“Museums are boring.” These museums are anything but that.
Museums are a haven for not only information but also exploration and entertainment. While all of them are interesting, some are straight up creepy and well…weird.
Here are 7 of the most unique museums from all around the world you probably haven’t even thought of. You’re in for a ride with these:
NIMHANS BRAIN MUSEUM, INDIA
Established in 2010, this neuropathological museum is famous for its gutsy display of about 500 actual brains contained in plastic jars. Collected over a span of 35 years, the museum showcases brains of both human beings and animals affected by various obstacles such as cerebrovascular diseases, head injuries, brain infections, neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors and brains affected by Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The exhibit comes to an end with the guides offering you to touch and feel the real human brain with your own hands! Distinct yet creepy, NIMHANS Brain Museum puts your guts to the test.
KAFKA MUSEUM, CZECH REPUBLIC
Franz Kafka, Prague’s very own cherished and a major literary figure of the 20th century is brought to life here at the Kafka Museum. The exhibition displays Kafka’s earliest edition books along with his diaries, manuscripts, drawings and photographs. Three-dimensional exhibits accompanied with music are also held which help provide a deeper insight into the life and bureaucracy of Franz. Venture into the museum’s shop to buy various items like Kafka’s books, his biographies, postcards, photographs, mugs and more. Inspired by the city himself, the Franz Kafka museum is a staple sight for Prague.
MUSEUM OF WORLD FUNERAL CULTURE, RUSSIA
Located in Novosibirsk, the Museum exhibits the funeral traditions of different nations all around the world. Established only recently in 2012, it displays 19th -20th century articles including mourning dresses, hearse models, funeral themed-engravings, photographs and cards and paintings and sculptures – hundreds in number. The museum also showcases cemetery architecture where 19th century tomb crosses and stones are displayed. Part of the Annual Museum Night, the place is just as informative as it is creepy.
MOMOFUKU ANDO INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM, JAPAN
The inventor of instant ramen – probably the world’s greatest gastronomical invention – Momofuku Ando is dedicated to at this famous Japanese museum. As you enter the gates, you’ll find plenty to explore. The first part of the tour reveals Ando and his team Nissin Food’s creativity and determination to invent the ramen. The second part displays a replica of the shed where Ando cultivated his invention. Going further, at the “My CUPNOODLES factory” you can customize your own cup of noodles with ingredients and soup of your choice and also make an iconic Chicken Ramen with your own hands at the “Handmade Chicken Ramen Hands-On Workshop”! Even if ramen’s not a feast for your mouth, it’s a must-have feast for your eyes.
SKULL TOWER OF NIS, SERBIA
Building a structure out of skulls of your defeated enemies doesn’t sound like a very good idea, that is, until Turkish general Hurshi Pasha did the exact with his Serbian foes. An act of intense retaliation, the Skull Tower was constructed to impale fear amongst Serbians; though the latter anyways marched the Turks away and gained freedom in 1830. Originally 952 skulls were used but come post-war families scraped out most of them to give their loved ones a proper burial. Today, you will find only 58 skulls intact in the tower. Testament to people’s sacrifice and bravery, the Skull Tower is a pilgrimage of important heritage and history.
MEDIEVAL TORTURE INSTRUMENTS MUSEUM, THE NETHERLANDS
Built in the heart of Amsterdam, the museum fascinates its visitors with excruciating Dark Age methods of torture. It exhibits the well-known Guillotine, the
thumbscrews, the flute of shame, the iron maiden, the skull crusher and many more. Life-sized wax figurines are used to demonstrate the working of these machines. A shabby Dutch townhouse theme adds even more eeriness to the interior. Ironically enough, hotels, bars and other cheerful places surround the museum.
THE INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM, USA
The first and only museum dedicated to espionage, the International Spy Museum is a non-profit organization. The museum displays international espionage artifacts for the public, a first of its kind. These artifacts throw light on the contribution of various men and women in the field of espionage. According to the board, the purpose behind the museum is to educate people on espionage and intelligence in a grasping manner and provide them a basis on which they could understand their importance in the phase of historic events. The Museum stays committed to clear and accurate information, devoid of any falsification.
