Want to do something good for yourself and the people you love? Go to a museum.

REASONS TO VISIT MUSEUMS

Many people who don’t normally visit museums have a tendency to dismiss them as boring and
often wonder what the appeal is. People visit museums for a variety of reasons, some personal,
some societal, and we thought it would be interesting to examine these reasons in an effort to
dispel the notions of the naysayers and perhaps challenge them to change their minds and broaden
their horizons. As a result, we’ve come up with our top ten reasons to visit museums, which will
hopefully shed some light on the topic and garner some new believers to the museum-loving fold.

1.  Museums make you feel good

Times are tight in this economic climate, and it’s often easy to use a museum admission price as
an excuse to stay at home. However, a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive finds that
people are happier when they spend money on experiences rather than material purchases. 
According to Leaf Van Boven, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at CU-Boulder,  experiences
are shown to create more happiness than material goods because they provide positive personal
reinterpretations over time. That is, as we revisit the memory of our trip to the museum, we have a
tendency to psychologically weed out any negative memories . Experiences, such as visiting a
museum, can also become a meaningful part of ones identity and contribute to successful social
relationships in a manner that material items cannot. So consider foregoing an outing for items
that you may not need; going to the museum will make you happier in the long run.
2.  Museums make you smarter
There is no doubt that a primary role of museums is to engage and educate the community. 
Museum exhibits inspire interest in an area of study, item, time period, or an idea– but there’s
more going on in museums in regard to education than one might think. Schools rely heavily on
museums to enhance the their curriculum. The New York Museum Education Act, for example,
aims to create a partnership between schools and cultural institutions to prepare students for the
21st century.  Galleries are becoming classrooms, and not just for kids. Even the museums
themselves have interesting histories to inspire and educate visitors. It becomes nearly
impossible to exit a museum without having gained any information or insight during your visit.
3.  Museums provide an effective way of learning
Museums are examples of informal learning environments, which means they are devoted
primarily to informal education — a lifelong process whereby individuals acquire attitudes,
values, skills and knowledge from daily experience and the educative influences and resources in
his or her environment. Even outside of museums, informal learning plays a pivotal role in how
we take in the world around us. In fact, The U.S. Department of Labor estimates 70% or more of
work-related learning occurs outside formal training.  A single visit to a museum can expose
visitors to in-depth information on a subject, and the nature of the museum environment is one in
which you can spend as much or as little time as you like exploring exhibits. The environment
allows you to form your own unique experiences and  take away information that interests you.
Despite the success that museums have already had in educating visitors, there continue to
be ongoing discussions among institutions in regard to increasing museums’ ability to connect
through informal learning.
4.  Museums are community centers
Museums are a lot more than collections of artifacts; they allow you to meet with neighbors,
discuss thoughts and opinions, and become an active part of the community.  There have been
yoga classes at MoMA and Rock Band Summer Camps at the Experience Music Project.
Museums are increasingly holding art chats, book signings, professional development classes, and
even wine festivals and farmer’s markets. Something is going on everywhere– just pull up the web
page of a local museum (or hop on their Facebook page) and see what they have to offer!
5.  Museums inspire
Museums provide inspiration through personal connections with visitors, and not only on-site
and through physical community outreach efforts; some even manage to connect through
their social networks.  These kinds of personal memories created at museums do not expire.
6.  Museums help bring change and development to communities
Research has uncovered that creating community involvement is more about location than the
activity at hand, and this kind of location-based learning (like the kind utilized in museums) is a
trigger for change and development within the community. As museums are functioning more and
more like community centers in providing access to current research and new ideas, they’ve
become hot-spots for civic engagement. In museums, even (in some cases, especially) children
are actively asked to take part in their communities. The promotion of education and the
cultivation of conversation that are taking place in museums across the nation shapes and
strengthens our neighborhoods.
7.  Museums are a great way to spend time with friends and family
Museums provide a great excuse to spend time with friends and family in a positive way.
Personal connections can be made with museums and also with family members during visits. A
day at the museum often translates to a day spent with loved ones as fathers and
mothers transform into tour guides, and the environment provides a shared learning experience.

