Experiencing the Bizarre: Museums with Strange and Unforgettable Exhibits

When the term 'museum' comes to mind, many think of displays of art, history, or natural sciences. However, some of the most intriguing and unique museums around the world are not for the faint of heart. They are filled with macabre, strange, and even bizarre exhibits that challenge our perceptions of what a museum can be. Let's explore some of the most unforgettable venues that will leave visitors in awe, or perhaps, a little unsettled.

Philadelphia's Mutter Museum: A Glimpse into the Strange

Deep within the city of Philadelphia lies the Mutter Museum, where reality intertwines with the macabre. Some of the most striking and bizarre exhibits come from the Mutter Museum.

The Soap Lady: An Unusual Mummy for Your Inspection

One of the more remarkable exhibits at the Mutter Museum is the Soap Lady. This woman, who likely died in the 1830s due to yellow fever, is a unique case. Due to the alkaline and moist conditions of her burial plot, the fatty tissues in her body broke down and formed a soap-like substance, encasing her body. This soapy substance preserved her body, making her essentially a mummy. After being exhumed, her body was sent to the Mutter Museum, where it remains on display.

While the idea of being mummified and put on display in a glass coffin may seem horror-inducing, the Frankly museum section captures another bizarre aspect of the museum: Grover Cleveland’s Tumor. Despite Cleveland’s death in 1908, a cancerous tumor that was secretly removed from his jaw during a 1893 dental procedure still resides in the museum. This tumor, along with three of his teeth, has been preserved in a pickling solution, a macabre but fascinating preservation technique.

Oddities and Parodies: Other Notable Exhibits

Another provocative exhibit at the Mutter Museum is the display of an impacted colon, which is perhaps even more gruesome. This 8-foot-long exhibit consists of a section of a colon impacted with 40 pounds of feces, showcasing a digestive horror that is both fascinating and repulsive. Visitors can also admire a life-size model of a coelacanth, believed extinct for 66 million years, and learn about Vintage Strange, a Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine.

Odd Museums Away from Philadelphia

There are numerous other bizarre museums scattered across the globe that offer their own unique and unsettling experiences.

The Menstruation Museum: A Humorous Look at Feminine Hygiene

For those who are interested in a more lighthearted experience, the Menstruation Museum in New Carrollton, Maryland, is a must-visit. Established in the 1980s, this unconventional museum offers an array of exhibits centered around menstruation and feminine hygiene products. From a dress made entirely out of menstrual cups to a US Army Tampon Launcher, this museum provides a unique and humorous perspective on a common topic.

Alien Encounters and Paranormal Phenomena

For enthusiasts of the unexplained, the International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, is a fascinating destination. This museum delves into the mysterious world of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Exhibits feature alien hair samples and fecal matter, as well as life-sized models of mythical creatures like Bigfoot and the Yeti. The museum also offers an eerie atmosphere, with whispers and phantom sounds that make visitors question the authenticity of the exhibits.

Haunted Claims and Parapsychology

In Las Vegas, the Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum offers visitors a chilling experience. This museum is dedicated to paranormal artifacts from haunted locations around the world. From the infamous "Demon House" to a Death Van associated with Dr. Kevorkian, each artifact is accompanied by a harrowing tale of spiritual encounters and supernatural phenomena. This museum is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique blend of history, science, and parapsychology.

The National Museum of Funeral History: Honoring Death with Art

Finally, the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas, offers a fascinating—and perhaps unexpected—exploration of death. This museum is a treasure trove of artefacts and memorabilia related to the funeral industry, dating back to ancient Egypt. Exhibits include antique hearses, unusual coffins, and a groundbreaking embalming exhibit. Visitors are warned that the museum is reportedly haunted by the spirits of the deceased, adding an extra layer of spooky ambiance to the already eerie exhibits.

These museums stand as testaments to human curiosity and our fascination with the unexplained. Whether it's the mummified Soap Lady in Philadelphia or the alleged alien hair samples in Roswell, these venues offer a fascinating look at the bizarre and the strange. If you're ever lucky enough to visit these places, prepare to be both amused and perhaps a little unnerved by the exhibits on display.