New York's Strangest Museums: A Must-See Guide
Uncover New York's strangest secrets in these 10 bizarre museums. From gangsters to sex, prepare for a mind-bending cultural adventure!
NYC'S WEIRDEST MUSEUMS
Unveiling NYC's Hidden Gems: 10 Mind-Blowing Offbeat Museums You Won't Believe Exist!
Are you tired of the same old museum experiences? Prepare to have your mind blown as we take you on a wild ride through New York City's most shocking, bizarre, and downright unforgettable offbeat museums! From pickle-themed exhibits to underground subway secrets, these hidden gems will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Get ready to discover the Big Apple's weirdest and most wonderful cultural treasures!
1. The Museum of Sex: Not Your Grandma's History Lesson
Hold onto your hats, folks! The Museum of Sex is about to take you on a titillating journey through the history of human sexuality. This isn't your typical stuffy museum experience – it's a provocative exploration of everything from ancient fertility rituals to modern-day kink culture.
Why it's mind-blowing:
Interactive exhibits that'll make you blush
A "bouncy castle" of giant inflatable breasts (yes, really!)
The world's most extensive collection of sex-related artifacts
Pro tip: Looking for a wild night out? Book a guided tour with GetYourGuide for an even more in-depth (and hilarious) experience!
2. Mmuseumm: The World's Smallest Museum in an Elevator Shaft
Blink and you might miss it! Mmuseumm is a tiny museum crammed into an abandoned freight elevator in Tribeca. This micro-museum packs a big punch, showcasing quirky collections of everyday objects that tell fascinating stories about our world.
What makes it unique:
Rotating exhibits that fit in a space smaller than your closet
Objects ranging from fake fast food to ISIS currency
A gift shop that's literally a vending machine
3. City Reliquary: A Time Capsule of NYC's Weirdest Memorabilia
Step into a hoarder's paradise at the City Reliquary! This eclectic museum is a love letter to New York's strangest artifacts and forgotten history. From vintage subway tokens to chunks of famous buildings, it's a treasure trove of Big Apple oddities.
Must-see exhibits:
A collection of old-school seltzer bottles (because why not?)
Fragments of the Statue of Liberty's original torch
Soil samples from all five boroughs (for the true NYC dirt enthusiast)
4. Museum of the American Gangster: Sleep with the Fishes (Figuratively)
Fuhgeddaboudit! The Museum of the American Gangster is an offer you can't refuse. Housed in a former speakeasy, this museum takes you deep into the gritty underworld of organized crime in America.
Highlights:
John Dillinger's death mask (because normal museums are for suckers)
A vintage Tommy gun you can actually hold
Secret tunnels used for rum-running during Prohibition
Insider tip: After exploring the museum, grab a drink at the attached tavern – if these walls could talk, they'd probably get whacked!
5. The Elevator Historical Society: Going Up in the World of Vertical Transportation
You might be thinking, "An entire museum dedicated to elevators? That's crazy!" And you'd be right – crazy awesome! The Elevator Historical Society is a quirky tribute to the unsung heroes of vertical transportation.
What you'll learn:
The fascinating history of elevator music (it's more exciting than you think!)
How elevators shaped the modern skyline
Why elevator operators were once considered elite members of society
6. Museum of Interesting Things: Where Antiques Meet Mad Science
Imagine if your eccentric inventor uncle opened a museum – that's the Museum of Interesting Things in a nutshell. This traveling exhibition showcases weird and wonderful inventions from the past, present, and future.
Cool stuff you'll see:
Edison's first light bulb (it's not as bright as you'd expect)
Vintage medical devices that look more like torture instruments
Proto-computers that make your smartphone look like a supercomputer
7. The Troll Museum: A Nostalgia Trip for 90s Kids (and Weirdos)
UPDATE: Sadly, the original Troll Museum closed its doors in 2016. But fear not, troll enthusiasts! The collection has found a new home in various pop-up locations around the city. Keep your eyes peeled for these frizzy-haired creatures making appearances at local events and galleries.
Why it's worth tracking down:
Thousands of troll dolls in every size, shape, and color imaginable
The chance to meet Reverend Jen, the self-proclaimed "Troll Queen"
A healthy dose of 90s nostalgia (scrunchies and slap bracelets not included)
8. The Morbid Anatomy Museum: Where Death Becomes Art
IMPORTANT NOTE: The physical museum closed in 2016, but its spirit lives on! The Morbid Anatomy team continues to host events, lectures, and pop-up exhibitions around NYC and beyond.
What made it unforgettable:
A library dedicated to death, anatomy, and the occult
Taxidermy workshops for aspiring mad scientists
Lectures on topics like "The History of Medical Cannibalism" (yum?)
Stay connected: Follow their social media for updates on upcoming events and virtual exhibitions. It's like Halloween all year round!
9. The Torah Animal World: Noah's Ark Meets Natural History
Ever wondered what it would be like to step into a biblical petting zoo? Wonder no more! The Torah Animal World in Brooklyn is a taxidermy wonderland featuring every animal mentioned in the Old Testament.
What makes it wild:
Over 350 stuffed animals arranged in biblical scenes
A chance to touch and interact with the exhibits (yes, you can pet a lion!)
Guided tours that blend zoology with religious education
Plan ahead: This museum is by appointment only, so book your tour with Trip.com in advance for a truly unique experience!
10. The Houdini Museum: Escape the Ordinary
Abracadabra! The Houdini Museum in midtown Manhattan is a magical tribute to the world's most famous escape artist. Prepare to be amazed by the life and legacy of Harry Houdini.
Spellbinding features:
Houdini's original handcuffs and straightjackets
Live magic performances and escape demonstrations
The opportunity to try your hand at some of Houdini's famous tricks
Make it a weekend: After your magical adventure, book a nearby hotel with Expedia.com to extend your enchanting NYC getaway!
Conclusion: Embrace the Weird, Wonderful World of NYC's Offbeat Museums
New York City is more than just world-famous art galleries and historic institutions. These offbeat museums prove that the Big Apple's cultural scene is as diverse and eccentric as its residents. So, the next time you're in town, ditch the guidebook and dive into the wonderfully weird world of NYC's hidden museum gems!
Pro Travel Tip: Pack light and stay mobile with Travelpro luggage – the choice of airline crews worldwide. You'll need the extra space for all the quirky souvenirs you'll inevitably collect on your offbeat museum adventure!
Must-Read Resources for NYC Museum Enthusiasts
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.
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