Museums may be associated with art galleries or, at least, history halls. However, some museums go to extremes--the peculiar, the curious, and the simply strange. These are eight of them that transform the museum into an adventure to remember.
- Reykjavik, Iceland, Phallological Museum
Hundreds of penises and penile parts of various types of mammals, and speculated parts of the same, depicted in folklore, are found in this museum. Its displays present scientific interest as well as cultural commentary in a matter-of-fact, but surreal setting.
A festival of one of the most fundamental human needs- sanitation. From ancient chambers to Victorian seats, this museum follows the history of toilet development in terms of technology, design and social beliefs. It makes one start thinking of hygiene and infrastructure that are usually considered the norm.
3. Avanos Hair Museum, Turkey
This museum was founded by a local potter who received a strand of hair left by a friend, and since then, the museum has more than 16,000 strands of hair of women around the world, each with its own story. The hair stuffs walls, cabinets--and frequently startles first-time visitors.
4. Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb
A very personal museum in which individuals will donate things associated with former associations: letters, photographs, and souvenirs. Every artefact has its memory. The collection is transformed into a collective space of loss, healing and reflection.
5. Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Osaka
More than noodles, this museum follows the history of the invention of instant ramen, its cultural influence, and even provides a visitor with a practical opportunity to create their own cup of noodles. It is peppy, interactive, and yummy.
6. Museum of medieval instruments of torture, Amsterdam
Darwin, exotic, sensuous. It has exhibits of torture in the Middle Ages. The dark lighting, descriptions and replicas all work to leave you uncomfortable--and entertained.
These museums show us that being curious does not necessarily have a straight road. They break the taboos, rejoice in odd histories and make visitors go and rethink what is normal. You come to one (or more) of these, and you are sure to be impressed by what you see.
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