While most museums celebrate art, history, or science, some cater to the more peculiar interests of humanity. These odd museums offer a glimpse into the bizarre, the unusual, and the downright strange. From collections of bad art to museums dedicated to specific foods, these institutions provide a unique and often humorous look at what fascinates us. Here are some of the oddest museums you can actually visit, each with its own story to tell.
Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Why It’s Odd: The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) celebrates the kind of artwork that makes you tilt your head and wonder, “What were they thinking?” Founded in 1994 by Scott Wilson, who found a particularly questionable painting in a thrift store, MOBA showcases pieces with awkward proportions, clashing colors, and baffling themes.
History: What began as a quirky collection among friends has grown into a beloved institution with multiple locations in Massachusetts. The museum’s mission is to honor art that is “too bad to be ignored,” offering a refreshing take on creativity where imperfection is celebrated.
Exhibits: Visitors can marvel at pieces like Lucy in the Field with Flowers, a portrait with questionable perspective, or Mana Lisa, a peculiar homage to da Vinci’s masterpiece. Each piece comes with a humorous description, adding to the fun.
Visitor Experience: One visitor remarked, “It’s a celebration of the worst art you’ve ever seen, but in the best way possible. The museum is small but packed with character.”
Fun Fact: MOBA once hosted a “Bad Art Auction” to raise funds, proving that even the least technically proficient art can find an appreciative audience.
The Hair Museum
Location: Avanos, Turkey
Why It’s Odd: Tucked away in a pottery shop in Avanos, the Hair Museum displays over 16,000 locks of hair from women around the world, each accompanied by a note from the donor.
History: This unusual collection began when potter Chez Galip asked a visitor for a lock of hair as a memento. The idea caught on, and over decades, thousands of visitors have contributed to this unique display.
Exhibits: The museum’s walls and ceiling are covered with hair samples, each tagged with the donor’s name and story. It’s a testament to human connection and the universal significance of hair in various cultures.
Visitor Experience: A traveler noted, “It’s both creepy and fascinating. You can’t help but wonder about the stories behind each lock.”
Fun Fact: The museum holds an annual contest where visitors can win a pottery workshop with Chez Galip, adding an interactive element to this quirky attraction.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Location: Gatlinburg, USA & Guadalest, Spain
Why It’s Odd: This museum is a tribute to the humble salt and pepper shaker, featuring over 20,000 pairs from around the world.
History: Founded by Andrea Ludden, an archaeologist with a passion for collecting, the museum began as a personal hobby and grew into a public attraction. It now has two locations, one in the USA and one in Spain.
Exhibits: The collection includes vintage pepper mills, novelty shakers shaped like animals or landmarks, and even shakers from different historical periods. Visitors can trace the evolution of seasoning through these everyday objects.
Visitor Experience: “It’s amazing how something so simple can tell such a big story about culture and design,” said one visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum’s collection includes a shaker set from the 1800s, showing how even condiments have a rich history.
International Cryptozoology Museum
Location: Portland, Maine, USA
Why It’s Odd: Dedicated to creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, this museum blends science and folklore in a quest to explore the unknown.
History: Founded by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, the museum aims to educate visitors about the study of hidden animals and the evidence (or lack thereof) behind their existence.
Exhibits: Displays include casts of alleged Bigfoot footprints, models of mythical creatures, and artifacts related to cryptozoological research.
Visitor Experience: A visitor shared, “Whether you believe in these creatures or not, the museum makes you curious about what might be out there.”
Fun Fact: The museum hosts an annual conference where cryptozoology enthusiasts gather to discuss the latest findings.
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Why It’s Odd: This museum is dedicated to the study of mammalian penises, with over 200 specimens from various species.
History: Started by Sigurður Hjartarson in 1997, the collection began with a single specimen and grew as researchers and enthusiasts contributed.
Exhibits: The museum features preserved specimens, anatomical models, and even folklore-related displays about phallic symbols.
Visitor Experience: “It’s surprisingly educational and not as awkward as you’d think,” noted a visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum includes a section on mythical creatures, like the Icelandic “hidden people,” adding a cultural twist.
Museum of Broken Relationships
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Why It’s Odd: This museum showcases items left behind after breakups, each accompanied by a story of love and loss.
History: Founded by Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić after their own breakup, the museum has become a global phenomenon, with a second location in Los Angeles.
Exhibits: Items range from wedding dresses to handwritten letters, each with a poignant story.
Visitor Experience: “It’s heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. You feel connected to strangers through their stories,” said a visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum accepts donations from the public, allowing anyone to contribute an item and its story.
Currywurst Museum
Location: Berlin, Germany
Why It’s Odd: Dedicated to Germany’s beloved currywurst, this museum celebrates a fast-food icon.
History: Opened in 2009 to mark the 60th anniversary of currywurst, the museum explores the dish’s cultural impact.
Exhibits: Interactive displays let visitors learn about the sausage’s history, preparation, and regional variations.
Visitor Experience: A visitor commented, “It’s a fun and tasty way to learn about Berlin’s food culture.”
Fun Fact: The museum offers currywurst tastings, making it a delicious stop for foodies.
