The velvet curtains are set to rise this Saturday, June 21, on the Ecdysiast Arts Museum. Founded by “American Pickers” star Danielle Colby, the museum is dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich history of burlesque.
Located at 322 Brady St. in downtown Davenport, the Ecdysiast Arts Museum will celebrate burlesque, artistry and unapologetic expression. Organizers are urging art lovers, history buffs and fans to secure their tickets now at www.ecdysiastartsmuseum.com, as space is limited for the grand opening.
Tickets are $75 and include a cocktail reception, museum tour and grand opening show. Doors open at 6 p.m., a museum tour is at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Guests must be 21 or older.
The grand opening promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, empowerment and education, featuring:
- Stunning exhibits from Colby’s private collection, including pieces featured on “American Pickers.”
- Live burlesque performances paying tribute to the visionary artists who shaped the art form.
- A powerful unveiling of stories that challenge the past and inspire the future.
“This is more than just a museum — it’s the realization of a dream, rooted in my love for burlesque and in the city I call home,” Ms. Colby said in a news release. “This is a sacred space where we celebrate performers not only for their beauty and bravery, but for the trailblazers they were. They carved out space in history by being bold, creative, and unashamed — and now their stories will finally be told with the respect they deserve.”
With the theme “Stripping History,” the museum aims to reveal the humanity, resilience and artistry of burlesque performers. Visitors will be immersed in a world of glamour, grit and ground-breaking history as told through costumes, photographs, personal stories and historic artifacts. Many of these items Ms. Colby discovered herself during her global travels.
“These performers were so much more than entertainers,” she said. “They were visionaries — claiming space, pushing boundaries, and expressing themselves in ways that were often revolutionary.”
The June 21 grand opening is a one-night-only event with limited capacity, and tickets are nearly sold out.
