Hundreds of strange but wonderful museums dot the European landscape, luring curious travelers with their bizarre subjects. From the unique explorations of human sexuality to the artistic celebration of felines, these museums offer a glimpse into the bizarre and intriguing aspects of culture and history. The Sex Museum and the Witchcraft Research Center feature prominently in the lineup. You might have noticed the Museum of Broken Relationships, KattenKabinet, the Icelandic Museum of Sea Monsters and the Crabton-on-Tyne diorama.
The Sex Museum (SMM) is a unique institution devoted entirely to the history and culture surrounding sex machines. Founded in 2002, this space reinvents a nondescript but historic 19th-century herring factory. Explore our cutting-edge, historic, and oh-so-contemporary collection of devices designed to enhance the human experience of sexuality. The museum exhibits some of the resulting carbonized footprints on garments, books and wooden tablets. It includes a quirky exhibition of mechanical erotic appliances meant to increase pleasure for all during penetrative sex.
“An exposition of mechanical erotic appliances, the purpose of which is to bring pleasure and allow extraordinary and unusual positions during intercourse.” – The official website of the Sex Machines Museum
The museum was established by Sigurður Hjartarson, whose personal collection of Icelandic literature grew so large that it needed its own home. The wacky wonderland is the world’s only sex museum completely focused on sex machines. It attracts travelers who are looking for a mix of fun and learning about this very cool subject.
The Witchcraft Research Center in England takes you to a much murkier side of our past. Founded by witch Cecil Williamson in 1947, this enchanting center delves deep into the practices of witchcraft, folklore, and the dark energy that surrounds these esoteric rituals. Williamson once remarked on the haunting presence he felt in the area, stating:
“In this quiet corner of England there is a strange feeling that we are not alone and that the shades of persons passed on and over into the world of spirit are very close.” – Cecil Williamson
This sentiment resonates with visitors who come seeking knowledge about witch trials and practices that shaped societal views on witchcraft throughout history.
The Museum of Broken Relationships located in Zagreb takes a different approach by exploring the emotional landscape of human connections. This quirky museum is dedicated to the stuff we leave behind when things fall apart. Each piece gives testimony to the great story of love or heartbreak that inspired it. It is a powerful reminder that relationships are complicated, often leaving beautiful, ugly, bittersweet scars and memories.
Perhaps the world’s most specialized museum is KattenKabinet, or the Cat Cabinet, in Amsterdam. This unique museum, the only one in the world dedicated to cats in art and culture, is sure to delight. The works on display include masterworks by famous painters, including Picasso, Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec and Dutch-born artists Corneille, Sal Meijer and Théophile Steinlen. Visitors can view a mummified Egyptian cat from around 200 BC, highlighting the long-standing reverence for felines throughout history.
The front of the Icelandic Museum of Sea Monsters, located in the beautiful fishing village of Bildudalur, Iceland. It beautifully embodies the spirit of local folklore and maritime mythology. This enchanting museum offers intriguing stories about sea monsters once thought to swim in the waters around Iceland. The exhibits meld both artistic interpretations and scientific descriptions, making for a richly immersive experience for all who visit.
Adding to Europe’s eclectic offerings is the Crabton-on-Tyne diorama, which presents a miniature Marxist melodrama village populated by crabs dressed in flat caps. This fanciful depiction immerses audiences into the story with its humorous commentary on the class war through the eyes of a crab in 1926 UK. The diorama represents an imaginative new storytelling approach that will make you chuckle and leave you contemplating deep issues.
The history behind these strange museums you may find gives them surprising backgrounds. One Margate fisherman, Thomas Gaskell, might be best known for making the most astonishing catch of all back in 1862 when he landed an enormous two-and-a-half-meter-long crab. This event created a lasting sense of curiosity and wonder about marine life that still exists to this day.
Finally, the Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona contributes another unique aspect to Europe’s rich cultural tapestry. This controversial new museum challenges societal norms and encourages conversations about censorship and artistic expression.
These amazing, unique museums in total are a perfect representation of what makes up Europe’s ever-present culture and creativity. They lure in adventurous spirits wanting to explore the oddities of humanity through captivating lenses—whether it’s sexuality, relationships, folklore, or art.
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