For most people, visiting a museum brings to mind spaces filled with works of art, historical artifacts, scientific achievements or world-historical discoveries. However, in the U.S., nothing is as it seems, and that goes for the museums hosted there. Known as a land of extremes and contrasts, the US dares to include in its list the most absurd, grotesque, and quirky-themed museums. So if you’re planning to visit this vast country in November or are planning a trip in the near future, the following list of the five strangest museums is more than useful.
- Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) – Boston, Massachusetts
With the motto “art too bad to be ignored”, the Museum of Bad Art is the perfect place for those who love to hate controversial works of art. This unique museum in the heart of Massachusetts, home to works that would hardly find a place in a conventional gallery, here, are celebrated for their unconventional beauty and value. From paintings that violate every rule of painting to sculptures that make you think you could have done better, MOBA’s collection is full of works that are so bad, they end up being… exceptional! So whether you love the ironic approach to art or just want to freely judge without any guilt, this museum is worth a stop on your trip.
- International Museum of Cryptozoology – Portland, Maine
What is your opinion on Big Foot? Or do you believe in the existence of the Loch Ness monster? Whatever you consider true about these mythical creatures, the International Museum of Cryptozoology, located in Portland, is here to leave you speechless. Dedicated to the study of mysterious critters whose existence is questioned, this museum is full of exhibits, testimonies, studies, and even at times photographic evidence (!) of mythical entities such as the Chupacabra, the Yeti, and more. Whether you’re in the truth-seeking portion of visitors or the skeptic part, you’re bound to be intrigued by the evidence (or lack thereof) surrounding these folk creatures. So book your tickets immediately and run to unveil the truth!
- The Museum of Death – Hollywood, California
The list of the strangest and weirdest museums in the U.S. could not be complete without the Museum of Death in Hollywood. A museum made for the feisty, as it is dedicated to -you guessed it right- the only certain event in our lives: death. With exhibits that explore a variety of topics, from serial killers and their methods to tribal burial practices, this museum manages to be both gruesome and unexpectedly educational. Highlights still include crime scene photographs, autopsy tools, and letters from notorious criminals. While this museum is not for everyone, it manages to provide a raw but scientific look at the macabre, shedding light in an unfiltered way on this unavoidable aspect of life.
- SPAM Museum – Austin, Minnesota
Yes, you read that right – there’s an entire museum dedicated to SPAM, the iconic canned meat and, of course, it couldn’t be located anywhere else but Austin, Minnesota, also known as “SPAM Town”. Although many consider SPAM an incomparable delicacy that can enhance any dish, while others question its value, this museum remains neutral and provides an unapologetic embrace to proponents of any opinion. So, if you choose to visit Austin this November, you should know that in this museum you will discover -among other things- the history of SPAM, its cultural significance over the years, interesting statistics, and how it managed to transform from a simple product to a timeless symbol of world cuisine.
- National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin
We knew that mustard is delicious and is a key ingredient in countless recipes, but we didn’t expect it to be so fascinating that an entire museum would be dedicated to its name. At the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, you’ll find over 6,000 different varieties of mustard from every corner of the world. Sweet, spicy, sour, and salty, every kind of mustard is housed in this quirky museum, which features charts on its history, hosts tastings, and even houses a cinema where mustard-themed films are shown. So whether you prefer it on your hot dog or as a sauce over a delicious pork tenderloin, this museum has something for everyone.
Epilogue
As it seems, the museum scene in the United States goes far beyond art and history, which allows us to say that in this vast country the weird, the quirky, and the downright strange are celebrated and appreciated. The 5 different, but equally weird, museums we have introduced you to offer one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to be the highlight of your trip, so organize your to-visit list asap and embark on a journey into the paradox!
Of course, don’t forget to visit our website for more travel blogs, follow ONExchange’s Instagram page, and share your own adventures from the weirdest museums in the U.S. by tagging us. Until next time, we wish you safe and happy travels!