8.  A museum may be your next community partner or business endeavour

It takes a lot of employees to help run America’s approximately 17,500 museums and it takes
countless businesses and community partners to keep them functioning. Museums need everything
from printing services, to video surveillance, to dino-glue– and they are inextricably woven into
the web of American government and businesses. If you are not a direct business provider for a
museum, you can get some great PR and possibly borrow an artifact or two for a big meeting if
you are willing to contribute a monetary gift to a museum. Alternatively, you can follow the lead
of these entrepreneurs who are creating their own museums.
9.  Museums need your support in order to keep educating and inspiring people
Many museums are nonprofit entities with missions to educate and inspire audiences – and that
means that they need the support of visitors, members, and donors in order to keep on fulfilling
those missions. Sadly, many people don’t even know that museums are nonprofit
organizations! Often, a membership pays itself off in as few as three annual visits to a museum,
and you can come back and visit the museum again and again all year round.  If you like a cultural
organization and you want to keep it around for decades to come (so that you may bring your
great-grandchildren), make a donation or fill out that membership card with pride! In many ways,
supporting a museum through visitation or – even better – through membership or philanthropic
support – is a way of strengthening communities and giving back so that the museum can create
impactful programs that fulfill its mission.
1 - EXPANDING HORIZONS:
One of the great benefits of visiting museums is that it allows you to change your perspectives
and place yourself in the shoes of the artist. Like the Impressionist movement of 1872 – 1892,
where artists, such as Claude Monet moved away from painting exactly what they saw to capturing
their impressions of a scene, each work of art opens a doorway into the artist’s soul and allows you
to explore what they felt, rather than merely observed. Every piece of art tells a unique story, and
by studying them, you can experience the same emotions the work’s creator did.
2 - LESSONS IN HUMANITY:
There’s no question that museums are not only an ideal way to learn about human history, but
also the cultures of different countries. By just observing art, you can glean insights into the
mindset of the inhabitants of specific time periods and countries, including their beliefs, morals,
cultures, and more. A great example is the work of French post-impressionist Paul Gauguin, who
lived in the South Pacific for a time. When you stare at paintings by him during this period, you
can learn all about the culture of Tahiti without every cracking open a history book, that’s how
powerful his work is.
3 - INSPIRATION:
Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut and you need a breath of inspiration to refresh your psyche?
It’s not a coincidence that there’s a “muse” in “museum!” A museum is a wonderful place to
recharge, get inspired, and let those creative juices begin to flow again. By observing the work of
other artists, museums offer ways to stimulate new ideas, resulting in the creation of more art,
including music, architecture, interior designing, and creative writing.
4 - FOOD FOR CONVERSATION:
Visiting museums can definitely help fuel your discussions at social gatherings. Whether it’s a
new exhibit or a fascinating speaker, museums offer a variety of subjects to talk about, many of
which transcend cultural boundaries. And these topics aren’t just limited to traditional artwork, per
se. You can mention exciting innovations in science, as well as unique historical findings, little
known tidbits about American Presidents, etc. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of
discussion material museums can add to your repertoire!
5 - SERENITY:
There are times in life when stress takes hold of you and it’s extremely difficult to decompress.
Some people turn to Yoga, Pilates, meditation, etc. to cope with life’s pressures. Museums can
offer a quiet alternative to relax and ward off the effects of anxiety, without the expensive gym
membership! By staring silently at beautiful works of art and contemplating their meaning, you can
reflect on your own life and find peace and tranquility. In some ways, there’s something very
spiritual about museums, and their calming effect can be similar to that of visiting a church,
synagogue, or mosque.

6 - MEETING LIKE MINDS:

Museums offer a perfect opportunity to meet new people that share your love of art & culture.
By taking in new exhibits or attending lectures with guest speakers, you’re immersing yourself in
an atmosphere that will attract others who share similar interests. Some museums also host cocktail
parties and food & wine events to allow you to expand your social circles with new acquaintances
and potential long-term friendships. Museums can be the ideal meeting place!
7 - TOURISM:
When traveling outside local cities and visiting new ones in other states, cities, or countries,
museums will often have exhibits that are specific to the region they are located in. This is an
interesting way for you to absorb some local color and enhance your experience with rich insights
into the history of your tourist destination, all while having fun exploring your new surroundings.
8 - SUPPORTING THE ARTS:
In these days of art programs being constantly slashed/eliminated from school budgets, kids
need a viable alternative for exposure to the arts. After all, the children of today are going to be the
leaders of tomorrow, and what kind of a world will it become if these kids grow up without
experiencing the contribution the arts make to society? That’s why it’s imperative that, whether
you have your own children or not, you get out there and support museums, which play a pivotal
and constantly increasing role in filling this ever-growing gap between the schools and art
programs.
9 - FUN FACTOR:
Believe it or not, museums can be fun! This is especially true when you consider all the different
types of specialty museums that welcome visitors daily. There are museums that specialize in
unique exhibits that appeal to different tastes. So whether it’s the World Erotic Art Museum in
Miami, The UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, or the International Spy Museum in
DC, you’re guaranteed to have a fun time exploring your interests and discovering new adventures.
10 - EFFECTS ON SOCIETY:
Perhaps the most compelling and obvious reason for you to visit a museum is the beneficial
impact on the human experience. Museums have an extremely positive effect on society, in
addition to the art & culture benefits. Museums preserve the legacy of humanity, chronicling both
the good and the bad, and serve to enrich the lives of countless visitors like you, making the world
a more enlightened place for present and future generations.
 Top 20 unusual museums in London
Uncover London's wonderfully quirky unusual museums and bizarre collections, guaranteed to
leave you fascinated, flabbergasted... or even a little frightened!
Seek out some of the most unique, weird and utterly intriguing museums dotted across the
capital to discover lesser-known artefacts, learn more about the history of the stranger sides of
London, and delve into some of the city's peculiar corners.
You sure wonder... Where in the world can you find a museum dedicated to a fictional character,
as if he were real; ride an underground mail train; or visit a museum dedicated solely to fans?
From pencils and teapots to witchcraft paraphernalia and cuckoo clocks, Britain is a land of
eccentrics and is filled with bizarre and quirky museums of all manner and variety. If you’re
looking for a day out with a difference, discover a slightly more alternative look into British
history and culture where unique displays are intertwined with a sense of fun. Explore some of the
more unconventional cabinets of curiosity with our guide to the UK's most unusual museums you
need to visit.

