Have you ever wanted to visit one of the world’s most unusual and bizarre museums? If you’re looking for something truly out-of-the-ordinary, check out this list of the top 8 most unusual museums in the world that you have to see to believe.
Whether you’re interested in art or history, science or culture – there’s something on this list for everyone! Get ready for a journey unlike any other as we explore some of the weirdest and wildest places in existence.
List of the Most Unusual Museums in the World
Museum Of Bad Art (Moba)
Let´s start with an art museum. Sometimes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But at the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), it’s all about seeing what looks bad — and loving it! Located in Somerville, Massachusetts, MOBA is a unique museum that celebrates art that has been judged to be sub-par. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just someone looking for an amusing experience, take your time exploring this unusual museum:
• Get ready for some real head-scratchers as you explore the various oddities on display. From portraits made with crayons and markers to sculptures crafted from everyday objects, each piece will leave you wondering why anyone thought it was a good idea to make them in the first place.
• Learn more about “bad” art by attending one of their regularly scheduled lectures. Here you’ll get insight into how they select pieces and learn more about artistic trends throughout history. Plus, if you have any questions there are usually curators around who can provide answers!
• Take home a souvenir! The gift shop offers plenty of items featuring artwork from the collection, including t-shirts, mugs, magnets and much more. So even after you’ve left the museum itself, you can still show off your appreciation for bad art galleries wherever you go!
If you’re looking for something different than traditional museums then look no further than MOBA – where everyone is welcome regardless of artistic ability! With its quirky atmosphere and eclectic collection, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)
Location: Somerville, Massachusetts, United States
Website: https://museumofbadart.org/
Monsters and Mysterious Creatures at the International Cryptozoology Museum
Image credit: BBC.co.uk
Located in Portland, Maine, the International Cryptozoology Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in mysterious creatures. Dedicated to cryptid creatures and mythical animals, this unique museum takes visitors on an incredible journey of discovery into the world of unknowns.
From folklore legends like Bigfoot and El Chupacabra to more obscure cryptids such as The Dover Demon and Mothman, the museum has it all!
The main attraction at the International Cryptozoology Museum is its collection of over 6500 items related to various forms of cryptozoology. Here you will find artifacts ranging from traditional Native American totem masks depicting legendary beasts to rare books documenting strange sightings across the globe.
Cryptozoology is the study of "hidden animals"
There are also life-size models of some of the most popular cryptids, which provide visitors with an up-close look at these mysterious creatures.
Additionally, there are interactive displays that encourage guests to explore their own theories about what might be lurking out there in our wild places. It’s truly a fascinating experience for adults and children alike!
Most Unusual Museums in the World
International Cryptozoology Museum
Location: Portland, Maine, United States
Website: https://cryptozoologymuseum.com/
Meguro Parasitological Museum – A Museum full of Parasites
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The Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo is an absolute marvel. It truly has to be seen to be believed!
Arguably the most unusual museum on this planet, it houses one of the world’s largest collections of preserved parasites – from worms and leeches to flukes and ticks.
This amazing parasitology museum was opened in 1953 by Dr Satoru Kamegai with a mission to educate people about these little-known creatures through his unique collection.
On entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a giant tapeworm model suspended above them, setting the tone for what lies ahead. The displays feature hundreds of specimens that have been painstakingly preserved along with informative explanations detailing their life cycles and habits – all laid out in glass cases throughout the building.
There are also interactive sections where guests can learn more about parasite research as well as try their hand at identifying various types of parasites under microscopes.
The Meguro Parasitological Museum is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something totally different! From strange sea creatures to fascinating insects, this incredible establishment offers a wealth of knowledge on some pretty unusual critters.
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Meguro Parasitological Museum
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://www.kiseichu.org/e-top
When you have to go, go to Sulabh International Toilet Museum
Image credit: MyLittleAdventure.se
Moving from the world’s only Parasitological Museum to a unique museum dedicated to toilets may seem like an odd transition. But if you’re looking for something truly unusual, then you can’t miss a visit to the Sulabh International Toilet Museum in New Delhi, India.
The Sulabh International Toilet Museum houses over 15,000 artifacts related to sanitation and hygiene practices around the world.
It was established by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in 1992 with the purpose of highlighting proper toilet use and its importance in promoting good health and social justice.
The museum is also home to some fascinating exhibits that demonstrate how different cultures have developed their own approaches to using the bathroom facilities over time.
There are displays of ancient Roman bathhouses, medieval latrines, Japanese traditional squatting toilets, luxurious bathrooms from Victorian England, and much more!
Visitors can take guided tours through this unique space which includes audio-visual presentations about toilet history and culture as well as interactive activities such as making clay models of lavatories or designing posters about water conservation.
With its interesting displays and educational programs, the Sulabh International Toilet Museum offers an eye-opening experience into human ingenuity when it comes to managing our waste materials. So don’t forget to add this quirky destination to your list of must-see places while traveling in India!
