Odd Museums and Attractions of the World

It seems there is a museum for everything. If you enjoy visiting odd museums and attractions, you may want to put the following suggestions in this article on your list of ‘places to visit.’

Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo ”“ Palermo, Italy

The Catacombs of Palermo has evolved into a museum of death ”“ even though this was not the initial intentions of those who kept hundreds of corpses deep inside the Capuchin monastery. Here, the dead bodies of monks and the local community of the past have been lined up along the walls ”“ still wearing the clothes they were buried in. The conditions of the catacombs with cool air and dryness has led to the eerie preservation of the bodies ”“ giving them a lifelike appearance that has some people swearing that they are just sleeping. Some visitors have exclaimed that the corpses look like they could “awaken” at any moment. The bodies date back to the 16th century. The last interment was Rosalia Lombardo who died in the 1920s.

Museum of Death ”“ Hollywood, California

If death and mayhem interest you, then perhaps you’d like to experience the self-guided tour of the Museum of Death in California, which boasts largest collection of serial murderer artwork and original crime scene photos in the world. Originally located in the first mortuary in San Diego (in a building once owned by Wyatt Earp himself), the museum is now found in Hollywood. Other exhibits to look forward to include morgue photo from the Black Dahlia Murders, autopsy instruments, videos of serial killers, the Heaven’s Gate Cult recruiting tape, and many other death-related objects and exhibits. You will find the Museum of Death located at 6031 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, California ”“ open daily (Sunday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It costs $15 to enter.

Serial Killer Museum ”“ Florence, Italy

People with a fascination of serial killers can find nirvana at the Serial Killer Museum in Florence, Italy, which collects artifacts and documents associated with the likes of Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy. When visiting the museum, you will encounter waxwork models of notorious killers. An attractive Ted Bundy is seen leaning against his car. John Wayne Gacy is dressed as a clown. Ed Gein (the inspiration for movie and book characters ”“ Buffalo Bill in ‘Red Dragon’ and Norman Bates in ‘Psycho’) is found in his shack.

The history of serial killers is presented through videos and exhibits, including information on Jack the Ripper, who killed during Victorian London days. You will find this museum in the Museo Criminale on Via Cavour in Florence, near the Duomo.

London Dungeon ”“ London, England

If you are interested in the torture devices of medieval days, paying a visit to the London Dungeon in England is recommended. For starters, someone dressed as the grim reaper will randomly jump out and scream you out of your wits as you explore some of the terrifying torture devices dating back to the Middle Ages. Actors are situated throughout the dungeon to give you quite a scare that attracts many people ”“ so beware of really long lines.