1. Sherlock Holmes Museum

Visit the uncanny Sherlock Holmes Museum, a Grade II-
listed lodging house on Baker Street turned into the
apartment of Conan Doyle's famous fictional detective and
his friend Doctor Watson. The museum features
waxworks, Victorian ephemera and a gift shop selling
Sherlock Holmes collectibles and fun novelty items.
2. Anaesthesia Heritage CentreFree
Whether you're an anaesthetist or just curious, make your
way to the unusual Anaesthesia Heritage Centre where
you'll discover more than 2,000 objects dated from 1774 to
the present day –  all of which played a part in historical
advancements in medicine and pain relief. Read More

London Canal Museum

Swing by the Canal Museum to learn the story of London's
canals, cargoes, boats and trade. Discover a Victorian ice well
and learn about the lives of people who lived and worked on the
canal, then have a go at the deliciously entertaining ice-cream-
making workshop – all in a waterside former ice warehouse near
King's Cross. 
6. The Cartoon Museum
Lover of illustrations? Pencil in a date with The Cartoon
Museum which explores and preserves British cartoons, comics
and animation. Discover a treasure trove of more than 6,000
original artworks and 8,000 books during your visit. 
The Cinema Museum
Take to the wonderful world of the big screen as it's brought to life
through an awe-inspiring collection of posters, projects and
memorabilia at The Cinema Museum. Find more than 17 million feet
(five million metres) of film, cinema designs, seats and even samples
of carpet at this must-see for cinema fans. 
Fan Museum
Undoubtedly one of London's most unusual museums, the Fan
Museum is home to the world's finest collection of fans, dating from
the 11th century to the present day. Housed in a pair of restored 18th-
century houses, this surprising museum features a Japanese garden
and spectacular orangery where you can delight in afternoon tea. 
 Freud Museum
Visit the Hampstead-based family home of Sigmund Freud and
his family, who came to England in 1938 as refugees from Nazi-
occupied Vienna. See Freud's authentic and untouched library
and study, including his famous psychoanalytic couch. Then,
watch screenings of Freud's home movies and marvel at his
huge collection of antiquities.
Kirkaldy Testing Museum
This unusual spot is a must for anyone with a love of machines and
engineering. Opened in 1874 as David Kirkaldy’s Testing and
Experimenting Works, the museum showcases his 116-ton
"universal testing machine" which still works, even after years of
use testing materials’ strength for bridges, locomotives, ships,
airliners and more. 
London Museum of Water and Steam
The giant beam engines at London Museum of Water and
Steam (formerly Kew Bridge Steam Museum) are the largest of their
kind in the world. Get pumped for a visit to the Victorian waterworks
to learn about the engines which pumped London's water for more
than 100 years – and see the steam-pumping engines in action. 
 Magic Circle Museum at the Centre for Magic Arts
There's more than a rabbit in a hat and never-ending coloured
handkerchiefs at the Magic Circle Museum. See some of the magic
world's most important memorabilia, including handcuffs used by
Harry Houdini and props used by the Prince of Wales during his
induction into the mysterious Magic Circle.
14. The Museum of Brands
 Be inspired by The Museum of Brands in Notting Hill which features
more than 12,000 original items from the Robert Opie Collection.
Prepare for a nostalgic journey through childhood toys, fashions,
magazines and more from Victorian times, through austerity Britain
to the swinging '60s. 
15. Old Operating Theatre
Go back in time as this restored 19th-century operating theatre tells the
story of surgery and herbal medicine from the 13th to 19th century.
Housed on top of a church, The Old Operating Theatre Museum
and Herb Garret is home to fascinating (and slightly creepy!)
furniture, surgical instruments and other pharmaceutical objects.
16. The Postal Museum
Find out all there is to know about the postal service in the
absorbing The Postal Museum, as you explore an assortment of
stamps, post boxes and post office vehicles on show. Don't miss
out on venturing underground on the thrilling Mail Rail train, which
was once used to transport mail. 
17. Royal Academy of Music Museum
Whether you have a musical ear or can't string a tune together,
the Royal Academy of Music Museum is the place to go for all things
melodic. View numerous instruments, documents, images and musical
relics and explore the collection of rare Cremonese stringed
instruments – you may even hear some in action!
18. London Sewing Machine Museum
Open on the first Saturday of every month, the London Sewing Machine Museum in Balham
houses a fascinating collection of more than 600 antique sewing machines, dating from 1850 to
1950. Highlights include a unique machine bought by Queen Victoria for her daughter, one from
the Great Exhibition and the first-ever Singer. 
19. Grant Museum of Zoology
Uncover the fascinating collection of preserved animals as you wander the small-but-
mighty Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London. Spanning more than 200 years,
the display takes you under the skin of more than 68,000 specimens – including the famous jar of
moles, which even has its own Twitter account.
20. British Dental Association Museum
Take a look at the gruesome but gripping specimens of The British Dental Association
Museum in Marylebone, including old dental chairs, blood-curdling tooth-extraction instruments
and much more. 
 14 weird but wonderful museums in London
There are a lot of weird museums in London. Big names like the British Museum and Natural History Museum –
with their Egyptian artefacts and dinosaurs – are great, but the real fun is in seeking out the capital’s alternative
and quirky institutions.
You’ll find fewer queues and crowds, and you’ll leave feeling informed, captivated – and possibly a bit queasy. So
get stuck into our guide of the best weird museums in London and prepare to get freaky.
Grant Museum of Zoology
Be warned: the UCL’s museum of zoology isn’t for the faint of heart. Elephant skulls, jars of
moles, shark vertebrae and bisected heads are among the gruesome exhibits on display. Think of
this as the Noah Arc equivalent of London's numerous medical museums, including the Hunterian
and the Old Operating Theatre. It's macabre, yes, but there's every chance you'll learn some
fascinating stuff thanks to a visit here. 
Pollock’s Toy Museum
In a pair of unrestored Fitzrovia townhouses, you’ll find this quirky collection dedicated to the
world of play. And no, it’s not all Barbies and Kens: you’ll find some downright creepy displays
of board games, marbles, puppets, wax dolls, dolls’ houses. Oh, and the world’s oldest teddy bear,
and an Ancient Egyptian toy mouse, made out of Nile clay.
Freud Museum
The famous Austrian shrink moved to London in 1938 after fleeing the Nazis. It has changed very
little in the years since: a slice of Habsburg Vienna slap-bang in the middle of Hampstead, where
you can see his collection of antiquities, and the world-famous couch upon which his patients
shared their thoughts, dreams and neuroses.
Venue says This was the final home of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Visit to
see Freud's famous couch!
Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
First a resource for medical students, this institute turned into a public museum in the 1930s. Its
staggering collection of over 45,000 objects tells the long story of pharmacy and medicine, from
leeches and mummified hands to the discovery of penicillin.
The Magic Circle
