Museums. Most of us probably imagine a big room filled with boring old paintings, dusty statues and boring information being shoved down our throats. However, that isn’t always the case. If you’re feeling the need to learn about something different or unusual, or maybe just invite some culture into your life, there’s still a way to do just that without boring yourself to tears.
Whether you’re interested in science or just collections of unusual items, there truly is a museum for everyone out there. Some of them may even be in your own backyard – perfect for a lazy Saturday culture fest. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone you’re secretly having fun while you’re at it.
#1 House On The Rock
For some of you, this museum may ring a bell… It was the setting for several scenes in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, and yes, it’s a real place. And by real, we mean real freaky.
Located in rural Wisconsin, this is one place you must truly see to believe. Gaiman was quoted as saying, “I had to tone down my description of it and leave things out in the book in order to make it believable.”
The house is a mish-mash of collections that could be described as a hoarder’s dream come true. Exhibits range from the tacky (fake antiques) to sorta creepy (a room full of musical instruments that play themselves) to outright scary (a room that juts out 218 feet from the rock without supports underneath, and is filled with windows to look down at the world below).
Who should visit? Everyone because there’s just so much stuff to see, and who doesn’t like looking at odd things?
#2 The Mutter Museum
Have you ever regretted not entering the medical profession? Are you interested in the human body in all of its biological glory? If you answered yes to either of these questions (and even if you didn’t as long as you have a strong stomach), then The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania may be for you.
It’s well known for its collection of medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and more. Exhibits include a malignant tumor removed from President Cleveland’s mouth, the liver from famous conjoined twins (and yes, it’s conjoined as well), and a piece of tissue that was removed from the thorax of John Wilkes Booth among others.
Obviously, this museum is not for the faint of heart – or anyone who gets queasy just reading the words “nine-foot long colon containing over 40 pounds of fecal matter from someone known as the Human Balloon” – because yes, they have that there as well, along with a corpse that turned itself into a soapy substance known as grave wax.
Who should visit? People with a strong stomach who enjoy looking at things that make others go, “Ewwww.”
#3 The Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
What is it about ventriloquist dummies that scare the daylights out of people? But an even better question is: Who in their right mind would want to collect these terrifying things? Apparently at least one person does, and it’s an exhibit you’re free to visit, too.
If you find yourself in Kentucky, the Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon (and perhaps scar your kids for life).
The museum houses more than 800 figures along with photographs, playbills, letters, and ventriloquist-related books.
Who should visit? People who want to have nightmares about killer dolls coming to eat their face.
#4 The Glore Psychiatric Museum
If you ever want to see how far we’ve come in terms of mental health treatment, then perhaps a visit to the Glore Psychiatric Museum is just what the doctor ordered.
This museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is located next to the original state hospital (established in 1874) and features primitive mental health treatments such as a dunking bath and confinement boxes. But while these items might be disturbing, what’s truly unique about this museum is the artwork on display from former hospital patients including the needlework-stitched words from a mute schizophrenic. Other artwork includes pottery, paintings, drawings and more.
Who should visit? Those interested in learning about the history of mental health facilities in this country.
#5 The Bowers Museum – Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Islands
The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California is innocent enough in and of itself.
Most of the exhibits are fascinating, but pretty family friendly overall. And then you enter an exhibit titled Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Islands. Yes, there are a lot of photographs from the Pacific islands, but that’s not what we’re getting at here. The truly unique part about this exhibit are the artifacts from the islands themselves.
Artifacts that include a cannibal fork, a necklace made from human fingers, another made from human teeth, plus other items that will make you want to reconsider your plans for lunch.
Who should visit? People interested in history, or even if those who are not. Truly, this place has some amazing exhibits that make history interesting for everyone.
#6 The City Museum
Claustrophobic? Afraid of heights? Not sure? Well, you can find out for sure by visiting one of the most fun museums on this list.
The City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri is part-art museum, part-playground. And no, you don’t have to be a kid to climb on things here. In fact, kids and adults alike scale beautiful architectural feats in order to get to the top – an airplane situated several stories in the air.
How do you get there? By climbing up mesh tunnels, ones where you see below you – far below you – the entire time and they might even sway in the wind while they’re at it. Or you can just take an elevator to the top of this building where there is a schoolbus hanging off the top.
Up on the roof of the museum is where you can ride an old ferris wheel that overlooks the city, and when you’re all done with that, you can ride down an 11-story slide through an old warehouse.
Who should visit? You’re a kid, have kids, or you’re just a kid at heart who misses climbing on things and going down slides.
#7 The Museum of Death
Everyone dies. There’s no denying it. It’s just a fact of life, and one most of us would prefer to forget if at all possible.
For those who like to be reminded of such things though, well, you have the Museum of Death in Hollywood, California. But before you brush this off as just a goth kid hangout, hear us out. In fact, the museum presents the topic of death in a way that’s approachable, even interesting, and is sometimes colorful.
With exhibits ranging from artwork created by famous serial killers to actual items from the Heaven’s Gate Cult suicide set up like the real deal (with an actual recruiting video playing in the background for that added layer of realism), the Museum of Death is just that: A museum filled with items that have to do with death and dying – including murders, executions, suicides and much more.
But again, heed the warning, this place is NOT for the faint of heart. In fact, there’s even a test you must pass before you are allowed to enter – you must look at a photo of a man they call, “The Mile Man” without flinching – or heaving. Why do they call him “The Mile Man?” Well, use your imagination.
Who should visit? Those who have an interest in the macabre and don’t get woozy at the sight of blood.
Museums don’t sound so boring anymore, now do they? Even if none of these are nearby, chances are good that there is something unique and different to celebrate near you. Seek it out, explore the world around you, and if given the chance, learn as much as you can about everything.
Cover photo: www.pinterest.com
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