According to Wiktionary the word 'museum' refers to the following: "a building or institution dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical, cultural or artistic value." Considering the multitude of odd museums located in the United States, we wonder by whom and how those elements of value are decided. Is a collection and display of one man's 26 year collection of belly button lint really of "scientific, historical, cultural or artistic" value? Can the word 'museum' really be applied? Regardless of our opinion, let's take a look at some of the most unusual establishments in the US to label themselves a museum.
The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
Now, this could very well fall under the heading of 'scientific value', but only as a lesson on quackery. This little museum in Minnesota has on display many scary devices such as the foot operated breast enlargement pump. A little less scary, but just as absurd is the Battle Creek Vibratory Chair. What is it for, you ask? Constipation.
The Museum of Bathroom Tissue
In Madison, Wisconsin there is a museum dedicated to an intimate tool of hygiene that each and every one of us uses every day. Perhaps the collection of 3000 rolls could be put under the category of cultural value? Apparently the museum contains samples from not only North America but also Europe, Africa, Australia and Mexico. There is also an encyclopedia of samples from all the businesses in Madison.
The Bathtub Art Museum
This is where the question 'what is art?' comes in. The Bathtub Art Museum in Portland, Oregon does not display bathtubs painted artistically, they are dedicated to the bathtub IN art. Yes, any postcard, painting, sculpture or depiction of a bathtub artistically is included in the exhibition. The museum claims their collection is an ironic statement on the privacy of bathing. Perhaps.
The Museum of the Alphabet
In Waxhaw, North Carolina there is a little museum that may fall under the category of 'historical' value as they showcase examples of the alphabet from around the world. Some of the most interesting are from Russia, Greek and Egypt. A rather ironic landmark considering the estimated rate of illiteracy in North Carolina is 14% (according to the National Center for Educational Statistics).
The Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum
Surely this 'museum' could not fall under any of the scientific, historical, cultural or artistic headings? In South Fork Ranch, Texas there is a little pest store in which the above mentioned 'museum' is home. Inside, visitors will find roach dioramas in various themes like Liberace, Elvis and the movie Psycho. There is also a large display of live roaches that are so big they could be confused with rats.
The Museum of Barbed Wire
Located in La Crosse, Kansas, this so-called museum exhibits over 2000 barbed wire varieties from as far back as 1890. Perhaps the Barbed Wire Museum could be considered of historical value, but among the thousands of samples of 'Devil's Rope' is a genuine Raven nest built from barbed wire. This is probably the most interesting item in the building, and really a statement on the personality of the bird.
The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
Now, this could very well fall under the heading of 'scientific value', but only as a lesson on quackery. This little museum in Minnesota has on display many scary devices such as the foot operated breast enlargement pump. A little less scary, but just as absurd is the Battle Creek Vibratory Chair. What is it for, you ask? Constipation.
The Museum of Bathroom Tissue
In Madison, Wisconsin there is a museum dedicated to an intimate tool of hygiene that each and every one of us uses every day. Perhaps the collection of 3000 rolls could be put under the category of cultural value? Apparently the museum contains samples from not only North America but also Europe, Africa, Australia and Mexico. There is also an encyclopedia of samples from all the businesses in Madison.
The Bathtub Art Museum
This is where the question 'what is art?' comes in. The Bathtub Art Museum in Portland, Oregon does not display bathtubs painted artistically, they are dedicated to the bathtub IN art. Yes, any postcard, painting, sculpture or depiction of a bathtub artistically is included in the exhibition. The museum claims their collection is an ironic statement on the privacy of bathing. Perhaps.
The Museum of the Alphabet
In Waxhaw, North Carolina there is a little museum that may fall under the category of 'historical' value as they showcase examples of the alphabet from around the world. Some of the most interesting are from Russia, Greek and Egypt. A rather ironic landmark considering the estimated rate of illiteracy in North Carolina is 14% (according to the National Center for Educational Statistics).
The Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum
Surely this 'museum' could not fall under any of the scientific, historical, cultural or artistic headings? In South Fork Ranch, Texas there is a little pest store in which the above mentioned 'museum' is home. Inside, visitors will find roach dioramas in various themes like Liberace, Elvis and the movie Psycho. There is also a large display of live roaches that are so big they could be confused with rats.
The Museum of Barbed Wire
Located in La Crosse, Kansas, this so-called museum exhibits over 2000 barbed wire varieties from as far back as 1890. Perhaps the Barbed Wire Museum could be considered of historical value, but among the thousands of samples of 'Devil's Rope' is a genuine Raven nest built from barbed wire. This is probably the most interesting item in the building, and really a statement on the personality of the bird.
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