Discover the World's Most Unusual Museums: 10 Eccentric Collections
What happens when personal passions turn into extraordinary collections? In this excerpt from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Experiences, explore 10 of the world's most eccentric museums housed behind museum glass.
1. Paris Sewer Museum, France
Visitors to the Musée des Egouts de Paris step into disused sections of the city's historic sewer system—a nod to Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. The distinctive odor persists despite over a century of history. Exhibits feature photographs, maps, and preserved sewer rats. Walkways allow safe views a few meters above active wastewater flows. A unique souvenir shop offers related memorabilia.
2. Meguro Parasitological Museum, Japan
This Tokyo museum displays parasites in colorful beakers and test tubes, showcasing tapeworms, hookworms, and larvae from humans and animals. Detailed anatomical diagrams illustrate life cycles, alongside medical images of infections. The gift shop sells parasite-themed apparel and accessories. It's promoted as an unconventional date spot for the adventurous.
4. Grutas Park Druskininkai, Lithuania
Dubbed 'Stalin World,' this satirical museum and theme park in Druskininkai commemorates Soviet occupation through a sculpture garden of Soviet-era figures and Gulag recreations with electrified fencing and guard towers. Plans for cattle truck arrivals were scrapped due to public outcry. Occasional reenactments feature Soviet pioneers, Stalin, and Lenin in period scenes.
6. Hair Museum, Turkey
Potter Galip Körükçü created this Avanos cave museum with over 16,000 hair samples donated by women worldwide to promote his ceramics courses. The hanging strands create a striking, otherworldly display. The curator, with his full head of hair, invites contributions on-site.
7. International Towing Hall of Fame & Museum, USA
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this museum honors the towing and recovery industry's history. Its mission: preserve artifacts, educate visitors, and recognize pioneers. Explore an extensive collection of trucks, tow bars, and industry memorabilia.
8. British Lawnmower Museum, England
In Southport, Lancashire, enthusiasts celebrate mower evolution. Highlights include Qualcast hand mowers, Allen Scythe models with Villiers engines, and Dennis 500cc power mowers. See lawnmowers owned by celebrities like Prince Charles, the world's fastest mowers, and the first solar-powered robot mower.
9. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, India
New Delhi's museum traces global toilet history, from basic squat designs to ornate gold-plated thrones. Exhibits detail sanitation evolution and cultural practices, including ancient Aryan scriptures' defecation rituals. It promotes global hygiene awareness.
10. Museum of Crutches, Azerbaijan
In Naphthalan, famed for therapeutic oil baths, this unique collection displays crutches abandoned by visitors claiming miraculous cures. Test the legend: visit with an ailment, try the oil treatment, and see the results.
Visited any quirky museums? Share your experiences below!