And as if by magic… another unusual museum appeared. If you’ve
got a trick or two up your sleeve, this is the place to visit. Located
at the Magic Circle Headquarters, its prized possessions include
Harry Houdini’s handcuffs and the belongings of legendary
magician Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin. Sadly, you can’t
abracadabra yourself in whenever you please.
Dog Collar Museum - Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Easily one of the country’s most eccentric museums, the Dog Collar Museum in Leeds
Castle, North Yorkshire, is a must-visit for dog lovers. Although four-legged friends aren’t
allowed inside the museum, doggie enthusiasts are sure to be impressed with this barking mad
exhibit featuring over 100 collars spanning five centuries. The only museum of its kind in Britain,
visitors are treated to some of the fanciest and most decadent canine neckwear in history from
historic hunting collars right up to the glitzy, fashionable styles of today – it is a testament to
mankind’s obsession with dogs.
 Museum of Witchcraft - Boscastle, Cornwall
Possibly the creepiest museum in the south, the Museum of Witchcraft is home to a mysterious
collection of occult and witch-related history and artefacts. Found in the sleepy fishing village of
Boscastle on the North Cornwall coast, there are voodoo dolls, Ouija boards, spell books and dead
cats to see as well as vats of interesting potions and spell ingredients. Those with brave souls may
want to try one of the museum’s late night candlelit evenings.
Derwent Pencil Museum - Keswick
Celebrating all things pencil related, the Derwent Pencil Museum boasts a fine array of graphite
goodies including a Second World War secret pencil collection and the Guinness World Record
holding, biggest colouring pencil in the world (a staggering eight metres long!). Located
in Keswick, where graphite was first mined for pencils, visitors enter the museum through a
replica graphite mine and follow the fascinating history of pencil production from the reign of
Elizabeth I to the present day. As you would expect, there’s plenty of opportunities for drawing
with a variety of art workshops for both children and adults, while the Derwent Fine Art gift shop
is the perfect spot to pick up the renowned brand’s writing tools to try at home.
Cuckooland - Cheshire
Discover a collection of over 600 ticking timepieces at Cuckooland, a unique museum
in Cheshire displaying over 300 years of cuckoo clock history. Established by the Piekarski
brothers who have been gathering clocks made in the Blackforest Region of Central Europe for 40
years, the museum boasts some of the rarest and most notable example of cuckoo clocks in the
world. From cuckoo to quail and trumpeter clocks, you will hear them all chirping at random
during your visit – it’s like stepping into Alice’s Wonderland of clocks.
House of Marbles - Devon
Delighting children and big kids alike, the House of Marbles in Devon is a museum bonanza with
a pottery, glass and marble section, and vintage games museum all in one. In the Glass and Marble
Museum watch hypnotic and interactive marble runs, discover the process involved in making
these famous little glass balls and see a fish marble that costs £800 – who doesn’t get excited by
marbles? The Games Museum is sure to spark a childhood memory or two while the Pottery
Museum brings the past to life right before your eyes with a variety of informative displays.
Lawnmower Museum - Southport
Who would have thought there was an entire museum devoted to the humble lawnmower? From a
solar powered robot lawnmower to lawnmowers used for racing and even a lawnmower that
stands just two inches tall, there are over 200 exhibits on show at the British Lawnmower
Museum in Southport, some dating back as far as 1830. If you’ve ever wondered what the
lawnmowers of the rich and famous are like, this quirky museum also houses gardening equipment
once owned by HRH Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Brian May and Paul O’Grady, among others
– avid horticulturists are sure to be in their element!
 Teapot Island - Kent
Britain is a nation of tea lovers, so where better to appreciate this much revered drink than
at Teapot Island in Kent. This interesting visitor attraction holds two awards in the Guinness Book
of World Records for the incredible number of teapots of all shapes, sizes and value on display
here. Peruse the ever-growing collection which currently stands at around 6,700 including rare
designs like Princess Diana, Doctor Who and Star Wars pots, have a go at creating and painting
your own teapot and visit the well-stocked gift shop. No visit is complete without indulging in a
delicious cream tea served with homemade jam, real Cornish clotted cream and of course, a warm
pot of tea. Divine!
The Smallest House in Great Britain - Conwy
This obscure British museum is a hidden gem that is well worth a look when you’re
visiting Conwy in Wales. Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the UK’s tiniest
house, The Smallest House in Great Britain is a mecca for mini home spotters the world over.
Dating back to the 16th century, this pint-sized home measures only ten feet tall by six feet wide
and is quite the tourist attraction, despite the fact that most visitors aren’t able to stand up inside. It
was surprisingly last occupied by a fisherman, Robert Jones who stood at a whopping six feet and
three inches tall! For a £1 entry fee you can have a peek of its tiny bedroom and living area and
browse the historical photos and items inside – it’s a real eye-opener. 
Telephone Box Museums - Pembrokeshire and West Yorkshire
If you thought The Smallest House in Great Britain was the tiniest museum in Britain, think
again! We have found a couple of fascinating museums in the UK, that you may have even driven
past without realising it. The iconic red phone box is one of those elements of design that’s
instantly recognisable as British. In the age of the mobile phone, many are now being abandoned
as they’re no longer needed, however some are cleverly being turned into museums, giving them a
new lease of life. From the Red Phone Booth Museum in Cilgerran in Pembrokeshire to
the Warley Museum near Halifax in West Yorkshire, curious displays have been hidden inside and
are waiting to be found.
 Obscure America: the strangest museums in the USA
From hi-tech museums dedicated to the craft of spying to tiny, roadside institutions that pay
homage to the humble potato, there are plenty of unconventional and eccentric collections to
explore around the US. Read on and discover our favourite museums that will delight and
entertain you.
International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell, New Mexico
A must-visit for fans of the paranormal and UFO believers, this
remote museum attracts hordes of visitors each year, all hoping to
uncover the secrets of Roswell's extra-terrestrial connections. The
museum was founded in 1992 by Lt. Walter Haut to examine the
theories around the so-called Roswell Incident. When a US Army Air
Forces high-altitude balloon crashed near Roswell in
1947, conspiracy theories about UFOs and government cover-ups were rife. Haut worked for the
military here at the time.
But there's more to the museum than little green men. You can
learn all about the Roswell Incident itself, as well as other
unexplained phenomenon such as crop circles and UFO sightings,
Area 51, ancient astronauts and abductions. It might not have the
answers, but it certainly raises plenty of questions. The town of
Roswell itself has become a mecca for extra-terrestrial enthusiasts,
with even the local McDonald's shaped like a UFO.

