10 Weird Museums Around the World You Must Visit

When you hear the word “museum,” you might picture dimly lit halls filled with ancient artefacts, classical paintings, or historical manuscripts. While these traditional museums are fascinating, not every museum has to be deeply philosophical or academic. Museums can also be wacky, fun, and even bizarre! Across the world, you’ll find exhibitions dedicated to everything from toilets and instant noodles to espionage and bad art.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, check out these ten weird museums that celebrate the quirky side of human culture.

Also read: 10 Quirky Museums You Must Visit on Jeju Island

1. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, India

• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed on National Holidays.
• Ticket Price: Free entry.

Located in New Delhi, this museum traces the history of sanitation and toilet technology from 3000 BC to modern times. Visitors can see antique chamber pots, intricately designed historical toilets, and even futuristic sanitation models. The museum aims to promote awareness about hygiene and sanitation practices across the world.

2. Medieval Crime Museum, Germany

• Opening Hours: Daily from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Ticket Price:
  • Adults: 9.50 euros
  • Senior citizens: 8.50 euros
  • Students: 6.50 euros
  • Schoolchildren (from 6 years): 5.00 euros (Children under 6 years have free admission)

Located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this museum delves into the dark and brutal world of medieval justice. Exhibits include terrifying torture devices, executioners’ swords, and legal documents outlining historical crimes and punishments. It provides a chilling yet fascinating insight into medieval law and order.

3. Avanos Hair Museum, Turkey

• Opening Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM– 8:00 PM
• Ticket Price: 50 TRY (S$1.90)

Tucked away in the town of Avanos, this museum displays a collection of hair locks from over 16,000 women, each tagged with the donor’s name and information. Originally started by a local potter, the museum has grown into an eerie yet intriguing space filled with strands of hair hanging from every surface.

4. Cup Noodles Museum, Tokyo Japan

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; last admission at 5:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Ticket Price: Adults: ¥500; High school students and younger: free.

Located in Yokohama, this interactive museum celebrates the invention of instant ramen. Visitors can learn about Momofuku Ando, the creator of Cup Noodles, and even design their own personalized cup of instant noodles. It’s a fun and delicious experience for food lovers!

Also read: Tokyo Hidden Gem: Extinct Media Museum for Tech Lovers

5. Kuching Cat Museum, Malaysia

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily.
• Ticket Price: Free entry; a small fee is charged for camera usage.

Situated in Kuching, the “City of Cats,” this museum is dedicated entirely to feline history, mythology, and pop culture. Exhibits include ancient cat-related artefacts, cat sculptures, paintings, and even taxidermy displays. It’s a must-visit for any cat enthusiast!

6. The Gum Wall, Seattle, USA

• Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
• Ticket Price: Free.

Located in Post Alley near Pike Place Market, this wall is covered in layers of chewed gum, creating a colourful and ever-changing display of sticky art. Originally started as a local habit, it has since become a famous attraction, with visitors adding their own gum to the collection.

7. Condom Museum, Thailand

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
• Ticket Price: Free entry.

Located in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, this museum is dedicated to promoting safe sex and breaking taboos around condom use. It showcases the history of condoms, the manufacturing process, and various condom designs from around the world.

8. Museum of Broken Relationships, Croatia

• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Ticket Price:
  • Adults: 40 HRK
  • Students, seniors, and groups: 30 HRK
  • Children under 12: free.

This Zagreb-based museum is filled with mementoes from failed relationships, each accompanied by a story about heartbreak and lost love. Some exhibits are humorous, while others are deeply emotional, making this a surprisingly touching and thought-provoking experience.

9. Museum of Bad Art, Boston, USA

• Opening Hours: 2:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Tuesday), 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Wednesday and Thursday), 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday and Saturday), 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Sunday)
• Ticket Price: Free.

Dedicated to celebrating art that is “too bad to be ignored,” this museum showcases paintings and sculptures that have gone hilariously wrong. From awkward portraits to surreal abstract disasters, it’s a lighthearted tribute to artistic missteps.

10. International Spy Museum, Washington D.C., USA

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily except 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday) and 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday)
• Ticket Price: Adults: $24.95; Youth (7-12): $16.95; Children 6 and under: free.

This interactive museum takes visitors deep into the world of espionage, featuring real-life spy gadgets, disguises, and stories of famous spies throughout history. Guests can even participate in spy missions and test their own secret agent skills.

Also read: Weird and Wacky Museums to Visit in Penang

These unusual museums prove that cultural experiences don’t have to be serious or traditional. From learning about historical crime and heartbreak to marvelling at noodle innovations and bad art, these quirky attractions offer visitors something truly unique. Whether you’re an adventurous traveller or just looking for something different, these weird museums are sure to make your journey unforgettable. So, why not add a little oddity to your travel bucket list?