Bridgeport (pop. 142,000) has a museum devoted to the celebrated showman and circus proprietor Phineas T. Barnum. Greenwich to the south-west, on the other hand, is an attractive holiday resort with some fine restaurants.
The museum is a celebration of the life of P. T. Barnum. Located in an 1893 Gothic style building, the museum features exhibits based on the themes of "Barnum the Man", "Barnum's Bridgeport" and "Showman to the World".
On display is Barnum's most famous invention, the Three Ring Circus, as well as exhibits on General Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind. Changing exhibits are also presented.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604-4912, United States
Phone: 1 (203) 331-1104, Fax: 1 (203) 331-0079
Hours:
10am-4:30pm; Sun:12pm-4:30pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Last admission to the Museum is at 3:45pm.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Beardsley Zoo is a 33 acre facility, home to a variety of animals, primarily from North and South America. There are more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species.
Hours:
9am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
City Lights Gallery was established in 2004 to feature local, regional and emerging artists. Events include open studio workshop, lunch time art demonstrations, concerts and opening receptions.
Discovery Museum offers hands-on interactive art and science displays. The Challenger Learning Center deals with space missions. There is also a planetarium as well as educational programs.
Address: Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604-1015, United States
Phone: 1 (203) 372-3521, Fax: 1 (203) 374-1929
Hours:
July 1 to September 7: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
September 8 to June 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon