For those who might be a little uncomfortable with the idea of circuses performers, specifically clowns this might not be on the top of the list for next vacation ideas. For everyone else though, the circus is always open at the Showmen’s Museum that has a goal to preserve the history of the American carnival for years to come.
If you happen to live near or passing through Riverview Fl, you can take a stop and enter the museum. The establishment has been refurbishing and displaying circus equipment since the 1980s.
Museum owner and curator Doc Rivera first fell for the circus when they made an appearance in his home all those years ago. As a young teenager living in La Porte Ind. the traveling performers blew his expectation away offering him freedom and opportunity. When they went he followed, leaving behind a troubled family and followed his passion.
As of today, the museum stands in a 52,000- square foot two-story warehouse in Riverview. As the curator of one of Tampa’s most interesting attraction, it still could be considered Tampa’s best-kept secret.
His goal was to always ensure the sanctity and restoration of original pieces so the memory of these once beloved items can withstand generations to come.
The museum has created many restoration projects that have either been returned to the line of work with other traveling performers or stay within the Museum on display.
Even mention in a PBS special on the History of Traveling Preforms this facility was a great deal of help with there historical documents and pictures truly display the world all those years ago.
Today with the help of donations the restorations projects have to exceed expectation and have become a home for lost and damaged goods to hopefully get the restoration they deserve.
Once inside you have the opportunity to see photos and documents showing some of the first carnival pieces to actually seeing a life-size carousel in person.
From functional rides and attractions to games you can find plenty to do while at the Museum. The huge area offers plenty to do for a few hours and with the general admission ticket going to further continue the practice of restoration and preserving these pieces, it’s worth it.
If you want to spend the day you would be looking at a $12.00 admission and if you are a student you could bring an ID and get a ticket for $7.00.
Be sure to let the facility you got the information from their webpage and they will take $2.00 off the price at the door.
No code or information needed that discount does not go for the student discount though. With children under the age of 10, they enter for free.
If you are looking to get the immediate information and have your questions answered be sure to look into the guided group tours. Where you and 15 people could get escorted around the facility and possible sneak peeks through the restoration facility and upcoming projects.
The day will be filled with childlike wonder and its fun to look into the past and see what was once America's favorite attraction.