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Sulabh International Toilet Museum
Location: New Delhi, India
Website: https://www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org/
The Divers Choice – Cancun Underwater Museum
Image credit: Trip.com
One of the most amazing museums in the world is Cancun Underwater Museum in Mexico. Located off the coast of Isla Mujeres, this museum is home to more than 500 sculptures that are submerged beneath the surface. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, and one you won’t soon forget!
The aim of the museum is to create a unique underwater environment for both tourists and marine life alike. The sculptures range from abstract works to semi-realistic figures, all crafted from environmentally friendly materials such as pH-neutral concrete and clay.
These pieces were created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who wanted to bring attention to ocean conservation efforts in the area.
Visitors can witness firsthand how these statues interact with their aquatic surroundings. Schools of fish swim around them and coral grows on them over time. Not only does it provide an eye-opening opportunity for exploration but also serves as a warning about our effects on nature – something we should never take lightly.
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Cancun Underwater Museum
Location: Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Website: https://musamexico.org/
Leave Your Locks at Avanos Hair Museum
Image credit: BellaTurca.com
Avanos Hair Museum is located in the sleepy town of Avanos, Turkey. It’s one of the more unusual museums you’ll come across – it houses the world’s largest collection of hair. The collection of over 16,000 locks of hair comes from visitors worldwide!
The museum was started by local pottery artist Chez Galip who asked women visiting his shop to cut off their hair and leave it as a sign of appreciation for his work. Little did he know that this would turn into Turkey’s longest-running culture project!
Visitors are encouraged to add their own lock of hair and write down a few words about themselves which will be stored alongside their donated strands. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can also ask Chez Galip himself to slice off your locks!
Avanos Hair Museum houses over 16,000 locks of hair. Image credit: DailySabah.com
Although some might find it strange or creepy, there’s an overwhelming sense of warmth and community here that makes it all worth it. After all, what better way to commemorate your time in such a unique place?
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Avanos Hair Museum
Location: Avanos, Turkey
Website: https://www.chezgalip.com/_hair-museum_en
See Over 200 Penises at The Icelandic Phallological Museum
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The Icelandic Phallological Museum, located in the capital city of Reykjavík, is a truly unique museum. It boasts an impressive collection of more than 200 penises and penile parts from 93 different species – including humans! The collection even includes specimens from several extinct animals such as whales, polar bears, and walruses.
Visitors to this peculiar institution are impressed not only by the sheer variety of phallic artifacts on display but also by the detailed information about their provenance; each specimen has been carefully labeled with its source so that visitors can trace its origin back through time.
Furthermore, there is an extensive library containing books related to the subject matter for those who wish to learn more about this fascinating field of study.
All in all, it’s no surprise why the Icelandic Phallological Museum has become one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions since opening its doors in 1997.
Most Unusual Museums in the World
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Website: https://www.phallus.is/
The Museum for Cat Lovers – Kattenkabinet Cat Gallery
Image credit: Love, Hate, and What I Ate
KattenKabinet Cat Gallery is one of the most unusual museums in the world that you have to see to believe. Located in Amsterdam, KattenKabinet was founded by Dutch artist Bob Meijer and has become a must-visit tourist destination for cat lovers everywhere. Here’s why:
- It’s filled with art and artifacts related to cats, including paintings, sculptures, books, photographs and more.
- Visitors can view portraits of famous historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte or Queen Elizabeth II – all depicted with cats!
- Cats are always welcome inside the museum, so if you want to bring your own kitty along it’s allowed.
- The museum also hosts special events, lectures, and workshops throughout the year.
Kattenkabinet offers something unique for every visitor – from cat enthusiasts to those just looking for an interesting experience. If you find yourself in Amsterdam anytime soon, be sure to make this quirky cat gallery part of your itinerary.
Most Unusual Museums in the World
Kattenkabinet Cat Gallery
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Website: https://www.kattenkabinet.nl/en
Bonus List Of The Most Bizarre Museums In The World
Traveling is more than just sightseeing – it’s about discovering the unique and unusual. If you want to experience some of the world’s most bizarre museums, then look no further!
How about a museum devoted to torture devices in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, or an extensive collection of artifacts from the Soviet Union at Moscow’s Red Star Museum?
The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum features more than 2,500 varieties of barbed wire with examples dating back to 1868. It showcases all sorts of tools related to its production such as pliers and cutters.
Another must-see is Paris’ Catacombs Museum – located 20 meters below ground in underground quarries filled with human bones!
For those who appreciate art made from trash and recycled materials, try visiting Manila’s Upside Down House & Art Cafe where everything inside is upside down or backward.
These are only some of the eccentric places around the globe worth exploring for anyone looking for something offbeat yet fascinatingly entertaining. So why not take a trip down the rabbit hole today? Who knows what kind of strange discoveries await you?
Uncover the Wonders of Unusual Museums
Visiting unusual museums is an experience like no other. From the Museum of Bad Art to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, these bizarre attractions offer a unique way to explore the world and its many wonders. Whether you’re intrigued by cryptozoology or mesmerized by Meguro parasitology, there are plenty of peculiar places around the planet that will pique your curiosity and provide hours of entertainment.
So if you’re seeking something strange and spectacular on your next vacation, why not check out one of these amazing museums?