concept

Barnum's new freaks.

Life and history of Alfonso, the human ostrich : with Barnum and Bailey's greatest show on earth, European tour.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We're experiencing some technical problems in the library today. 

If you’re visiting us, you won’t be able to print or use our PCs or laptops. If you want to sign-up for a free library membership, we’ll give you a temporary card for today and complete your membership next time you visit.

You can access items from the collection as usual and our team is on hand to help. Thank you for your patience while we resolve these issues. 

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Barnum and Bailey

Images from the collections

Images referencing Barnum and Bailey

Works from the collections

Barnum's new freaks.

Life and history of Alfonso, the human ostrich : with Barnum and Bailey's greatest show on earth, European tour.