Museum of Endangered Sounds
Location: Online
Why It’s Odd: This virtual museum preserves nostalgic sounds like dial-up modems and typewriter clicks.
History: Created by Brendan Chilcutt in 2012, the museum aims to save sounds that are disappearing from modern life.
Exhibits: Visitors can listen to sounds like the Windows 95 startup tone or a rotary phone dial.
Visitor Experience: “It’s like a time machine for your ears. I didn’t realize how much I missed these sounds,” said one user.
Fun Fact: The museum is entirely online, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Dog Collar Museum
Location: Kent, England
Why It’s Odd: Housed at Leeds Castle, this museum features a collection of historical dog collars from medieval times to the Victorian era.
History: The collection was donated in 1977 by John and Gertrude Hunt and has since expanded.
Exhibits: Displays include ornate collars made of leather, metal, and even velvet, reflecting the changing role of dogs in society.
Visitor Experience: “It’s a small but charming collection that shows how much we’ve always loved our pets,” noted a visitor.
Fun Fact: Some collars are inscribed with the names of their canine owners, offering a glimpse into history.
Parasite Museum
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Why It’s Odd: This museum is dedicated to parasites, featuring over 300 specimens, including an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm.
History: Founded in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai, the museum aims to educate about parasites and their role in nature.
Exhibits: Displays include preserved specimens, life cycle diagrams, and interactive exhibits about parasite prevention.
Visitor Experience: “It’s gross but fascinating. You learn a lot about biology and health,” said a visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum offers a gift shop with parasite-themed souvenirs, like tapeworm keychains.
SPAM Museum
Location: Austin, Minnesota, USA
Why It’s Odd: A museum dedicated entirely to a canned meat product might sound unusual, but the SPAM Museum is a fascinating tribute to one of America’s most iconic foods.
History: Founded in 1996 by Hormel Foods, the creators of SPAM, the museum has since become a beloved attraction. SPAM itself was introduced in 1937 by Jay Hormel, son of Hormel Foods founder George A. Hormel. The name “SPAM” is a playful combination of “spiced ham.” During World War II, SPAM became a staple in the diets of American soldiers, earning it a place in history as a symbol of comfort and sustenance.
Exhibits: The museum spans 14,000 square feet and features nine galleries, each offering a unique perspective on SPAM’s history and cultural impact. Highlights include:
- Can Central: The heart of the museum, showcasing the evolution of the SPAM can from its original design to modern versions.
- World Market: An exhibit that highlights how SPAM is used in different countries, with recipes and advertising from 44 nations.
- World War II Exhibit: A poignant display illustrating SPAM’s role as a staple for American troops during the war.
- Spam Brand 101: An interactive exhibit where visitors can learn about the 15 varieties of SPAM and even compete in assembling mock cans.
Unique Features: Visitors can enjoy free samples of various SPAM flavors and explore a gift shop filled with SPAM-themed merchandise, from clothing to kitchenware. The museum also features a 22-foot-long SPAM rocket created by fans, showcasing the product’s global fanbase.
Visitor Experiences: Visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for SPAM. One visitor shared, “Great staff and a very interesting place. Samples given out and the tour guides are fantastic. We had a guide named Larry and were absolutely enthralled by his stories and delivery.” Another said, “What a fun place to visit for a couple of hours and learn about SPAM. Admission is free, and we learned about its history, worldwide impact, and even found some great recipes.”
Fun Fact: SPAM has its own holiday—National SPAM Day, celebrated on August 5th.
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Location: Roswell, New Mexico, USA
Why It’s Odd: Located in the heart of Roswell, famous for the 1947 UFO incident, this museum explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
History: Founded in 1991, the museum was inspired by the infamous Roswell Incident, where a supposed UFO crash sparked global intrigue.
Exhibits: The museum features newspaper clippings, witness testimonies, and replicas of alleged alien artifacts. Interactive displays allow visitors to explore UFO sightings worldwide.
Visitor Experience: “It’s a mix of skepticism and wonder. Even if you don’t believe, it’s a fun dive into a cultural phenomenon,” said a visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum hosts an annual UFO Festival, drawing thousands of enthusiasts to Roswell.
Museum of Death
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Why It’s Odd: This museum delves into the morbid, with exhibits on death, serial killers, and mortuary practices.
History: Originally opened in Los Angeles in 1995, the New Orleans location opened in 2015, fitting the city’s quirky and atmospheric vibe.
Exhibits: Displays include body bags, antique mortician tools, crime scene photos, and artifacts related to infamous cases.
Visitor Experience: “It’s not for everyone, but it’s oddly comforting to confront mortality in such a direct way,” noted a visitor.
Fun Fact: The museum’s website warns that it’s not for the faint-hearted, advising visitors to prepare for graphic content.
Conclusion
These odd museums remind us that there’s a place for everything, no matter how quirky or niche. They celebrate the diversity of human interests and the joy of collecting and sharing the unusual. Whether you’re a fan of bad art, fascinated by parasites, or just looking for a laugh, these museums offer an experience like no other. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider adding one of these oddities to your itinerary—you might just find yourself coming back for more.
