Anthony Rocks

Easy_off_easy_on from exit 27 of i_95(Connecticut turnpike) and exits 1 or 2 of the state route 8/25 connector in the heart of downtown Bridgeport across the street from Webster bank Arena. The building itself is on the national registry of historic places. Now that they're not doing the Barnum and Bailey circuses anymore the history of all that the museum houses is even more significant as it harkens back to the days of long ago when life was so different in America.

Brittany Casillas

Museum is under construction for the time being. Still open only Thursday’s and Fridays! The original Barnum institute main building won’t be up and running for about 4-7 years due to the reconstruction that needs to be done. Not a lot of history in one room due to the size but it’s free. Hopefully the actual institute will be up and running sooner than later.

PETER RODOLFY

THIS WAS THE SECOND EVENT GONE TO AT THE BARNUM MUSEUM. THE JENNY LIND STORY. NARRAED BY THERE CURATOR KATHY .WHOSE EFFERVESCENT NATURE AND TELLING MADE FOR A WONDERFUL PRESENTATION . PLEASE SUPPORT THIS NATIONAL TREASURE WHILE ITS BEING RESTORED

Ina Anderson

Very nice!

James Fagan

Closed permanently.

J Lopez

Very nice museum in lobby while main structure is under repair. Took my son who is a big Barnum fan, learned a lot there. It is free but they do ask for a donation.

Clara Schultz-Lepri

The woman that gave us the tour knew so much about everything. She explained so much. I wish they were able to open the rest of the museum. But the display was very exciting. I would go back again.

M. Showers

A lesser-known jewel of Bridgeport, CT; yet, a must-see location. Only open 11-3 on Thursday & Friday. A sweet & knowledgeable Marion, the docent, will give you a first-class tour of the exhibits. Unfortunately, the main building suffered storm damage during their 200-year anniversary of P.T. Barnum's birthday in 2010. Yet, this is a quality museum featuring an important person of local CT history.

Kalia Duncan

Absolutely wonderful. It is a guided tour through P.T. Barnum's life. Amazing original items and rich history. The actual museum is still under construction, but the woman who gave the tour made us feel like we weren't missing out. She was hilarious and very knowledgable. Not the best place to bring little ones that are easily bored or distracted, although there is a lovely coloring and play area for children if you need it! Can't wait to come back!!

Derek Jones

Really wish you would have put the fact that the house is under rehab and that you only get a hand fullnof things to look at info on your website. Glad it was free entry.

Yaima Laguna

The tour girl has so much knowledge and I had such an amazing time learning some of the real stories behind the Greatest showman movie.

Gary Kelkis

Great museum, just wish it would go back to the original building.

Jessica Berg

Exhibits are in a tiny bank lobby behind the actual barnum museum building which is inaccessible to the public (due to ongoing repairs from damage caused by a tornado 10 years ago) cardboard cutouts, the mermaid, horse/human skeleton, some tom thumb furniture and a storage room you can look into from the door way - thats all folks. Less than 10 minutes to walk through and a let down. If you see anything online saying "historic building open to the public with limited access" it literally means the bathroom.

Hector Quinonez

Good place to bring the kids.

Joey Jdtech

Such a great place, amazing!!!

Paul Scheu

Although the main museum is not open yet, the exhibits in the smaller back building along with look at the original building make it worth a stop.

Julian Roman

It was good to see

Christina Anthony

Went to the Pecha kucha presentation At the Barnum Museum it was very interesting. I enjoyed.

Christine Zygmont

Great little place..lots of info. Great tour guide. And go to Ralph&Ricks afterward for great Italian food.

Omar Rivera

Nice place

Rapha Massage, LLC

Please share, like, contribute to this amazing place!

Carol Marra

A very cute and interesting place to visit.

Joey LaCasse

Fantastic! And also free to visit! The actual full museum is currently closed, but they had a wonderful staff that were very well informed and a few exhibits that were very interesting! Definitely recommend visiting, especially after watching The Greatest Showman. Not everything in the movie was accurate, but was interesting to see how most if it was! The museum is currently accepting donations for repairs due to the tornado, and every cent will be helpful to restore this historical and entertaining sensation!

tami gaither

Small but neat

Tatiana Bennefield

It was a really nice experience!

