In gearing up for the spookiest month of the year, we thought we’d run through some of the more unusual museums around the world that celebrate all manner of wacky and weird things. Some of these museums boast bizarre collections, unique locations and some look rather special too.
1. Delhi, India
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
It’s a game of thrones in Delhi, where the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets curates and celebrates all types of loos from around the world. From grand thrones of varnished wood decked out with all manner of trimmings to little figurines honouring the call of nature, you’ll be forgiven for being a bit potty-mouthed when you leave.
2. New York, USA
Museum of Ice Cream
In October, this retro and candy-coloured museum moves back to SoHo, New York where it will indulge hundreds and thousands of visitors’ childhood fantasies through a number of interactive activities. Of course you just enjoy some ice-cream, but the cherry on top is a jump into the giant sprinkles pool.
3. Bathurst, Eastern Cape
The Big Pineapple
The world’s largest pineapple (sorry, Australia) can be found in the Eastern Cape village of Bathurst, not too far away fro Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown). Inside it is an exhibition about the main crop of the area, with a staircase leading to the top. Entry is R25 for adults, R10 for kids.
Find out more about Bathurst in the latest October issue of Getaway, in stores now.
4. Molinière Beauséjour, Grenada
Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park
The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, established in 2006, was the first underwater exhibit from British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Some of its most famous eco-friendly art sculptures depict stone-like figures of people standing hand-in-hand in a circle on the ocean floor in the Caribbean. Taylor’s latest underwater museum resides this time in southern seas – the Museum of Underwater Art: Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
5. Kansas, USA
OZ Museum
Follow the yellow brick road in Wamego, Kansas and get transported to the Land of Oz. The OZ Museum features a number of exhibits with your favourite book characters, film memorabilia and over 2,000 artifacts, including the famous red ruby slippers worn by Dorothy (portrayed by Judy Garland) in the famous 1939 film.
6. Osaka, Japan
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
If you’re a fan of ramen noodles, or just the instant kind you can find your local grocery store, then you’ll love the Cup Noodles Museum, which allows you to create your own noodle cup concoctions with toppings of your choice.
7. Tennessee, USA
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
This museum is definitely more weird than wonderful. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, this museum even has a dark wood cabin look-and-feel to it, but the inside. One gets the impression it’s like a warehouse where duplicate wedding gifts go to die, or your great aunt’s dated, motley ornament collection.
8. Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape
The Owl House
You can’t pass through Nieu Bethesda or nearby Graaff-Reinet without hearing about The Owl House. Its the work of the late Helen Martin, who transformed her home and yard into a curious sculpture museum featuring curious and otherworldly cement statues and figures, often embellished with everyday materials to create a mosaic-like effects.
9. Kentucky, USA
Vent Haven Museum
While many, if not most people find ventriloquist dolls uncannily creepy, the folks at this Kentucky Museum would probably think you’re a bit of a dummy.
The collector who started the museum is said to have spent 40 years curating his collection of puppets and dolls, with some dating back to the 1800s.
Featured image: Getaway Media Gallery
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