The 10 Weirdest Museums Around the World
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had a bit of writer’s block. Probably because I’m not a writer. I knew I wanted to put out another post, but I couldn’t come up with something interesting to say. The muses were not smiling on me, if you will. Then, like a bolt of lightning out of the blue (gonna keep working those Greek metaphors and similes), a friend of mine messaged me and ended up providing the inspiration I needed.
He and I met when we were both teaching English in Japan 25 (OMG!) years ago. This month he took his wife and kids out to Japan to see where he used to live. During his trip, he’s been sending me pictures of the town we used to live in, some of our old haunts, and places he’s been visiting. A few days ago, he sends me a picture of him at the “Unko Museum”. If you don’t know Japanese, the word “unko” means “poop”. So, there is a poop museum in Tokyo, Japan. You can visit their website to learn more about it. As bizarre as it sounds, this playful (and surprisingly popular) attraction reminded me of just how creative museums can get when they venture beyond the traditional marble halls and ancient artifacts. Inspired by his unusual discovery, I decided to dig up ten of the world’s most delightfully odd and unconventional museums, each proving that curiosity has no limits.
Unconventional Museums
1. The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) — Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
Hidden in a quirky basement near Boston, MOBA proudly displays artwork so spectacularly bad that it’s genuinely captivating. Rather than dismiss these odd creations, the museum lovingly celebrates artistic missteps, from awkward portraits to questionable landscapes, offering visitors both laughs and a strangely heartwarming appreciation for creative ambition however misguided.
2. Icelandic Phallological Museum — Reykjavik, Iceland
This museum boldly goes where few museums have dared, housing over 280 specimens representing the ummm… phalluses of almost every Icelandic mammal—and even mythical creatures. Educational, humorous, and at times eye-opening, the Phallological Museum not only dives deep into biology but also confronts taboos with a charmingly casual Icelandic approach. Be sure to grab a beer and phallus shaped waffle from the café while you’re there.
3. Avanos Hair Museum — Cappadocia, Turkey
Inside a pottery shop in Cappadocia lies a cave-like chamber covered entirely in hair donated by more than 16,000 women from around the globe. Begun decades ago by a local potter, this museum, strange as it seems, is oddly touching, offering a unique glimpse into human connection, friendship, and the quirky legacy of a tradition born from nostalgia.
Learn more about the museum at Discover Cappadocia
4. Museum of Broken Relationships — Zagreb, Croatia
Located in Croatia’s capital city, this museum gathers mementos and stories from broken relationships worldwide. From humorous tales of failed romantic gestures to heartfelt recollections of lost love, visitors will encounter objects ranging from wedding dresses to abandoned mixtapes, each paired with a poignant narrative. It’s an emotionally resonant and strangely therapeutic experience.
5. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets — New Delhi, India
In New Delhi stands a surprisingly fascinating museum dedicated entirely to toilets. It chronicles the history and evolution of sanitation from ancient Roman plumbing to modern eco-friendly designs. Educational, amusing, and eye-opening, visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the humble commode, and perhaps an unexpected awareness of global sanitation issues.
6. International Spy Museum — Washington, D.C., USA
Step into the shoes of James Bond at the International Spy Museum, a thrilling journey through espionage history. Visitors can explore authentic spy gadgets (think shoe-heel listening devices, invisible ink, and disguises) while learning fascinating stories of real-life spies and daring intelligence operations. Interactive exhibits even let you test your own spying skills, creating an experience that’s as exciting as it is informative.
7. Instant Ramen Museum — Osaka, Japan
Celebrating one of humanity’s greatest culinary inventions, this lively museum in Osaka chronicles the story of instant ramen noodles. Visitors not only learn about Momofuku Ando, the inventor who changed college dorm meals forever, but also create their personalized noodle cups, customizing everything from broth to toppings. It’s an unexpectedly joyful tribute to a beloved pantry staple.
8. Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum — Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, USA
Considered simultaneously fascinating and creepy AF (as the kids say), Vent Haven houses the world’s largest collection of ventriloquist dummies, hundreds of them, each with its own unique backstory. The museum explores the quirky history of ventriloquism through displays of vintage dolls, historic photographs, and interactive exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into a peculiar yet compelling performance art.
9. Meguro Parasitological Museum — Tokyo, Japan
At first glance unsettling, this Tokyo museum offers an engrossing look at parasites of all shapes and sizes, including the world’s longest tapeworm (nearly 29 feet long). Beyond the shock value, the museum presents compelling information on biology, medicine, and ecology. It’s a surprisingly popular spot that caters to curious minds and those unafraid of the more bizarre side of nature.
10. Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) — Cancun, Mexico
Dive beneath the crystal-clear waters of Cancun to explore this remarkable underwater museum. MUSA features over 500 life-sized sculptures, creatively submerged to promote coral reef growth and marine life preservation. Whether snorkeling, scuba diving, or viewing from a glass-bottom boat, visitors experience a mesmerizing blend of art, conservation, and underwater adventure.
Go Somewhere Weird
Whether it’s celebrating failed art projects, immortalizing broken hearts, or diving beneath the sea to see sculptures covered in coral, these unconventional museums remind us that curiosity comes in all shapes, sizes, and subjects. The next time you travel, consider stepping off the beaten path, because sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences are found not in traditional galleries or grand halls, but in the delightfully strange corners of human creativity. After all, if my friend’s trip to a museum dedicated entirely to poop taught me anything, it’s that life is too short to take museums, or ourselves, too seriously.
