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War Museums

Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum

Sgt Bilko's Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum is a unique destination in Coventry, England. This establishment is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Phil Silvers and showcasing a vast collection of vintage items. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the history of war and culture, or attend one of the many entertainment and events hosted by the venue. Sgt Bilko's Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and entertainment.

Introduction to Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum

Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum is a unique company that combines vintage shopping with a museum experience. They specialize in vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware from the 1920s to the 1980s. The company is named after the famous American television show, The Phil Silvers Show, which aired in the 1950s and 1960s. The show's main character, Sgt. Bilko, was known for his witty humor and love of vintage clothing, which inspired the company's name. The museum section of the company displays a collection of vintage items and memorabilia from the show, as well as other war-related items, making it a unique destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Services & products

Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum offers a variety of vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware from different eras. They also offer a range of memorabilia from The Phil Silvers Show, including posters, photographs, and DVDs. Customers can browse the vintage items in-store or online, and the company offers worldwide shipping.

Location

The company is located in Unit 2c, FarGo Village, Far Gosford St, Coventry CV1 5ED, United Kingdom, which is a vibrant area known for its independent businesses and creative community. The area is home to a variety of vintage shops, cafes, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The closest public transportation options are the Coventry train station (1.5 miles), the Coventry bus station (1 mile), and the Fargo tram stop (0.2 miles).

Benefits

Customers should choose Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum because of its unique combination of vintage shopping and museum experience. The company offers a wide range of vintage items, and the museum section provides a fascinating insight into the history of The Phil Silvers Show and war-related items. The company also offers worldwide shipping, making it accessible to customers all over the world.

Good to know

Customers should be aware that the vintage items sold by Sgt Bilko’s Vintage Emporium & The Phil Silvers Archival Museum are all one-of-a-kind, so once an item is sold, it cannot be replaced. The company also has a strict no return policy on vintage items, so customers should ensure that they are happy with their purchase before making it.

Reviews

Customers have praised the company for its unique combination of vintage shopping and museum experience. They have also complimented the wide range of vintage items available and the helpfulness of the staff. Some customers have noted that the prices can be a bit high, but most agree that the quality of the items justifies the cost.

Amenities

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    exhibit
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    archive
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    artifacts

FAQ

What is the focus of your museum's collection?

Our museum's collection focuses on the work of actor Phil Silvers, including memorabilia from his hit TV show Sgt. Bilko. We also have a vintage emporium with items from various eras and pop culture icons.

Are there any particular exhibits or events scheduled that are especially popular or unique?

We have rotating exhibits featuring different aspects of Phil Silvers' career and personal life, as well as themed events such as vintage fairs and movie nights. Our annual Sgt. Bilko convention is a must-attend for fans.

What age range of visitors do you typically attract?

We attract visitors of all ages, from children who love the colorful vintage toys and games in our emporium to seniors who remember watching Sgt. Bilko when it originally aired. We strive to make our exhibits and events enjoyable for everyone.

Do you offer any special tours or programs for school groups?

Yes, we offer educational tours and programs for school groups that focus on the history of TV and pop culture in the mid-20th century, as well as the impact of Phil Silvers' work on the entertainment industry. We also have interactive activities for kids.

How do you ensure that your exhibits are respectful and accurate in their portrayal of historical events?

We work with experts in the fields of TV history and vintage pop culture to ensure that our exhibits are accurate and respectful. We also regularly update our displays to incorporate new research and feedback from visitors. We believe it's important to present history in an engaging and informative way, while still being mindful of the sensitivities of certain topics.

Reviews

  • Marie

    A must for any Phil Silvers fans. I stumbled across the museum yesterday whilst visiting Coventry. Steve Everitt gave us a great overview, was super friendly and welcoming. Thanks

    27-04-2023
  • Andrew Casey

    Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More

    27-02-2023
  • steven toms

    Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More

    27-12-2022
  • Sylvester Marcus

    A gem. Steve, the owner, couldn't be more helpful. This is a must visit place for fans and a fascinating homage to the great Phil Silvers.

    27-11-2022
  • Richard Burningham

    If you like Sgt Bilko and/or anything that its star, Phil Silvers, has been in, this is the place for you. An interesting collection of memorabilia, posters, photos - even things like Phil Silvers' glasses. Bilko t-shirts and mugs are available to buy, as are video sets. If you write in the Visitors' Book, you get a free Bilko badge too.

    27-09-2022
  • Kit Summerfield

    Visited on Weekday Wait time 10–30 min … More

    27-09-2022
  • alfie powell

    27-06-2022
  • Peter Foulstone

    Absolutely fantastic experience. Attention to detail and superb condition of all the artifacts. A real insight into the life of Phillip Silvers.

    27-05-2022
  • Sarah Robinson

    Wonderful museum and shop with extensive Sgt Bilko/Phil Silvers memorabilia. Still can't believe the amount of objects and posters! The owner Steve is so knowledgeable and happy to chat and answer questions. Will definitely be back soon too much information and stuff to absorb in one visit! Highly recommended 🤗

    27-05-2022
  • Roger Booth

    27-05-2022