When a burlesque museum announces a “big reveal,” you stop and take notice. On April 17, the Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHOF) opened its new digs at 1027 S. Main Street, Suite 110. Ten times bigger than its previous location in Emergency Arts, this bodacious building will host props (Dita Von Teese’s martini glass), artifacts (Gypsy Rose Lee’s traveling trunk), costumes and history galore. Researchers can access on site catalogued storage and the Bawdy Shop Studio will be a multiuse space for classes and events.
Tease Queen and BHOF board member Melody Sweets said she’s excited to see the burlesque community’s hard work come to fruition. “I only wish that [BHOF originators and burlesque legends] Jennie Lee and Dixie Evans were still around today to see their dream come to reality,” Sweets says. “They would be so proud.”
Sweets, who originated the role of the Green Fairy in Absinthe, is stoked for the 3,000 square feet of glamour. “Besides the fact that I’m a sucker for sparkly things, I’m excited to see the props and costumes that have been waiting so patiently to get out of storage and back into the spotlight,” Sweets said. “The memorabilia covers more than a century of burlesque history.”
Regular hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $10-$15, 888-661-6465, burlesquehall.com.