National Mustard Museum, Middleton, Wisconsin

Crazy about condiments? Mad for moutarde? Then this tasty little
museum in Wisconsin is a must(ard) see… From sweet and spicy to
traditional and blow-your-head off fiery, every flavour of mustard
imaginable is represented here. Free to enter, the National
Mustard Museum has more than 6,090 mustards on display,
sourced from every US state and more than 70 countries.
National Mustard Museum, Middleton, Wisconsin
Learn about the history of the punchy condiment in the museum area,
where you'll see various antique and rare pots, tins, jars,
advertisements and myriad mustard memorabilia on display. Then nip
along to the tasting bar to see which brand and flavour tickles your
taste buds. Will it be a wasabi, blue-cheese flavour or chocolate
mustard? Finish up by buying your sauce of choice in the well-
stocked gift shop.
 Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot, Idaho
Warning: do not enter this potato-centric museum if you're feeling
peckish. Dedicated to all things spud-related, the pint-sized
collection covers the vegetable's history, and how it's grown and
harvested in Idaho, with heaps of fascinating potato facts to learn
along the way. And it has a ginormous baked potato outside. What's
not to love? 
Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot, Idaho
The state of Idaho is fiercely proud of its potatoes, claiming to
produce the best in world. Judge for yourself as, once you have
worked up an appetite browsing the museum and gift shop, there
is a café where you can satisfy your spud cravings. As you'd
hope, the Potato Station Cafe does a mean line of potato-based
dishes.
International Spy Museum, Washington DC
Explore the world's largest collection of spy artefacts at
Washington's most covert museum, which recently underwent a
major expansion to the tune of £133 million ($162m). In its new
location on L'Enfant Plaza, the centre displays hundreds of spy
gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles and more. Exhibits range
from stories of early spymasters to modern-day exercises, and
collection highlights include a KGB lipstick pistol.
International Spy Museum, Washington DC
Budding snoops of all ages can test their skills of observation, analysis, surveillance and disguise
at interactive stations around the museum. Meanwhile, wannabe agents from aged 10 to 13 can
also get involved in Spy Camp – here they'll be put to the test with code-breaking challenges,
escape missions and more. Discover more things to see and do in DC with our full guide to the US
capital. 
Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections Inc, Carmel, Indiana
Don't come to this quirky museum expecting only twee dollhouses. This museum is devoted to the
serious art form of miniatures. As you'll soon discover, its miniature houses are exact replicas of
the real thing, rather than small-scale playthings. 
Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections Inc, Carmel, Indiana
Among its extensive collection of works by esteemed miniaturists are
some exquisite minuscule houses from around the world, including a
fine French château and an incredibly detailed replica of Sherlock
Holmes' 221B Baker Street, London by Laverne Sullivan (pictured).
And, if you're taking the kids, there are some exquisite dollhouses
among the museum's pieces too.
 International Banana Museum, Mecca, California
Surely the most 'apeeling' museum on our list,
the quirky International Banana Museum is a must for fans of the
fruit. Located near Salton Sea lake, it's a fun stop if you're in the
area or en route to Palm Springs. 
Inside the dinky museum, you'll find around 20,000 banana
related items, including perfumes, soap dishes and even staplers.
But the highlight of a trip here is sampling the homemade banana
ice cream.

