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If you’re an art enthusiast or even just a casual appreciator, you probably already know which museums are essential to see before you leave this earth: the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Paris’ Louvre, the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. But there are a few unusual museums and galleries you’ve probably never visited, or maybe not yet heard of. Start planning your annual trip soon—strange as these are, you’ll definitely want to get tickets.
- The Sex Museum. Located in Amsterdam, this museum claims to be the “first and oldest” museum dedicated to the sexual act in the world. The museum exhibits art, photographs, and historical sexual aids, and other interesting items from the history of erotica. The museum is open from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M., and visitors must be at least 16 years old to enter.
- The Museum of Bad Art. While most museums and galleries are dedicated to celebrating the beauty and power of art, this one, located at the Dedham Community Theater in Massachusetts, specifically hunts out art that is “too bad to be ignored.” Admission to the gallery is free. “Conveniently located just outside the men’s room, the gallery is open whenever movies are showing, typically 5 to 11 P.M. on weekdays, noon to 11 on weekends and school holidays.” Now, go see some impressively ugly stuff.
- The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. This one speaks for itself pretty clearly. Dedicated to “exploring the history of hygiene and sanitation,” this museum provides a history of sanitation innovation and social etiquette regarding restroom use. All kinds of information, furniture, photography, including the sewage system of the Harappan Civilization, dating back to 2500 BC. The museum is in New Delhi, India, and its open hours depend on the season.
There are plenty of museums to see in the world that showcase important art and artistic contributions, but it’s also important to remember that other, perhaps slightly less revolutionary, places can be just as interesting. And if you’re looking for more places to visit, we editors also recommend the Phallological Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland.