International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18th every year to promote and raise awareness about the importance of museums in the development of society. The day was established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and is now celebrated in more than 150 countries.
Museums provide a space for people to connect with their history, culture, and heritage, and play an essential role in preserving and promoting the world's cultural heritage. International Museum Day provides an opportunity for people to explore and appreciate the unique collections and exhibitions of museums worldwide. Each year, a theme is chosen to highlight the significance of museums in society and to encourage people to visit museums around the world.
On the day of International Museum Day 2023, the International Council of Museums has defined the theme for the International Museum Day 2023 edition (May 18) as Museums, Sustainability and Well-being.
Top 10 Most Bizarre Museums In The World
Museums are usually spaces that are meant to preserve and showcase objects of historical, scientific, artistic or cultural importance. However, some museums have taken on a different kind of approach by collecting and exhibiting the bizarre, creepy, strange or downright weird. Here are 10 of the world's most bizarre museums:
1. Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), Boston, USA: As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to showcasing bad art. MOBA displays a collection of over 700 paintings, sculptures and drawings that have been deemed so bad, that they're actually good.
2. Museum of Death, Hollywood, USA: This museum offers a glimpse into the world of death and its various aspects. From serial killers to autopsy tables, this museum does not shy away from the macabre.
3. Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland: This museum houses the world's largest collection of penises and penile parts from mammals found in Iceland. With over 280 specimens, visitors can learn about the phallus and its significance in Icelandic culture.
4. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, New Delhi, India: This museum showcases the history of toilets and sanitation systems from around the world. Visitors can see ancient toilets, modern toilets and learn about how sanitation systems have evolved over time.
5. Vent Haven Museum, Fort Mitchell, USA: Vent Haven Museum is dedicated to ventriloquist dummies. The collection includes over 900 dummies from around the world, and visitors can learn about the history of this unusual art form.
6. The Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb, Croatia: This museum is a contemporary art museum that showcases items from failed relationships. Visitors can see everything from love letters to wedding dresses, each with its own story of heartbreak.
7. Cancun Underwater Museum, Cancun, Mexico: This museum is an underwater art museum that can only be seen by snorkeling or diving. It showcases over 500 life-size sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, each designed to promote marine life.
8. Museum of Torture, Amsterdam, Netherlands: This museum showcases various torture instruments used in different parts of the world throughout history. Visitors can see everything from the rack to the guillotine.
9. The Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, USA: This museum houses a collection of medical oddities, including preserved human brains, a giant colon, and various medical instruments used throughout history.
10. The Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures, Paris, France: This museum is dedicated to legends, myths, and magical creatures, including mermaids, werewolves, and of course, vampires. Visitors can learn about the history behind these creatures and their impact on popular culture.
These museums may not be for everyone, but they offer a unique perspective on the unusual and provide a fascinating look into the human experience. Whether you're interested in ventriloquist dummies, medieval torture, or the history of toilets, there's a museum out there to satisfy your curiosity.