Museum Of Bad Art, Somerville, Massachusetts

Seen the marvels in MoMA, ogled at the artwork in the National
Gallery of Art, and gawped at the masterpieces in The Getty
Center on your travels around the US? Don’t forget to pay
homage to the not-so-greats of America’s art world at the
Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) too. This quirky little gallery in the
basement of a 1912 cinema in the Boston area is dedicated to
the duds or “art too bad to be ignored”, as it puts it. Ever since opening in 1994, MOBA has had
a single-minded mission: “to bring the worst of art to the widest audiences”. Among its collection
of “quality bad art” is this piece by an anonymous artist, called “Keys to the City”. Found in a
Boston thrift store, the curators say the painting exposes the threat of overdevelopment to Key
West since becoming a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. Hmm...
Mmuseumm, Manhattan, New York
Blink and you'll miss New York's tiny Mmuseumm.
The contemporary natural history museum exhibits seemingly
random prosaic objects. Housed in a freight elevator in
Cortlandt Alley, Tribeca, collections frequently change but they
focus on the "overlooked, dismissed, or ignored," including
sunglasses, backpacks and aerosols.

Mmuseumm, Manhattan, New York

The displays are visible 24 hours a day through a peephole, but open
for the public to enter Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm
and by appointment on other days. The tiny space can only fit about
three people at once. Mmuseumm co-founder and curator Alex
Kalman says: "Mmuseumm exhibitions are meant to provide the
public with a humanistic understanding of who we are and the world
we are living in. [They] use a wide variety of objects to create compelling narratives about the
world today." 
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has many eclectic museums, but this one dedicated to
ancient remedies and potions on Chartres Street in the historic French
Quarter is one of the most charming. Set within the apothecary of
America's first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilho Jr, it's a treasure
trove of curiosities. Count your blessings that medicine has moved on
as you explore exhibits that include leech jars and other bloodletting devices, surgical
instruments and various questionable medical practices.
Elsewhere in this beautifully preserved mid-19th-century pharmacy you will see hand-blown
apothecary bottles filled with crude drugs, medicinal herbs, and "gris-gris" potions used by
voodoo practitioners. Upstairs you can explore the living quarters of the pharmacist. There's an
ornate, original 19th-century soda fountain on display too: the machines were invented in
American pharmacies in the 1830s to make bitter medicines more palatable.
National Museum of Funeral History, Houston, Texas
The history of funerals might seem a little morbid, but this well-
executed collection of funerary artefacts and burial traditions is
surprisingly uplifting. The collection includes memorabilia from
famous funerals (JFK, Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King Jr) and
thoughtful displays that detail how different cultures mourn and
commemorate their dead. 
At this museum, you'll find out about Mexico's colourful
religious celebration Day of the Dead, as well as Japan's tradition
of lavish funerals. You'll also discover permanent exhibitions
that trace the history of burial and preservation techniques – this
includes a display examining the process of embalming from the
times of the ancient Egyptians to when it was used to preserve
bodies during the Civil War.
Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum, Joshua Tree, California

