A tattooed woman with tattoos on her arms and hands, wearing a dark sleeveless top with fringes, is carefully examining or working on a large ornate gold and gemstone piece at a jewelry or craft market table.

ABOUT US

HOURS 0f Operation

Please note hours may change due to private or ticketed events. See our events page for all upcoming events at the Ecdysiast Arts Museum. Or sign up for our email newsletter for convenient updates sent right to your inbox!

WEDNESDAYS 7 PM - 11 PM

Thursdays 7 PM - 11 PM

Fridays 7 PM - 11 PM

Saturdays 7 PM - 11 PM

Our Hours may vary due to private or ticketed events

A Museum, Bar, Venue & so much more!

OUR MISSION

Located at 322 N Brady St. in the heart of downtown Davenport, Iowa, Ecdysiast Arts Museum serves as a multidisciplinary community concept for the Quad Cities. Above all, WE ARE A MUSEUM, A DEEP-DIVE ECDYSIAST costume photo and memorabilia ARCHIVE and a place to celebrate the history of the Ecdysiast arts while learning the complex history behind the art of the tease. 
In addition, we are also a venue space that is used for alternative weddings, bachelorette parties, open mic, poetry, social dance parties, live music, educational panels, museum tours as well as a BURLESQUE CLUB, and A TRULY SAFE PLACE FOR THE queer COMMUNITY. We are equipped with A FULL SERVICE BAR, A beautiful PERFORMANCE SPACE boasting an historic stage that once lived at Saint Ambrose University and donated to us by Hilltop House.

Our multi-level museum also houses an impressive book LIBRARY, photo studio and content space, a professional DANCE STUDIO, a podcast room, A VINTAGE CLOTHING AND COSTUME STORE, A GATHERING SPACE FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS, A NECESSARY FOOD PANTRY for our downtown community and beyond, AND SO MUCH MORE.
THE ECDYSIAST ARTS MUSEUM IS A 21+ VENUE. 
Come have a delicious cocktail or mocktail while you browse the collection or read one of the books from our library. events are donation based. Cash donations and Shelf stable items are always welcomed for our museum and community food pantry. To donate dollars click HERE. Your donations help fund our research, archiving and daily maintenance of our museum.
The building has a black exterior with a pink front door numbered 322 and a window with the words 'Eddyist Arts Museum' in chalk-like font, all on the ground level. The upper part features gray bay windows.

What is An Ecdysiast?

/ekˈdēzēəst/ noun

A dancer who removes their clothes as a form of entertainment; a stripper.
First known use in the 1940s: from Greek ekdusis or ekdysis meaning "a stripping or casting off" (used scientifically in English from mid-19c. With reference to serpents shedding skin and molting birds or crustacea).
A woman with tattoos wearing a large ornate headdress and a beige dress that drapes over her body, standing against a dark background.

We are a social enterprise rooted in the radical history of burlesque. 

We preserve costumes, stories, and legacies while actively supporting our community through cultural programming and direct care.
We are exploring fiscal sponsorship to expand our access to grants and build sustainable funding for the museum's future.
Currently, donations are not tax-deductible. Every dollar goes directly toward sustaining our archives, programming, and community support.
Your donation helps us continue building a liberatory vision for those on the margins in Davenport and beyond.
Donate
Black and white photo of a woman with a short, dark hairstyle, standing confidently with her hands on her hips, wearing a bikini top, decorative high-waisted bottom, and high heels. Text at the bottom indicates her as Hurricane Kay Montez, a girl of the House of Exotics, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Display of jewelry including rhinestone necklaces, a red and gold piece, and a small dress form on a white mannequin with scattered jewelry on a platform.
Close-up of mannequins dressed in colorful shirts, with a backdrop that has text referencing a cause or event.
Close-up of a bookshelf with various books on topics including sex work, sexuality, and feminism. The books are arranged vertically, and some titles are partially visible.
Display of red lingerie, a black lace garter belt, and a black and white photograph of a woman with curly hair.

  • "Such wonderful staff and beautiful atmosphere."

    —Molly Amber H.

  • "Such a safe and accepting place for anyone and everyone. Drinks are FANTASTIC! They make you feel so welcomed and the open mic and dance parties are FANTASTIC."

    —Nicole M.

  • "Beautiful displays and very interesting knowledge about the whole burlesque industry. Nice to see the history kept alive."

    —David J.

  • "Dancing never dies and so THANKFUL for this amazing place! Happy they honored Davenport with something to do every week! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

    Shellie M.

  • "HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR A FUN TIME! Get dolled up and check the amazing spot out! One of the safest venues for all!"

    Aleesha C.