National Tetris Museum, Malmo - 12-metre wall of block towers, Build-Your-Own station, EUR5 admission
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1. The National Tetris Museum – Malmö, Sweden
A 12‑metre‑high wall of red, blue, yellow, and green Tetris blocks greets visitors at this niche landmark. The museum, opened in 2008 by game designer and former engineer Johan Lundström, showcases the history of the iconic puzzle game, complete with a full‑size arcade where guests can try their hand at classic and modern Tetris versions. An interactive “Build a Tetris” station lets visitors assemble their own block towers, while a small gift shop offers everything from Tetris‑themed apparel to collectible “Tetris bricks.” The museum’s official website confirms that admission is €5 for adults, €3 for students, and free for children under 12.
2. The Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb, Croatia
Opened in 2010 by filmmaker and philanthropist Zrinka Kostić, this museum curates personal objects that symbolize the end of love stories. Visitors walk through rooms filled with photographs, love letters, and mementos, each accompanied by a brief story that explains the item’s significance. The “Break Room” offers a creative outlet: guests can leave their own notes and objects on a communal board, contributing to an ever‑growing archive of heartbreak. According to the museum’s own information page, tickets are €7 for adults and €5 for seniors, with guided tours available in several languages.
3. The Cheese Museum – Brugg, Switzerland
Dedicated to the art and science of cheese, this museum is housed in a 19‑th‑century dairy building. Visitors can see the traditional methods of cheese aging, participate in tasting sessions featuring local varieties, and learn how Switzerland’s cheese culture has evolved over centuries. A small museum shop sells cheeses, crackers, and specialty tools. The museum’s website lists opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays) and admission of CHF 12 for adults, CHF 6 for students, and free for children under 6.
4. The Museum of Magic and Illusion – London, United Kingdom
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this museum celebrates the history of stage magic. Exhibits include antique props, performance recordings, and a reconstructed magician’s workshop. Interactive displays let visitors experiment with sleight of hand and optical tricks. The museum also hosts live demonstrations and workshops on the art of illusion. The official site notes that entry is £8 for adults, £5 for children, and £6 for seniors, with discounts for students and family tickets.
5. The House of Dreams – Paris, France
This surrealist gallery, founded by artist Claude Lavigne, offers a night‑time experience where visitors sleep in a gallery of 50 mini‑bed rooms, each themed around a particular dream motif: flying, underwater, or haunted. The rooms are filled with interactive installations and art pieces that respond to motion and sound. The website states that the attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., with tickets costing €15 for adults, €10 for children, and a special €8 for seniors.
6. The Museum of Death – Utrecht, Netherlands
A sobering yet oddly intriguing destination, this small museum explores the cultural attitudes toward death and the afterlife across centuries. Exhibits feature funeral rituals, mummification techniques, and philosophical treatises on mortality. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions of death through interactive displays that ask personal questions. According to the museum’s own information, tickets are €4 for adults, €2 for students, and free for children under 12.
7. The Museum of the Unexpected – Brussels, Belgium
An ever‑changing collection of oddities and curiosities, this museum showcases everything from a life‑size model of a Viking longship built entirely of ice to a vault of extinct musical instruments. Guided tours reveal the stories behind each piece and the eccentric individuals who donated them. The museum’s website lists an entry fee of €6 for adults, €3 for students, and a free admission for children under 10. Special “night at the museum” events are held monthly, providing a hauntingly fun experience.
8. The Museum of Sweets – Barcelona, Spain
Situated in a renovated 18th‑century confectionery, this museum offers a delectable dive into the history of candy and pastry. Visitors can see historic candy‑making machinery, learn how to make their own truffles, and sample a selection of local sweets. The museum also features a “sweet timeline” wall that chronicles the evolution of confections from medieval sugar fairs to modern artisanal techniques. Tickets cost €7 for adults and €4 for children, with free entry for toddlers under 2.
9. The Museum of Stupidity – Rotterdam, Netherlands
A tongue‑in‑cheek homage to human error, this museum displays a curated selection of mishaps, prank devices, and “fail” inventions. Interactive exhibits let visitors attempt classic practical jokes in a safe environment. The museum’s own page advertises tickets at €5 for adults, €2 for children, and free admission for guests under 5. The museum’s quirky philosophy is to celebrate that even the most absurd ideas can spark innovation.
10. The Museum of Time – St. Petersburg, Russia
A tribute to horology and the concept of time itself, this museum houses a vast array of clocks ranging from medieval astrolabes to high‑precision quartz chronometers. Interactive displays illustrate the science behind timekeeping, while a “time capsule” allows visitors to leave a message to be opened by future generations. According to the museum’s website, admission is 350 rubles for adults, 200 rubles for students, and free for children under 7.
These ten institutions illustrate that Europe’s museums are not just about the past; they’re about the idiosyncratic moments that make culture memorable. Whether you’re a gamer, a romantic, a foodie, or simply a lover of the unusual, a detour to one of these quirky museums promises a fresh lens through which to view the continent’s rich tapestry of ideas and imagination. Each place offers not only an exhibit but an experience—an invitation to step outside the ordinary and into a world where the eccentric is celebrated.
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