The harsh and desolate Mojave Desert is an evocative setting for

this bizarre outdoor collection of thought-provoking assemblage
pieces by artist Noah Purifoy. Scattered across 10 acres of barren
land, all of Purifoy's installations, which he termed "environmental
sculptures", are built entirely out of discarded objects. And it's free to
enter. Purifoy made his name in Los Angeles, but moved to this
remote part of the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree to create these large-scale structures (made
from old bikes, street signs, toilets, wooden planks and old junk). He lived here for 15 years but
died in 2004 when a cigarette caused his trailer to set on fire.
 The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Squeamish types should steer clear of this weird but wonderful collection of medical anomalies,
anatomical specimens, and sinister-looking medical instruments in Philadelphia. But everyone else
will be enthralled. Founded in 1858, the museum is named after Thomas Dent Mütter, a physician
and professor who bequeathed his entire teaching collection of more than 1,700 objects and
specimens to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. 
Today, there are more than 25,000 objects within the museum. Among its most prized pieces are a
vast collection of skulls from an Austrian anatomist, the tallest skeleton on display in North
America, the conjoined livers from a pair of Siamese twins and slides of Albert Einstein's brain.
The collections are beautifully presented in a 19th-century cabinet-museum setting.
Waffle House Museum, Decatur, Georgia
Did you know that if you stacked all of the sausage patties that
Waffle House serves in one day on top of each other, it would be
nearly twice the size of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai? Or if
you poured all of the cups of coffee it serves in a year, it would be
enough to fill nearly eight Olympic swimming pools? These are just
a few of the tasty morsels you'll learn about at this museum
dedicated to Georgia's beloved fast-food institution.
Located in the site of the very first Waffle House restaurant, which opened in 1955, the by-
appointment-only museum traces its history and pays homage to all things to do with Waffle
House. Take a tour around the original restaurant and see various memorabilia from across the
decades. If you're partial to the chain's pecan waffles or biscuits and gravy then this is the place for
you. As is the working Waffle House restaurant just down the road.
American Banjo Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
Banjo players and enthusiasts Brady Hunt and Jack Canine wanted to honour and promote the
string instrument's part in American music history when they opened the American Banjo
Museum in 1998. Now in shiny new facilities, and with over 400 instruments among its treasures,
it has one of the largest collections of banjos on public display in the world. The museum also
organises a banjo festival every summer. 
Must-sees include replicas of the early banjos that were first developed
by enslaved Africans using gourds and animal skin. There are minstrel-
age instruments dating from the mid-19th century, classic-era banjos
from the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as post-Second World War
instruments that were used in bluegrass, folk and world music. The
collection also includes some ornate banjos that were made in America during the Jazz Age.
International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago
Hung out on Navy Pier, explored the Art Institute of Chicago and been
up to the Willis Tower's Skydeck? Leave some time to visit this
intriguing institution in the Windy City that's dedicated to the history
and science of surgery. The International Museum of Surgical
Science is not for the faint-hearted, though. Its extraordinary and
sometimes gruesome collection of art and artefacts charts healing
practices from prehistoric times right through to the modern day.
Coral Castle Museum, Miami, Florida
The party town of Miami seems an unlikely setting for a collection of
eccentric limestone sculptures. But the story behind the Coral
Castle Museum is tinged with heartbreak. Carved by the Latvian Ed
Leedskalnin, who was jilted the day before his wedding, the
sculptures are a testimony to Ed's former fiancée and lost love, built
over a period of 28 years from 1923 to 1951. 
Top exhibits include a Polaris telescope, a sun dial and a 40-foot-tall obelisk: all creations from a
man who was just five-foot tall himself. And you can always have a rest in one of the cooling
carved chairs, as the limestone doesn't retain the heat of the Floridian sun.
Spam Museum, Austin, Minnesota
A tribute to the pre-cooked, canned meat that was the mainstay of
week-night dinners during the 1960s and 1970s, this museum
chronicles the history of Spam. The processed meat has a
surprisingly rich history too – it was first introduced in 1937, and
was an important part of the armed forces' diet during the Second
World War.From Monty Python's Spamalot the musical, to
assembling your own can of spam, this free museum has interactive exhibits that will keep kids of
all ages amused. Plus there's a chance to sample some for yourself in the café. 
The Hammer Museum, Haines, Alaska
From hammers used by the ancient Egyptians to tools used to
test the quality of cheese, who knew the humble hammer could
be so diverse and fascinating? Head to this bijou museum in
Alaska and you'll uncover the amazing history of the
rudimentary tool. And you'll have no problem finding the niche
attraction thanks to the giant hammer that stands before it. 
Opened in 2001 by Dave Pahl, who has a hobby of collecting and
restoring old tools, the impressive collection includes more than 2,000 hammers, including some
very rare and significant ones. Look out for Pahl's most prized specimen, a Tlingit warrior's
hammer, which is thought to be at least 800 years old. He uncovered the ancient tool when
building the museum. It was obviously meant to be.
Pizza Brain's Museum of Pizza Culture, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Orders come with a generous slice of cheese-topped history
at Pizza Brain's Museum of Pizza Culture. It's a restaurant which
doubles as a huge exhibit filled with pie-themed memorabilia,
from a margherita clock to dough-spinning dolls.Posters and signs
plaster the walls as part of the vast display, certified by the
Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest collection of
pizza-related items.
The Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada
Spotting the flashing signs and lights of Las Vegas is one of the most
exciting things about arriving in this captivating desert city. And you
can see a wealth of iconic, obscure and rare signs at the
brilliant Neon Museum. It was established as a nonprofit
organisation in 1996 to collect and display signs that best embody
the art form that's become synonymous with Las Vegas.
It's best to take a guided night tour of the museum's Neon Boneyard, an outdoor exhibition area
where 11 rescued and restored signs have been artfully arranged. Guides will tell you the history
behind each one as you wander around the dazzling display. In the North Gallery there is an
immersive audiovisual spectacle called "Brilliant!" where 40 non-operational signs have been
restored and re-illuminated to great effect.
Drive-Thru Museum – Seale, Alabama
This roadside stop is the world’s first drive-thru art and antiques gallery. The Drive-Thru
Museum is built of stacked shipping containers, with windows cut into the sides to reveal strange
objects. Quirky things you can expect to see include a collection of Bigfoot tracks and several
items constructed from cow bones.
Best bit? You don’t even have to leave the driver’s seat to see it all! It’s hugely popular and people
come from all over the country to visit.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum – New Orleans, Louisiana

