Some strange museums house quite bizarre things. From medical shoes to toilets and exotic dancers to dog collars, a museum somewhere near you is holding a weird exhibition.
Exotic World Museum
Photo credit: Lola Staar
The Burlesque Hall of Fame and Museum is the proper title of this museum. It holds an exhibition of outfits and accessories and is organised by burlesque dancer and entertainer Dixie Evans who was famous for imitating Marilyn Monroe. The exhibits date from the 1800's right through to the middle of the 20th century and include the exotic outfits worn by burlesque dancer Jenny Lee.
The collection includes all manner of things including a black velvet cape which was worn by American actress and entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee. Other items include low cut sequinned dresses and panties complete with tassels. The whole history of costume worn in the American burlesque theatre is on display here.
Dog Collar Museum
Photo credit: LeedsCastle.com
This one is based in the gate tower of Leeds Castle in Kent, England. There is a collection of dog collars going back to medieval times. It is the only one of its kind in Britain. The collection of 100 dog collars was presented to the castle by a Mrs Gertrude Hunt in memory of her husband who had been a keen scholar of medieval history. The exhibits span 500 years of history and include a huge metal collar worn by a hunting dog, right through to soft, jewel encrusted versions for modern pampered pouches.
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
Austrian Gentleman's porcelain urinal
Photo Credit: Sulabhmuseum.com
This museum is located in New Delhi, India. The company that built this museum was the one that originally brought sanitation to many poor, rural areas. In the grounds of their head office they have put together a museum which traces the world history of toilets. Exhibits include specially designed and shaped ladies' chamber pots from the 1800's and even the most exquisitely decorated porcelain bathroom fitting designed for the use of gentleman.
British Lawnmower Museum
Photo credit: Travelchannel
The British lawnmower museum is situated in Southport, England. I t holds more than 2000 antique and prototype lawnmowers. All these were designed and built in Britain. The most interesting machines on display here include a 1912 ATCO standard blade machine and even a solar powered version. It would take a good two hours to see all the machines on display here.
Marikina Footwear Museum
Photo credit: Wikipedia Ctreative Commons
This museum is in Manila, The Philippines. It was started when Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Islands made a donation. She was well known for the number of pairs of shoes she had in her collection. The museum opened in 2001 and houses several hundred pairs of shoes left behind when Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos left the country. There are other exhibits which have been donated by local dignitaries and celebrities.
