Museums are known for showcasing art, history, and culture, but some museums take a turn for the bizarre and eccentric. From collections dedicated to failed inventions to museums featuring artifacts that raise eyebrows, there are places around the world that celebrate the odd, the quirky, and the downright weird. If you’re an adventurer with a taste for the unusual, visiting these offbeat museums might be right up your alley.
1. The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) – Massachusetts, USA
One of the most famous unconventional museums, the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) is exactly what it sounds like—a collection of art so bad that it’s good. Located in Somerville, Massachusetts, MOBA proudly displays works that wouldn’t typically make it into traditional galleries. From awkward portraits to clumsy landscapes, the museum celebrates artistic failures in all their glory. The idea behind MOBA is to enjoy art not for its perfection, but for the earnest attempts and bold expressions that didn’t quite hit the mark. Admission is free, and the humor-laden exhibit descriptions are half the fun.
2. The Icelandic Phallological Museum – Reykjavik, Iceland
As the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to penises, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is certainly one of the weirdest attractions you’ll ever visit. Located in Reykjavik, Iceland, the museum boasts an extensive collection of phallic specimens from all kinds of mammals, including whales, seals, and even polar bears. In total, there are over 280 specimens, with some preserved in jars and others on display as bone or sculpture. The museum is both educational and unconventional, attracting curious visitors from all over the world. There’s even a section dedicated to mythical creatures like elves and trolls, complete with phalluses to match.
3. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets – New Delhi, India
When you think of museum exhibits, toilets may not come to mind, but the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi changes that perception. This unusual museum traces the history and evolution of toilets from ancient times to modern day, showcasing how sanitation systems have changed and developed throughout history. The collection includes models of ancient commodes, modern flush toilets, and even ornate 19th-century chamber pots. The museum is part of a broader effort by the Sulabh International organization to promote sanitation awareness, making it both quirky and socially relevant.
4. The Dog Collar Museum – Kent, England
A museum dedicated entirely to dog collars may sound strange, but the Dog Collar Museum in Leeds Castle, Kent, England, is a delightful tribute to man’s best friend. The museum features an extensive collection of dog collars spanning over 500 years, from medieval hunting collars to decorative Victorian pieces. The exhibits reveal the changing relationship between humans and dogs, as well as the practical and decorative aspects of dog collars throughout history. If you’re a dog lover or simply fascinated by unusual collections, this museum offers a quirky and historical glimpse into canine fashion.
5. The Avanos Hair Museum – Avanos, Turkey
The Avanos Hair Museum in Turkey is one of the most bizarrely intimate museums in the world. Founded by a local potter, Chez Galip, the museum houses thousands of locks of hair from women around the globe. What started as a simple gesture—a lock of hair left by a departing friend—has turned into a massive collection that spans over 30 years. The hair is pinned to the walls and ceilings of the museum, and each lock is tagged with the donor’s name and country. The museum is located in the town of Avanos, a place famous for its pottery, but the Hair Museum has become its most unique and unusual attraction.
6. The Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb, Croatia
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, offers a deeply emotional yet quirky experience. The museum showcases items donated by people around the world, each connected to a broken relationship. These items range from personal letters and gifts to strange objects that once held significance in a relationship, all accompanied by short, often heartbreaking stories. The museum taps into universal feelings of loss, heartache, and nostalgia, making it both touching and weirdly fascinating. There’s even a sister location in Los Angeles for those who can’t make it to Croatia.
7. The Currywurst Museum – Berlin, Germany
Berlin is home to the Currywurst Museum, an entire space dedicated to one of Germany’s most beloved fast foods—currywurst. This museum celebrates the history, cultural significance, and preparation of currywurst, a dish made of sliced sausage smothered in ketchup and curry powder. The interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about the ingredients, the dish’s popularity, and its place in Berlin street food culture. Visitors can also enjoy a taste of the real thing at the end of their tour. It’s a quirky homage to a local favorite that food lovers won’t want to miss.
8. The Vent Haven Museum – Kentucky, USA
If ventriloquist dummies give you the creeps, then the Vent Haven Museum in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, might be your worst nightmare—or your most fascinating adventure. This museum is dedicated entirely to ventriloquism and houses the world’s largest collection of ventriloquist dummies. With over 900 dummies on display, the museum offers a strange, eerie, yet compelling look into the world of ventriloquism, complete with the history and techniques behind the art form. The museum also hosts an annual ventriloquism convention, making it a hub for enthusiasts and performers alike.
9. The Museum of Death – Los Angeles, USA
The Museum of Death in Los Angeles, California, is a macabre and unsettling exploration of death and the human fascination with it. The exhibits include everything from crime scene photos and mortuary tools to taxidermy and artwork created by notorious serial killers. While certainly not for the faint-hearted, the museum offers a unique perspective on death, mortality, and the darker aspects of life. Visitors often leave with a mix of intrigue and unease, but the Museum of Death continues to draw crowds with its taboo subject matter.
10. The International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine, USA
For fans of mythical creatures, the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, is a dream come true. This museum is dedicated to the study of creatures that may or may not exist, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Chupacabra. The museum features artifacts, exhibits, and scientific theories related to these cryptids, along with a range of pop culture references. Whether you’re a true believer or just curious about the world of cryptozoology, this museum offers an entertaining and unusual experience.
