New Burlesque Museum to Open in Downtown Davenport
This Saturday, June 21, you join “American Pickers” star Danielle Colby for the dazzling grand opening of the Ecdysiast Arts Museum, a one-of-a-kind celebration of burlesque, artistry, and unapologetic expression — in the heart of downtown Davenport.
Located at 322 Brady Street and founded by Colby, the museum is a bold new cultural destination devoted to preserving and honoring the powerful history of burlesque, according to a museum release. With limited space available for Saturday’s exclusive event, organizers are urging fans, collectors, art lovers, and history buffs alike to secure their tickets now at www.ecdysiastartsmuseum.com.
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
One of the items at the new Ecdysiast Arts Museum, 322 Brady St., Davenport.
“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,” Colby (a veteran burlesque performer) said in the release Tuesday. “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.”
“Whether you’re a fan of vintage glamour, performance history, or powerful storytelling, this space is for you,” the Downtown Davenport Partnership posted on Facebook June 12. “It is so much more than a collection, it’s a conversation. A reclamation. A tribute to women with the incredible courage it takes to be seen and vulnerable.”
The new museum features many pieces from Danielle Colby’s personal collection.
“Stripping History” — A Movement in the Making
With the theme “Stripping History,” the Ecdysiast Arts Museum aims to peel back the layers of judgment and misunderstanding to reveal the humanity, resilience, and artistry of burlesque performers, the release says. The museum gets its name from a term invented by H.L. Mencken, based on the Greek word ekdysis, meaning “a stripping or casting off.”
In the new museum, visitors will be immersed in a world of glamour, grit, and groundbreaking history, told through costumes, photographs, personal stories, and historic artifacts — many discovered by Colby herself on 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. The $75 admission includes a cocktail reception, 7 p.m. tour, and 8 p.m. burlesque show with performers from Quad Cities, Chicago, New York, and Puerto Rico.
Founded by Danielle Colby, the Ecdysiast Arts Museum is the first cultural institution of its kind, dedicated to preserving the history and evolution of burlesque as both an art form and a cultural force. The museum showcases rare costumes, intimate stories, and dynamic performances that challenge perceptions and celebrate expression.
The new burlesque museum will open in downtown Davenport at 6 p.m. June 21 for a ticketed grand opening.
A June 9 piece on Parade.com noted Colby, 49, plugged the grand opening on Instagram with a cheeky photo and post:
“Join us June 21 2025 at our Grand opening for an evening of education perfectly paired with titillation,” Colby captioned the promotional post for her business dedicated to the history of stripping.
“I give you the spectacular burly cast of the @ecdysiastartsmuseum grand opening June 21 2025!!!” she continued. “I’m so honored to be your host for the night. I will lead you on an educational adventure you will never forget with the help of my enticing cast.”
Reserve your spot today at www.ecdysiastartsmuseum.com. Regular hours will be Thursday to Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Danielle Colby, a co-star of “American Pickers,” performs burlesque as Dannie Diesel and will be one of the featured performers at the June 21 grand opening.