Josseline Hernandez

It nice to know a little about history of the Greatest Show Man

Tom Leo

So much history, a great place to bring children to visit. Unfortunately the museum has doensized due to being hit by a tornado a couple years back, but it's still operational and has plenty of good exhibits. They even offer guided tours. It's great to see so mikuch history being preserved from as far back as the 1800s. A true gem in a historical building right in downtown Bridgeport. It's free to enter but they take donations, so highly recommend you visit.

TSB Kappalot

i have old dinosaur bones in my grandma house it was passed down from the family

Domenick Arsi Sr.

Place is small but very interesting.

Robin Gilchrist

Very nice

Kayti McMyermick

The Barnum Museum is a staple to any visit to Brisgeport, as the man basically built the city. The entrance and tours are completely free, but they encourage donations at the front desk. The tour guides keep up on their research and are able to answer any question you may possibly have about Barnum and the city. I love visiting the Barnum Museum! They've done so much since my last visit! The pink walls are beautiful. It was a pleasure going through the tour with Cherise, who was very knowledgeable and adorable, and to meet the director, Kathy. Can't wait to see what's in store next!

jennifer paturzo

Very small right now. Can't wait for the reopening!

Adrienne Houel

Love the spirit of this place led by enthusiastic, knowledgeable folks. The collection is coming back as the building is renovated and expanded.

Dr. Michael Nichols

Neat place. It will be great when they complete the museum renovation and can display more items.

Kashanna Hector-Lebby

Interesting history of the Barnum circus would have liked to see more exhibit/ displays

Bryan Woody

Underwhelming!

Bruce Rlchardson

The greatest show in the world. P.T. Barnum had showmanship an imagination. I only wish even more could have been displayed.

Kris Mumau

It's a nice place. Quaint. The staff is very knowledgable about the barnum circus and can answer any questions you may have. Small, which is why it's a 4 star rating. But also free. Which is unheard of. But also nice.

John Mangiapane

Very disappointed - not worth my time.

Jalisa Edwards

nice free place for the kids

Juan Zapata Jr.

Nice staff and great history!

Nikita Gracias

It was

Michelle Couture

Love the preserved memories...very informative staff too

Steven Roman

Cool

delia cobb

I love museums and I happened to visit this one on a whim. I had a blast and it was so unexpected! I can't wait to visit again in the near future!

Gregory Collins

The original museum building is under repair, so plan on a short visit with only a small number of artifacts on display. Still, several great Barnum and related pieces are worth seeing. Ask for the story about the bust he kept in his living room!

Lance Barrington

Must check for the hours & days there open. There closed in Saturdays.

Marlon Henry

I thinks it's a place everyone should visit when in Connecticut. Theres so much to learn about Jumbo the elephant.

Susan Davis

We thought the museum was interesting. Should also visit PT Barnum and Tom Thumb's gravesites a few miles away from the museum. That was really cool too.

Barbara Wilson

The museum did a great presentation on the comparison of fact and fiction on the Barnum movie "The Greatest Showman"

Reagan Colter

This is one of the places I always bring visitors. It’s a nice building great for families.

Michelle Abbruzzese

A wonderful learning experience!

duck Donald

P.T.バーナムに興味を持った世界中の方々に、この博物館をおすすめしたいです。 博物館のメインの建物は台風でところどころ壊れてしまって工事中ですが、隣の建物で展示は続いています。 博物館のスタッフは、親切で説明が丁寧でした。 私たちは事前にいくつかの質問をメールで送って、丁寧な返信をいただきました。 その後、日本から訪れたら、彼女たちは日本語を学んで準備してくれていました。とても嬉しかったです。 博物館には、実際にバーナムの家にあった家具や絵画、トム将軍の制服や馬車やベッドがあります。 バーナムの住んでいた家についても、模型や絵で知ることができます。 マンハッタンから電車で1時間半かかりますが、ぜひブリッジポートに足を伸ばして、この博物館やバーナムのお墓や彼の銅像などを見てください。

Annmarie angels

Very interesting