About Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city, is known as "The Park City," the city that Barnum built. Phineas Taylor Barnum better known as P.T. Barnum was the showman turned mayor who made this port city into a major manufacturing center during the early 19th century. By the time his term ended, Bridgeport was well known throughout the United States and the world.

Fairfield County. Located just 35 miles northeast of Manhattan, Connecticut's Coastal Fairfield County boasts scenic beauty, New England heritage, Yankee hospitality, and big city sophistication—no wonder so many celebrities call the region home. The coast beckons visitors with beaches, fishing, lighthouses and cruises, while nature preserves and historic sites offer cultural enrichment through workshops and exhibitions.

Barnum Museum. Entrepreneur, politician, journalist, impressario, museum owner and founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Only one man had so varied a career... P.T. Barnum. Only one museum depicts that man's extraordinary life and the enormous influence he had on 19th century America. From its opening on February 18, 1893 to present day, The Barnum Museum has been committed to the preservation and interpretation of Bridgeport's industrial and social history, as well as being an outstanding educational resource for students of all ages.

The Beardsley Zoo has a proud history of over 75 years as Connecticut's only zoo. As an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and participant in its Species Survival Plan, the Beardsley Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and are actively developing strategies that will protect species and preserve their wild habitats. Through education, conservation, research and recreation, the Beardsley Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for Connecticut's students and families.

Discovery Museum. Discovery is at the heart of the museum's mission. At the Discovery Museum, we embrace the challenge to inspire questioning and exploration by students, parents and teachers. We do this by providing a fun, safe environment that introduces informal learning through engaging exhibits, Planetarium shows, live presentations, and classroom programs. We extend our influence beyond our physical walls, and provide outreach programs.

Experience the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gustav Meier, renowned for his superb conducting style and stellar music making A GBS concert is always an adventure in music!

Playhouse on the Green. "A magnificent theatre that could rival the best of Broadway and London's West End... this is the best theatre buy in the state. Don't miss it." —Connecticut Post. Formerly Polka Dot Playhouse, it's not every day that Broadway comes to Bridgeport... it's actually five times a year. Now, in your own backyard, you can enjoy the best that professional theatre has to offer. Classic plays, famous stars, and a jewel of a theatre that will make your jaw drop.

One of Connecticut's largest sports and entertainment venues featuring basketball, hockey and concerts, the Arena at Harbor Yard is home to the New York Islander's affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and hosts over 140 events each year, including top-name concerts, family shows, regional sporting events. The 10,000-seat Arena will host the 2006 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship East Regional.

Captain's Cove Seaport is a marina and seaport complex. It is also a maritime and amusement center and prime tourist attraction in historic Black Rock Harbor. Tours include the HMS Rose, a Revolutionary War-era 24-gun frigate (when in port), charter fishing boats, dive boats, and harbor cruises. The boardwalk has craft shops, restaurant, fish market, Sunday afternoon band concerts and special events.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is the only professional year-round theatre in the state where you are invited to bring your own picnic! The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is incorporated as a not-for-profit tax-exempt regional theatre that offers a year-round season of productions. The Cabaret Children's Company runs October through May and is great for birthday parties!

Known as the "Grande Dame of Bridgeport," the Klein Memorial Auditorium is home to the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Hartford Ballet, and the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra. This grand Art Deco masterpiece features marble floors, exquisite chandeliers, and Greek pillars plus features an A-list of entertainment that includes musicals, theatrical performances, and dances.

The 6,000-seat Harbor Yard Baseball Complex is home to the Bridgeport Bluefish and University of Bridgeport Purple Knights. The Bluefish are part of the independent Atlantic League and the only professional baseball team in Fairfield County. The Bluefish play 70 exciting, action-packed games at this state-of-the-art minor league ballpark.

The Housatonic Museum of Art has one of the most significant collections of any two-year college in the country and includes works by master artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro and Chagall. Both art enthusiasts and casual observers have the rare opportunity to engage daily with original works of art and artifacts on continuous display throughout the College and campus grounds. The Museum also presents lectures, programs and changing exhibitions in the Burt Chernow Galleries for our students and the community at large, serving as a rich cultural resource for the Greater Bridgeport area.

Connecticut has it all – great getaways, fascinating attractions, unique entertainment choices, plus New England beauty and charm. Plus, getting here is easy. Connecticut is served by five major airports. And 20% of the nation’s population lives within a three-hour drive.