The Showman’s Museum was so fascinating to see. It’s off the beaten path in Gibsonton which has a rich history and where carnival folks would winter.The museum is done well and so much to see. I’m old enough to remember many things that I saw there.It is worth the visit for sure.
June 2023
This was a lot of fun. It had an extensive collection of artifacts and explanations covering the circus, sideshows, and midways. The movie theater on the second floor had a great history and accounts of early circuses and P. T. Barnum.Price for entry: $10.00Ticket type: General admission
May 2023
Really enjoyed my visit! I could’ve spent days there learning about history. Well curated collection and it’s displayed well. Really takes you back in history. Be sure to take time to talk to the people who work there - you’re sure to enjoy the conversation. Can’t wait to go back!
At 54,000 square feet and two floors, our beautiful, modern museum will bring back memories as you tour exhibits of a time when outdoor traveling shows brought the only form of entertainment most towns in America were going to experience. Showcasing the history of colorful carnivals, huge tented circuses and historical minstrel and wild west shows, our artifacts and exhibits include thrill shows, carnival games and rides, western shows, and circus sideshows. The world's oldest cotton candy machine, a two headed baby, tiny midgets and an 8 ft 8 in giant. There is no other museum quite like us in America. And of course, we're handicapped accesible and there's always plenty of free parking.
