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“Over 52, 000 square feet of American Carnival and traveling show history”
The International Independent Showmen’s Museum contains over 52, 000 square feet of American Carnival and traveling show history preserving it for future generations to come. Not to mention acres of show wagons that allowed the carnivals to travel to the cities and towns of America bringing excitement and entertainment to families throughout the years. There’s one of the first Ferris Wheels in the country, which is assembled and in operating condition inside the museum. There’s also one of burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee’s slinky black beaded costumes, which turned many a head back in the day she performed with the great Royal American Shows Carnival. And don’t forget the outfit worn by the “Viking Giant” himself, Johann K. Petursson. He stood nearly 9 feet tall and weighed 425 pounds. You will see his colorful costume and the actual boots he wore daily -they’re the size of a small child. See one of the rings he wore that you could fit a half dollar through. The museum features thousands of rare photographs of carnivals, circuses, wild west shows and early traveling shows that brought the main and sometimes only form of entertainment that many towns throughout America would enjoy all year. Visitors will also be able to walk through antique wagons and trailers with ornate facades where show people lived or ran the day to day business of the carnival.
It's no wonder this place has a perfect 5 star rating - I was blown away by this one! Best museum in the state of FL by far. And for a $10 admission fee, it can't be beat. When you pull into the... Read more
A must see! This was so interesting. $10 per person and the staff was very friendly. So much history. It takes about 1-3 hours depending on how much you want to read. My favorite were the letters... Read more
Very eclectic collection of circus memorabilia. My husband decided to stop here on a whim and I am glad he did. I saw displays of side show acts from the past I was not even aware of. We were told... Read more
International Independent Showmen's Museum
Hours
- Sun, Sat: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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