Museums are a great source of information and the perfect way to find out about a certain subject or a period in history. We’ve probably all visited our local or natural history museum but there are plenty of more unusual ones out there just begging to be explored. Whether you fancy looking around a museum dedicated to noodles or finding out more about the fascinating history of the toilet, the following are 10 of the most bizarre museums in the world.
Paris Sewer Museum – France
If you’ve got a passion for human waste, then Paris is the place to head. Located deep beneath the streets of the capital city, The Sewer Museum offers visitors the chance to explore a labyrinth of tunnels and pipes while also finding out about the history of water treatment and sewage works in France’s capital city.
The Lunchbox Museum – Columbus, Georgia
If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to take you back to your youth, it’s the sight of a novelty lunch box and flask. If you’ve always wanted to see a building full of just about every lunchbox design ever made, then head to the Lunchbox Museum in Columbus, Georgia. The building is crammed from floor to ceiling with lunchboxes dating all the way back to the 1950’s.
The Toilet Museum – New Delhi, India
We all use the facility numerous times a day but rarely discuss anything about it. If you feel more should be done to promote the trusty toilet then New Delhi is the place for you. The city is home to The International Toilet Museum, which celebrates the long history of, you guessed it, the toilet. The museum has hundreds of different toilet systems on display, with the oldest dating all the way back to 2,500 B.C.E.
The Barbed Wire Museum – Kansas, USA
It may be hard to believe but Kansas in the US really is home to The Barbed Wire Museum. The bizarre building has numerous sculptures made out of the material (including two giant balls in front of the museum) and also has displays of the many different types of barbed wire. We’ve never met a barbed wire enthusiast but maybe that’s because they’re too busy looking around this museum!
Dog Collar Museum – Kent, England
Dogs are one of the most beloved animals in the world but a museum in Kent, England, thought it was about time their trusty collars got a bit more attention. The Dog Collar Museum features 130 historic pieces, with the oldest example dating all the way back to the 15th century.
Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum – Tennessee, USA
It may be hard to believe but if you want to see a museum full of salt and pepper shakers, there’s only one option available in the whole world. The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is located in Tennessee and is home to over 20,000 examples of the shakers. If that wasn’t exciting enough, the museum also has a growing collection of pepper grinders as well!
British Lawnmower Museum – Southport, England
If you thought cutting the grass was just a Sunday morning pursuit, think again. Southport is the home of the British Lawnmower Museum, which celebrates everything to do with the trusty mower. The museum has over 200 unique lawnmowers on display and even has a display of the very first solar-powered mower. This is definitely a worthwhile trip for any proud gardeners out there.
Condom Museum – Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s biggest producers of condoms, so it may come as no surprise that a condom museum can be found in the city of Nonthaburi. The museum consists of two rooms: The first displays condoms of every size and colour from the last few decades and the second room shows visitors how condoms are tested for strength and endurance. It’s certainly an educational affair but probably not one for the kids!
The Garbage Museum – Connecticut, USA
As if to prove there is a museum for just about everything imaginable, the city of Connecticut has opened its very own Garbage Museum. The building celebrates everything to do with rubbish disposal and also tries to educate people on recycling and safe waste disposal at the same time. That’s all well and good but there’s only two real reasons to visit the museum – it has a ‘Temple of Trash’ and a giant dinosaur made out of rubbish!
The Noodle Museum – Osaka, Japan
If you’re partial to the odd instant noodle, then Osaka in Japan is the location for you. The city is home to The Noodle Museum, which celebrates everything to do with the instant snack. The museum has numerous displays showing examples of instant and cup noodles from throughout the years. Unsurprisingly, there is also a restaurant (complete with a giant noodle cup) for you to try out the latest noodle recipes.
