Meta Description: Europe has some of the best museums in the world, and this is not just about the historical artifacts they hold. Some of them are so quirky you’ll find yourself almost not believing in their existence. Check them out here.
Touring Europe can be one of the best things to do when you have a long vacation period and enough money to last a long time traveling. There is a lot to see, and you can take advantage of the sophisticated train system in the region as a 3-hour Paris to Amsterdam train will only cost $103, which is way less than a flight ticket would cost. If you are looking for fun activities to engage your time, visit some of the quirkiest museums in the region to break away from typical attractions. Here are some top ones to add to your bucket list.
Gingerbread Museum
Gingerbread is a staple in many European countries, but you will be shocked to learn of a museum in Moscow entirely dedicated to this delicacy. When you enter the museum, you may feel like you have just been transported into a fairy tale. The walls are decorated with gingerbread structures like an imperial palace, medieval castle, and Christmas houses.
The museum’s owner is very knowledgeable about everything gingerbread and will share many interesting stories about the craft with you. You can learn about the different types of gingerbread and how they are made and even get to make some yourself. If you can’t make one, you can simply buy a finished product as a souvenir to remember your experience of the quirky museum.
Embarking on a journey of long-term living in the heart of Spain is an immersive experience, offering a blend of rich culture and picturesque landscapes. From vibrant cities to serene coastal towns, houses to rent in Spain provide diverse choices. Imagine waking up to the Mediterranean sun, exploring historic sites, and savoring authentic cuisine. Whether it’s the bustling energy of Barcelona or the laid-back charm of Costa del Sol, the options for long-term rentals cater to various preferences.
Museum of Miniatures
If you join group tours to Spain, you can get to visit iconic museums like El Prado in Madrid or The Guggenheim in Bilbao. However, fewer experiences beat visiting a quirky museum like the Museum of Miniatures, where you can get to see many of the iconic pieces these museums hold in tiny forms. Located in Prague, the Museum of Miniatures is a magical place where you can get to view some of the world’s most renowned artworks in miniature forms through a magnifying glass.
Visitors get to appreciate the work that went into creating this museum when they realize that these miniature pieces were made through detailed, laborious craftsmanship. You will almost not believe your eyes when you see a minuscule golden bicycle, the Eiffel Tower in a cherry stone, or camels traveling through the eye of a needle through the magnifying glass.
Museum of Broken Relationships
If you are traveling after experiencing a breakup, you may find the Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia relatable. This museum features relics and testimonies of broken loves from across the world. Each item in the museum has its story attached to it, with some told in funny ways while others take a sad tone. By the time you are done going through the over 1000 items in the museum, you will be surprised at how many emotions you would have felt, ranging from love to hope.
While you are at the museum, you can submit your own story, and who knows? It may become exhibited as you get over the past and move into the future. This was what the museum’s founders, Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic, did in 2006 after they broke up. It only took five years for the museum to be awarded “European Museum of the Year” in 2011. Today, the museum gets over 100,000 visitors annually.
Abba Museum
Finally, who said quirky museums are only about creepy or unbelievable things? Abba Museum in Sweden is dedicated to the Swedish pop sensation who took the world by storm after winning the Eurovision song contest in 1974. Stepping into the museum will make you feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1970s, as the museum is very interactive.
At the museum, you can look through memorabilia and costumes and perform Abba’s songs as you imagine yourself as the fifth member of the iconic band. You can also try the costumes virtually while mixing and performing the band’s songs to gain a more immersive experience. Ensure you try everything from Waterloo, which launched the band into stardom, to other chart-toppers like Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen.
The museums on this list have shown that museums are not always about boring historical objects and artifacts. In fact, they can be quirky and fun places to be. Ensure you visit at least one of these museums next time you are in their area.
