Museums are typically associated with showcasing art, history, and culture. However, for those who have a penchant for the peculiar and a love for the bizarre, there’s a fascinating world of museums that cater to your tastes. In this blog, we will take you on a tour of the strangest museums around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the world of weird stuff.
Table of Contents
- 1. International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine, USA
- 2. Museum of Bad Art – Massachusetts, USA
- 3. Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb, Croatia
- 4. Icelandic Phallological Museum – Reykjavik, Iceland
- 5. Mutter Museum – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- 6. Avanos Hair Museum – Cappadocia, Turkey
- 7. Clown Motel – Tonopah, Nevada, USA
- 8. Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments – Prague, Czech Republic
- 9. The Museum of Jurassic Technology – Los Angeles, California, USA
- 10. British Lawnmower Museum – Southport, England
- 11. Vent Haven Museum – Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, USA
- 12. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – Boscastle, Cornwall, England
- 13. Paris Sewer Museum – Paris, France
- 14. The Dog Collar Museum – Leeds Castle, Kent, England
- 15. Cancun Underwater Museum – Cancun, Mexico
- 16. Museum of Broken Dolls – Salekhard, Russia
- 17. Museum of Enduring Beauty – Malacca, Malaysia
- 18. The Museum of Witchcraft – Salem, Massachusetts, USA
- 19. The Museum of Broken Relationships – Los Angeles, California, USA
- 20. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum – Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
- 21. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion – Vienna, Austria
- 22. The Mini Bottle Gallery – Oslo, Norway
- 23. The Fan Museum – London, England
- 24. International UFO Museum and Research Center – Roswell, New Mexico, USA
- 25. The Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising – London, England
- 26. Museum of Natural History and Oddities – San Diego, California, USA
- 27. Siriraj Medical Museum – Bangkok, Thailand
- 28. Avant-Garden Gallery – Paju, South Korea
- 29. Burlesque Hall of Fame – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
1. International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine, USA
If you’ve ever been fascinated by creatures that dwell on the edge of mythology and reality, the International Cryptozoology Museum is a must-visit. This museum is dedicated to the study of animals that are considered cryptids, creatures whose existence has not been proven. From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster, you’ll find exhibits and artifacts related to these mysterious beings.
2. Museum of Bad Art – Massachusetts, USA
Art is subjective, and this museum fully embraces that fact. The Museum of Bad Art, MOBA for short, is dedicated to displaying and celebrating art that would typically never see the inside of a gallery. Visitors can explore a collection of intentionally or unintentionally bad art, with quirky, bizarre, and often hilarious pieces.
3. Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb, Croatia
Love and heartbreak can be weirdly beautiful, and the Museum of Broken Relationships captures this essence perfectly. The museum displays items donated by people from around the world, each with a story of a failed relationship. It’s a touching and often humorous look at the strange and varied ways love can go wrong.
4. Icelandic Phallological Museum – Reykjavik, Iceland
For those with a more mature sense of humor, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is both unique and, well, quite unusual. This museum boasts a collection of over 200 penises and penile parts from various animals, ranging from whales to hamsters. It’s an educational and amusing exploration of the male anatomy across species.
5. Mutter Museum – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
If you’re intrigued by the weird and wonderful world of medical oddities, the Mutter Museum should be on your bucket list. It’s home to an array of strange medical specimens, including medical instruments from the 19th century, anatomical oddities, and the world-famous Soap Lady, whose body turned into a waxy substance over time.
6. Avanos Hair Museum – Cappadocia, Turkey
Nestled in the caves of Cappadocia, the Avanos Hair Museum is a rather unusual attraction. The museum’s walls are adorned with thousands of locks of hair from female visitors who’ve left their tresses as a keepsake. Each lock comes with a name and a note, making this museum a bizarre yet charming testament to human connection.
7. Clown Motel – Tonopah, Nevada, USA
For a nightmarish yet strangely alluring experience, the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada, is like no other. The motel is filled with an extensive collection of clown memorabilia, from figurines to life-sized clowns. It’s a surreal and spine-tingling destination for anyone intrigued by the eerie world of clown culture.
8. Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments – Prague, Czech Republic
Delve into the dark side of history with a collection of gruesome torture devices used during the medieval period. The museum provides a chilling glimpse into the methods of punishment and suffering employed in the past.
9. The Museum of Jurassic Technology – Los Angeles, California, USA
This museum blurs the line between fact and fiction, featuring exhibits that are both scientifically intriguing and bizarrely surreal. It’s a place where you can explore art, technology, and natural history in a unique and bewildering manner.
10. British Lawnmower Museum – Southport, England
An ode to the iconic British lawnmower, this museum showcases a vast collection of lawnmowers throughout history. It’s an unexpected but fascinating look at the evolution of this common garden tool.
11. Vent Haven Museum – Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, USA
For those intrigued by the art of ventriloquism, the Vent Haven Museum is a treasure trove. It houses a vast collection of ventriloquist dummies and figures, providing a quirky insight into the world of this unique performing art.
12. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – Boscastle, Cornwall, England
Explore the world of the occult and supernatural in this museum, which features artifacts, books, and items related to witchcraft, magic, and the paranormal. It’s a place that delves into the history of mystical practices.
13. Paris Sewer Museum – Paris, France
Descend beneath the streets of Paris to discover the city’s extensive sewer system. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the world of underground tunnels and the engineering that keeps the city’s waste flowing.
14. The Dog Collar Museum – Leeds Castle, Kent, England
If you’re a dog lover or simply intrigued by the history of pet care, this museum is dedicated to the evolution of dog collars. It features an extensive collection of ornate and peculiar dog collars from various eras.
15. Cancun Underwater Museum – Cancun, Mexico
This museum is entirely underwater, with over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged beneath the sea. It’s not only a unique artistic experience but also an artificial reef, promoting marine life conservation.
16. Museum of Broken Dolls – Salekhard, Russia
The Museum of Broken Dolls houses a vast and eerie collection of discarded and damaged dolls. Each doll has a story, and this museum offers a haunting look into the history of these once-beloved toys.
17. Museum of Enduring Beauty – Malacca, Malaysia
Explore the various practices and rituals people engage in to achieve beauty, from foot binding to neck elongation. This museum examines cultural perspectives on beauty and the lengths people go to in its pursuit.
18. The Museum of Witchcraft – Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Salem, known for its history of witch trials, is home to this museum dedicated to the history of witchcraft and the witch trials in colonial New England.
19. The Museum of Broken Relationships – Los Angeles, California, USA
This is an extension of the original Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb. It showcases personal stories and items representing failed relationships from people around the world.
20. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum – Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
For those with a quirky taste, this museum features an extensive collection of salt and pepper shakers in various shapes, sizes, and designs.
21. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion – Vienna, Austria
This museum explores the history of contraception and abortion methods, offering insights into how societies have dealt with these issues throughout time.
22. The Mini Bottle Gallery – Oslo, Norway
This museum displays a massive collection of mini bottles, from tiny ships to miniature paintings, offering a unique perspective on art and craftsmanship.
23. The Fan Museum – London, England
Celebrating the art and history of fans, this museum boasts a remarkable collection of fans from around the world, showcasing different designs, materials, and cultural significance.
24. International UFO Museum and Research Center – Roswell, New Mexico, USA
If you’re intrigued by UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, this museum explores the infamous 1947 Roswell incident and the broader topic of unidentified flying objects.
25. The Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising – London, England
Take a journey through time with this museum, which displays the evolution of branding and advertising, showcasing products and packaging from the past century.
26. Museum of Natural History and Oddities – San Diego, California, USA
An intriguing blend of the natural world and oddities, this museum features a diverse collection of natural specimens and curious artifacts.
27. Siriraj Medical Museum – Bangkok, Thailand
Also known as the Museum of Death, this museum displays a wide range of pathological specimens, forensic evidence, and medical oddities.
28. Avant-Garden Gallery – Paju, South Korea
This unique museum showcases a collection of over 3,000 sculptures made from recycled materials, creating a fascinating blend of art and sustainability.
29. Burlesque Hall of Fame – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Celebrating the art of burlesque, this museum displays costumes, props, and memorabilia from the world of burlesque entertainment.
