When you think of a museum you probably think of dull places full of old art and historical artifacts. Or maybe modern art that defies reason for its popularity. Perhaps children's museums or dinosaurs and natural history come to mind. Sure these can all be entertaining and/or informative but there are a lot of other types of museums in America that are strange, quirky, or downright bizarre.
Let's do a little exploring to see some of these museums that feature everything from bad art to mustard to UFOs. It's time to celebrate the strange and embrace the eccentric!
What It Showcases: Delight in the glory of failure at MOBA, where the art is so bad, it's good. Located in the Dorchester Brewing Co., visitors can engage in a celebration of an artist's rights to fail, spectacularly. Some exhibits, like In The Nood, are not suitable for children, well, not suitable for ANYONE but especially not children.
Admission: Free but donations are appreciated!
Highlights: Visitors can explore collections like Poor Traits (portraits gone horribly wrong), Unlikely Landscapes (have to be seen to be not believed) and Aye Aye Aye (artwork that Dali himself would be scared of). Each piece of art, usually 50-70 on display at a given time, is accompanied by a description to explain just what the hell it is you are looking at! Might want to grab a couple of beer at the brewery tap room first.
Fun Fact: It's the world's only museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting bad art although they do pack up some of the best of the worst and show them at other locations such as the Salon du Bad art in Quebec.
What It Showcases: Ok, this one is maybe not so much quirky but I had to add it as it is unique and exceptionally cool. It delves into the craft, practice, history, and contemporary role of espionage in both real life and in the movies. Of course there is James bond's Aston Martin from Goldfinger in the lobby!
Bond, James Bond Admission: $24.95 for adults; discounts available for children, seniors, and military.
Highlights: Exhibits featuring espionage artifacts, including gadgets and equipment used by spies throughout history. It is not just a museum to see just this though. You are invited to go undercover and be a spy to solve a mystery. Each person will get a card at the briefing station that will be scanned and then based on some responses you are assigned a cover identity. You need to remember your details as your progress through the exhibits and look for the clues to solve the crime. There are several stations where you'll insert or tap your spy card and then the interactive screens will guide you through your mission. The mission map will guide you through the following points:
Border Control - Make sure you know your cover identity well to pass the security!
Gadget Lab - Make a device that will be needed to complete your mission
Code Cracker - Solve the secret code to gain intel
Disguise - Using a digital image of yourself, craft a disguise that will fool border security and their guard dogs.
Ops Zone - Identify threats and get a dead drop to gain more intel.
At the end of your mission you will visit the debriefing center where they will inform you of your top 2 spy skills based on your performance throughout the museum. I got the Analytical Think and Technical Knowhow awards for my visit. You can take home your spy card and access the results from home that details your performance, at least for 30 days after your visit.
Mission Card The museum is a lot of fun for ages 8 and up but younger ones may have difficulty keeping up with the mission.
Fun Fact: The museum houses the largest collection of international espionage artifacts publicly displayed. There is also a fair amount of Bond Movie memorabilia.
What It Showcases: Is mustard the most popular condiment in the world? Ketchup might be popular in North America but globally mustard reigns supreme. This museum recognizes that and is home to over 6,090 mustards from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. This museum also boasts vintage mustard pots and mustard vending machines. Make a visit to the MustardPiece Theatre inside to watch informative shows such as Mustard: The Spice of Nations. After the show test your knowledge at the food quiz game nearby. The museum and gift shop are wheelchair accessible.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: Mustard tastings and displays of mustard pots and vintage ads. View the Edward Gibbons collection of antique mustard pots. Learn about the largest exporter of mustard seed, Canada's Saskatchewan, in the newest exhibit How Mustard is Grown. Marvel at the Great Wall of Mustard where you can see all of the mustard jars that the museum has all lined up in a stunning visual display. Afterwards, buy some of your favorites, or try a new one, in the gift shop. They have my absolute favorite, Edmond Fallot of Dijon France whose facility I toured. There are numerous gift boxes with samplings of several mustards for those who want to get a variety, and there are other items such as shirts, mugs, and the like for any who want a more permanent souvenir.
Fun Fact: Holds the world's largest collection of mustards and mustard-related items.
The Neon Museum - Las Vegas, Nevada
What It Showcases: Retired neon signs from old casinos and businesses. The museum is open day and night but obviously a night time visit is what you want to take in order to experience the full effect of all the neon signs. There are two galleries to visit. The North gallery has 115 signs that are so deteriorated they no long function but are still a part of Vegas history. In this gallery you can purchase an add on for a 45 minutes show called Brilliant Jackpot which uses 24 3D-sound speakers and eight projectors to create a 360-degree audiovisual experience. Through the use of project mapping they have been able to accurately recreate what those old signs once looked like. In the Neon Graveyard you will find some fully restored and working signs in their glory in this large outdoor space. Those that aren't operational are lit up via ground lighting.
Admission: Starts at $20 for adults; discounts available for children, students, and seniors. Prices vary for daytime or night time experience and fluctuate through the year. Book ahead online to secure a time slot that you want and you can choose to add on a tour at checkout.
Highlights: "Neon Boneyard" tours that illuminate the colorful history of Las Vegas. There are a few tours to choose from with perhaps the most fun being the Viva Las Vegas! Movies tour where you'll see famous signs used in numerous movies throughout history. These tours are around 45 minutes and usually cost around $15 as an add on to your admission.
Fun Fact: Many signs are from once iconic but now demolished landmarks, preserving Las Vegas history.
What It Showcases: The history and influence of SPAM. First introduced in 1937 SPAM (supposedly a word created using spiced and ham) it was originally used to find a market for otherwise undesirable pork shoulder meat. I for one have never liked this product and honestly cannot even say the name without hearing the Monty Python SPAM song going through my head.
Classic Python! Ok, joking aside, I recognize the importance of the tinned meat to the allied troops and the families in war ravaged cities during World War Two. Some of the reasons for its importance are:
Long Shelf Life -SPAM could be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, making it an ideal food product for war conditions where fresh food was scarce such as front lines and bombed out neighborhoods that lost power, or where logistical challenges made food distribution difficult.
Portability - The compact, durable nature of SPAM's packaging meant it could be easily transported and distributed to troops stationed around the world, from the European fronts to the Pacific islands.
Nutritional Value - SPAM provided a high-protein, high-calorie food source that was crucial for soldiers who required a lot of energy to perform physically demanding tasks during the war.
Versatility - The meat could be eaten straight from the can or used in various recipes.
Production Efficiency - Hormel Foods was able to produce SPAM in massive quantities, which was essential during a time when efficient food production was critical to supporting the war effort.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: Interactive exhibits and free SPAM samples. Take a guided tour with one of the museums "SPAM-bassadors". Found out how many SPAM cans tall you are. Dine at the SPAM restaurant there, if you dare.
Fun Fact: The museum hosts a SPAM-themed game show.
What It Showcases: Over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from various cultures and eras. So, I know you are dying to know the answer to the worldwide debate: Does the Salt or the Pepper shaker have more holes? I'm not going to give you the answer, you'll have to read about it here if your curiosity is piqued. Even if you don't visit the museum you should at the very least check out their website where you can read their many articles about the history of the seasonings.
Admission: $3, which can be applied towards any purchase in the gift shop.
Highlights: Extensive collections that illustrate the diversity and history of these everyday items. There are various themes to the collections throughout the museum such as: Americana, Space Exploration, Vegetable Shaped Shakers, Bears, Birds, Cats, Dogs, and other Animals, and a bunch of old cartoon figure shakers like Betty Boop and Snoopy and Warner brothers characters.
The museum highlights the history of these dispensers over the course of ancient times to modern styles via displays that walks the visitor through the ages. It is truly insane the amount of time this charming couple and their two adult children have invested in making this museum so unique.
Fun Fact: Started from a personal collection that grew into a museum.
What It Showcases: Hair art including wreaths and jewelry.This museum offers a unique glimpse into the art of hair craftsmanship, showcasing both historical and contemporary works. Founded in 1986 by Leila Cohoon, a former hairdresser, the museum displays over 600 hair wreaths and 2,000 pieces of jewelry that memorialize loved ones or celebrate artistic expression through human hair. It features Victorian-era art, where hair was commonly used in memorial pieces, and modern creations that push the medium's boundaries. Interactive exhibits help visitors understand the intricate techniques used, highlighting the museum's role in preserving this rare art form. It is recommended for those 12 and older due to the delicate nature of the exhibits.
Admission: $15 for adults.
Highlights: Displays intricate craftsmanship of hair art through collections such as:
Smallest Hair Wreath: This exhibit features the tiniest hair wreath, highlighting the remarkable precision and artistry involved in its creation.
Domes and 3D Hair Art: Visitors can explore unique domes and 3D hair art pieces that weave a tapestry of creativity and artistic ingenuity.
Antique Jewelry: The collection includes antique jewelry that whispers stories of bygone eras, adding depth to the hair artistry on display.
Embroidery and Reliquaries: This section showcases delicate embroidery and timeless reliquaries, enhancing the elegance and historical significance of the hair art pieces.
Fun Fact: Includes hair reputed to belong to Marilyn Monroe.
The Museum of Ice Cream - New York, New York
What It Showcases: The Museum of Ice Cream offers a variety of immersive and interactive exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages, encouraging them to engage with the whimsical world of ice cream in vibrant, sensory-filled environments. An interactive highlight is the "Ice Cream Sandwich Room," which features a digital interface allowing visitors to create their own virtual ice cream sandwiches.