Housed in the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, the museum’s collection will
teach you about the history of medicine during the 19th century. Visitors will learn about
questionable medical practices, herbal medicine, bloodletting, surgery, the history of epidemics
and much more! They change up the exhibitions and always have something interesting on. It’s a
beautiful building, and is popular for wedding photos.
 15 of the world's weirdest museums
 Not every museum is a shimmering beacon of high culture. Some focus on the more exotic aspects of the
world. No matter how bizarre, offbeat or outrageous the subject may be, there's probably a museum dedicated to
it. Museums are meant to display artifacts and other curiosities for members of the public to observe and enjoy.
But not all museums focus on your typical artwork and sculptures. From penises to locks of hair, there really
are museums dedicated to every topic imaginable. And when it comes to museums, it could be safe to say there's
an exhibit for everyone. 
Beijing Tap Water Museum, China
No, it's not a mistranslation. This former pipe-house in the center of Beijing has been converted
into a museum dedicated to the ins and outs of tap water, including 130 "real objects," models and
artifacts such as vintage water coupons dating to the first tap water company in the capital, the
Jingshi Tap Water Company.
But don't be tempted to quench your thirst after all this tap water reading; Beijing residents have
long known that the water coming out of their taps is hardly safe to drink.
 The Bread Museum, Germany
This museum will get a rise out of you.
While the Museum of Bread Culture may not be as popular as its sliced namesake, it's certainly an
interesting examination of the ends of every sandwich.
More than 18,000 exhibits depict everything from the 6,000-year history of bread in works of art
(artists include luminaries Salvador Dali, Many Ray and Pablo Picasso) to ancient artifacts of
bakeries dating from the Stone Age.
Make sure to pack a lunch, though: despite being devoted to the food of life, you won't find one
edible loaf within the museum.
9. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, United States
You'll see match made in heaven salt and pepper shakers at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum.
Andrea Ludden's obsession is with salt and pepper shakers. A trained anthropologist, she's writing
a definitive study of the condiment dispensers, and displays her collection of more than 22,000
sets of salt and pepper shakers in a building specially arranged for their purpose.
The museum recalls small town Americana, with miniature McDonald's menu items, skeletons,
penguins, space aliens and endless variations on nearly every type of vegetable.
You can even pick up your own pair at the gift shop, where many duplicates are for sale, allowing
you to start your own collection.
Museum of Enduring Beauty, Malaysia
Good hair day? On the third floor of the People's Museum in Malaysia is a monument to the
extremes people will go to feel pretty, oh so pretty.
The records go back to the very beginnings of human history, revealing some of the outrageous
concepts of beauty people will conform to: bound feet, insertion of round disks into their mouths,
molding heads into oval shapes and much more.
Bring your own mirror; you'll feel a lot better about your own appearance after leaving this gallery
of "real beauty."
 The Kunstkamera, Russia----The Kunstkamera, Russia's
first museum. might seem an odd selection for a "weird
museum," but even a casual glance at Peter the Great's cabinet
of curiosities reveals some bizarre items.
The massive collection of more than 200,000 natural and
human oddities was originally assembled to dispel the Russian
people's belief in monsters, though it's difficult to see how the
strange exhibits might have accomplished that.
The czar put together a ghastly personal collection of curiosities including deformed fetuses,
creatures with extra heads or limbs, even a decapitated human head preserved in vinegar. The
building is now home to the modern Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, with many
remnants of Czar Peter's collection of medical freaks hidden behind mannequins of local tribes
and rather uninteresting presentations.
Don't miss: Hundreds of preserved human fetuses, every one of them with an odd anatomical
mutation from flippers to deformed heads.
Museum Of Broken Relationships, Croatia
For most of us, broken and failed relationships are things we want to
quickly recover from and never see again. The Museum of Broken
Relationships, however, takes a different path, sharing in the
collective misery of love gone wrong. Exhibits include video
confessionals, items full of romantic memories gone sour and, in one
case, an ax that a woman used to dismantle her ex’s furniture when
she was jilted. Call it schadenfreude of the worst kind, but this
acclaimed museum, winner of the Kenneth Hudson Award that is only
given to Europe’s most innovative museums, manages to get great
entertainment out of one of life’s most painful events.
There's a museum dedicated to toilet seat art in Texas.
Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, gives
a new meaning to potty talk. Smith, a retired master plumber, started
his collection after he affixed mounted deer antlers to a toilet seat
when he returned from a hunting trip. His seats, which amount to
more than 1,400, range from whimsical (Troll dolls, Mardi Gras
beads) to historical (one notable addition came from the airplane that
carried the body of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' second husband).
 
Museum of Medieval Torture Devices in Amsterdam
There are, of course, some parts of our history that we are not exactly
proud of, and this includes wars and atrocities like torture. However, it is
interesting to see just how creative people of the past centuries have
been when it came to thinking up different ways of inflicting pain to
fellow humans. If you’ve got a morbid curiosity for this sort of thing,
the Museum of Medieval Torture Devices in Amsterdam has a lot to
offer you. There are plenty of weird torture devices, complete with
images and even sculptures, depicting the various torture methods that were in use, and the
courteous staff is more than happy to answer any questions.