This ornate building is as eccentric as its creator, showman-promoter Phineas T. Barnum (1810-91). Barnum's world-famous three-ring circus toured America and Europe in the 19C and won acclaim as "The Greatest Show on Earth." Highlights among the exuberant collection of circus memorabilia housed here include costumes and furnishings that belonged to Tom Thumb, the first major star attraction of the circus; and the Brinley Miniature Circus of more than 3,000 hand-carved figures. A contemporary wing features changing exhibits of art and American popular culture.