PT Barnum's Iranistan Mansion Model (Bridgeport,CT)

Experience the grandeur of PT Barnum's mansion, Iranistan, with this detailed miniature model created for the 1999 mini series 'P.T. Barnum'. Commissioned by Barnum in 1848 and designed by Bohemian-American architect Leopold Eidlitz, the mansion was a popular gathering place for notable figures such as the Hutchinson Family Singers, Matthew Arnold, George Armstrong Custer, Horace Greeley, and Mark Twain. Tragically, the mansion was destroyed by fire in 1857, but this model allows us to see what the majestic structure would have looked like in all its glory. The model was generously donated to the Barnum Museum by the production company after filming, and the large dome piece was even rediscovered in a closet and sent to the museum to complete the model. Take a closer look at this fascinating piece of history and see the Iranistan Mansion as it once was.

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[kathleenmary]

The model was created for the Beau Bridges 1999 mini series 'P.T. Barnum' which was nominated for many awards. The production company offered the model to the museum a year after the filming and it was shipped from Vancouver. The large dome piece arrived a year later after it was discovered in a box in a closet in the studio...fortunately they remembered the Museum and sent it along to complete the Iranistan model!

[iamher]

My parent's neighbor was a treasure trove of historical knowledge. She was well into her early 100's and this was in the late 70's. she left my parents a treasure trove of albums etc. We lived on the south end of Bpt. This awesome woman would tell us some incredible stories. I remember vividly sitting on her steps in awe as she narrated away. What I'd give to speak with her again. I was a child back then who didn't know any better, but man, the questions I would ask now if I could... Takes my breath away every time I remember those days.

[bencarter]

Such a shame this magnificent house doesn’t exist today. I wish Barnum could come back and rejuvenate Bridgeport

[vilstef]

Went up in flames like many a circus bigtop. What a wonder if it were still in Bridgeport. Barnum was a superb archivist of his own activities. It's really a shame he did not document the interior of Iranistan.

[jacquelinenoble]

Enjoyed this one very much, wow what a sight it must have been.? Thankyou.

[Pandabee]

That model makes me think of Brighton Pavilion.

[JuanReyes-ifky]

The actual foundation of this house is right across the street from the klein memorial building. It is now a huge parking lot for people that attend the events at the klein memorial.

[BasementVinyL]

Nobody never speaks on how beardsley park was the backyard and property of james beardsley before it was donated to the city of Bridgeport 👀..

[opticscourseiit]

I don't think he realized that Iranistan is an insult to Persian's sovereignty. Iran is a conglomeration of provinces ending with -istan representing the ethnicity of the locals allied to form Iran, i.e. Kurdistan, Baluchistan, Loristan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, etc. some of which are now considered provinces of the greater Iran. Iran, thus can never be Iranistan.

[BasementVinyL]

Nobody nvr asks, where was it exactly located on Fairfield Ave.???