Further enriching the experience, the museum also provides tasting stations throughout its themed rooms, where guests can sample a variety of unique ice cream flavors that correspond with the themes of each room. For example, in the "Banana Room," visitors can enjoy banana-flavored treats while learning about the dessert's history. The museum not only focuses on delighting the taste buds but also on engaging the community and promoting local artists through art installations and partnerships with local schools and non-profits.
Admission: Around $38, includes all-you-can-eat ice cream.
Highlights: Among the standout attractions is the "Sprinkle Pool," where guests can dive into a playful pool filled with plastic sprinkles, creating a fun and photogenic experience. You can also ride down a giant spiral slide, or visit the "Melting Cave" for a visually bizarre experience.
Fun Fact: Each room offers a different interactive dessert-themed experience.
What It Showcases: The International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, was established to educate the public about the famous 1947 Roswell Incident. Operating as a non-profit entity, the museum strives to collect, preserve, and display a broad range of materials—from written documents to audiovisuals—that delve into the Roswell Incident and other mysterious UFO-related phenomena.
Committed to being a foremost resource in UFO research, history, and science globally, the museum diligently compiles and shares the most credible and current information with anyone interested in these enigmatic events. As a result the museum houses a comprehensive research library, containing over 55,000 documents related to UFO research, providing a resource for both serious scholars and casual visitors interested in learning more about the field of ufology.
Admission: $5 for adults.
Highlights: Some of the key exhibits include dioramas that vividly depict the supposed UFO crash near Roswell and the alleged recovery of alien bodies. These dioramas are complemented by a variety of murals and paintings that illustrate different aspects of UFO encounters and alien sightings. Moreover, the museum features a prop alien corpse from the 1994 movie "Roswell: The UFO Coverup," adding a layer of Hollywood interpretation to the historical and speculative narratives presented.
In addition to these visual displays, the museum offers a more tactile exploration through an exhibit titled "Alien Implants," which showcases small models and mock-ups that speculate on the technology possibly used by extraterrestrial beings. One of the more interactive aspects of the museum is a life-size model of a parachute test dummy, which represents the Air Force's explanation for what was initially thought to be an alien body recovered from the Roswell crash site.
Fun Fact: Central to the annual Roswell UFO Festival.
What It Showcases: Ok, I had to put this one in the list having lived through the arcade generation and spent hours and hundreds of dollars in quarters playing there. Go to theis museum and celebrate the history and culture of video games, from early consoles to the latest VR technology. You can dive into the 30 year history of Pokemon too in the dedicated exhibit. This museum also explores the general history of the computer from items like the Commodore 64 (I had one of those!) to the IBM PC. No food and /or beverages are permitted in the museum. The facility has ramps and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Admission: $12 for adults.
Highlights: Playable arcade and a 1980s bedroom filled with gaming equipment. Compete against your friends at the head to head wall that explores the history and diversity of console play. Try you hand at the Giant Pong game. The arcade uses tokens to play and your admission will give you 4 to start with. Additional tokens are available for purchase at 25 cents a piece. Every arcade game costs one token so it is a true throwback to the 1980s arcades where all games cost a quarter. Heaven! Make sure to photograph your high score should you get one on any of the machines as you can mail them the photo and your info and you will be put up on their website as the master of the game.
Fun Fact: Houses the largest collection of video game memorabilia.
Tabasco Museum — Avery Island, Louisiana
What It Showcases: Another museum that is my particular realm of interest since I LOVE hot sauce. This museum and tour features the history of Tabasco sauce and the McIlhenny family. In 1868, Edmund McIlhenny cultivated his initial crop of peppers commercially, setting the stage for the creation of the sauce. In 1869, he marketed over 600 bottles of his sauce, pricing them at one dollar each for wholesale and distributing them primarily to grocers across the Gulf Coast, especially in New Orleans. The sauce was named Tabasco, a term derived from Mexican Indian language, thought to mean "place where the soil is humid" or possibly "place of the coral or oyster shell." By 1870, McIlhenny had patented his recipe, launching it on its path to becoming a staple in kitchens worldwide and a fiery icon in the culinary industry.
Admission: Free for museum; factory and island tours are extra.
Highlights: Experience the history and production of this iconic hot sauce. The Avery Island tour includes a self-guided tour of the Tabasco museum, the pepper greenhouse, and the barrel warehouse as well as the factory. You can also visit the Avery Island Conservation, see a Salt Mine diorama, and tour the 170-acre natural beauty of Jungle Gardens. Don't forget to stop in the country store and pick up a few bottles of your favorites.
Fun Fact: Avery Island is a salt dome, not a true island.
Conclusion
Each museum offers a distinctive and often immersive experience that celebrates the quirky, the unique, and sometimes the downright weird aspects of culture and history. Whether you're a curious traveler or a dedicated enthusiast in these niche topics, these museums are sure to delight and surprise you and this is just a tiny sampling of the weird and wonderful you can find in the United States. There are easily over 1,100 different types of these venues just waiting to be discovered. Have some fun and find an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
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