Burlesque Comes to Life in Davenport: Colby Opens Museum Celebrating the Art of the Tease

Davenport is about to welcome a truly unique addition to its cultural landscape. Colby, a devoted burlesque performer and historian, is bringing her decades-long passion to the Quad Cities with the grand opening of the Ecdyiast Arts Museum — a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to the history and legacy of burlesque.

Set to open tomorrow, the museum showcases Colby’s extensive collection of burlesque memorabilia, including rare costumes, accessories, and personal artifacts that chronicle the vibrant and often misunderstood world of burlesque performance.

“Over here we have the collection of Tempest Storm,” Colby shared as she guided visitors through the exhibits. “Tempest Storm was my burlesque mother. I got into burlesque 25 years ago and started performing publicly around 2008, but I’ve been performing since about 2004. Being here at the Ecdyiast Arts Museum means the world to me.”

Tempest Storm’s original fan, complete with provenance documentation, is one of the museum’s standout items. “This is her fan right here,” Colby noted. “It represents more than just performance—it’s a piece of history, of identity.”

Visitors will find more than sequins and feathers in the museum. The heart of the collection lies in the stories behind the costumes — tales of empowerment, self-discovery, and cultural evolution. “Burlesque is really about self-love and self-knowing. It takes a long time to truly understand,” Colby said. “When you’re celebrating the art of the tease, you’re also celebrating your own body and the vehicle you live in. You’re educating yourself about history in the process.”

Danielle, a longtime friend of Colby’s who first met her in Puerto Rico, praised her dedication. “She flew her collection all the way to Puerto Rico when she lived there, and now she’s brought it back to the Quad Cities. Knowing how much heart and soul they’ve poured into this, it’s incredible to see it finally come to life.”

Colby hopes the museum will offer more than just a visual experience. “I’m excited for people to walk through the door and be able to share this piece of history — to lean into these costumes and the stories they tell, because the stories they tell are about all of us.”

The Ecdyiast Arts Museum opens its doors tomorrow in Davenport and promises to be a dazzling tribute to the transformative power of burlesque.