2. International UFO Museum and Research Center
Ever since an unidentified flying object supposedly crashed on a ranch in Roswell, New Mexico, there has been ongoing fascination with the area. Seeped in mystery with reports of a government cover-up, which included the discovery and preservation of alien bodies, this museum was established in 1992. It continues to attract large numbers of curious visitors from around the world.
Visit: International UFO Museum and Research Center
3. Museum of Holy Souls in Purgatory
Located in the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio in Prati (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati), this museum is a small area dedicated to the souls trapped in Purgatory.
It is based on the Catholic concept that after physical death, some souls have not reached the necessary holiness to enter heaven, but have died in a state of grace. This is believed to mean they can neither go to heaven or hell, so the souls air said to go to the temporary place of purgatory until they are sufficiently cleansed to enter heaven.
In 1897, a fire broke out in the room and the soul of a deceased person formed on the wall and since then the museum has been committed to finding testimonies about the appearance of souls in purgatory.
Watch: Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
4. Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
Humans have long been creative when it comes to torture, and during the Middle Ages torturous acts were punishments for a wide range of crimes. This museum in Amsterdam displays over 100 torture devices used during medieval times. It uses human-sized figures to showcase torture techniques, including the Heretics fork, the guillotine and the iron cage.
Visit: The Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
5. Aurora Ice Museum
The largest year-round ice museum in the world, the Aurora Ice Museum, features spectacular ice sculptures by ice carver Steve Brice. It features special-effects lighting of the colours of the Aurora Borealis, an ice bar, and chandeliers made from ice.
Visit: The Aurora Ice Museum
6. The Museum of Bad Art
Forget the Louvre or the MoMA, this American museum based in Boston is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of really bad art. Founded in 1993, the museum showcases bizarre portraiture, unlikely landscapes and a special collection of blue people.
Visit: The Museum of Bad Art
7. The Avanos Hair Museum
Located in a small cave in Turkey, this museum is home to donated hair samples from women around the world. It was set up by potter Chez Galip. Female visitors have the option of donating their hair when they are at the museum.
Visit: Chez Galip's website
8. The International Spy Museum
Based in Washington DC, the International Spy Museum boasts the largest collection of international espionage items in the world. Showcasing the work of spies and undercover intelligence operations, it also provides information about the strategies and people used in the operations. Learn what it takes to become a spy as well as look back on 50 years of James Bond villains.
Visit: The International Spy Museum
Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum
Ed Goltwit started collecting elephants when he and his wife were given one as a good luck symbol for their wedding. Since then, he has amassed over 12,000 figurines and opened an elephant museum in Pennsylvania to showcase them.
Visit: Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum
10. The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Located in Iceland, this museum is filled with mammals' penises. Dedicated to the study of phallology, it says that: "it is finally possible for individuals to undertake serious study into the field of phallology in an organised, scientific fashion." It has over 280 specimens from 93 different animal species, as well as "artistic oddments" and "practical utensils".
Visit: The Icelandic Phallogical Museum
- nzherald.co.nz
