19 February 2025
Unusual museums in art cities
Amazing places to discover culture from a different perspective in the cities of Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence, London, Paris and Prague
Great cities of art are often associated with famous and prestigious museums, such as the Louvre in Paris or the Uffizi in Florence. However, there are more unusual and fascinating places that offer unique experiences, capable of telling the history, traditions and curiosities of a city in an original way. From museums dedicated to science and illusionism to eccentric collections and unusual themes, we suggest some must-see destinations for those who love to discover the most surprising side of culture.
Florence Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Florence
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: behind the scenes of the Cathedral
Florence is one of the capitals of art, but few know about the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, located behind the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Here are kept the original masterpieces that once adorned the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, including the famous Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti, in bronze and gold. The museum also offers an extraordinary reconstruction of the medieval façade of the cathedral, which has been lost, allowing you to discover the history of one of the symbols of Florence from a completely new perspective.
Paris. Photo: Sisterscom.com Shutterstock
Paris
Musée des Égouts: the hidden soul of the city
Paris is famous for its iconic museums , but few tourists know that beneath its streets lies a truly unusual museum: the Musée des Égouts. This underground museum allows you to explore the city's historic sewers, discovering the complex system that inspired writers such as Victor Hugo in "Les Misérables". It is a fascinating journey through the history of Parisian urban engineering and the daily life of the city from the nineteenth century to the present day.
London Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
London
Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities: A Modern Cabinet of Wonders
London has no shortage of quirky museums, but the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric. Located in Hackney, this small museum brings together a surreal collection of bizarre objects: from rare animal skulls to erotic works of art, from nature oddities (such as two-headed kittens) to unconventional historical relics. A real cabinet of curiosities, perfect for those who love the unexpected and the mysterious.
Amsterdam, Amstel River. Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Amsterdam
Microbe Museum: discovering the mysterious microscopic world
In the heart of Amsterdam, the Micropia tells an unprecedented story of the microbes that live around us but also within us and their essential role for life. An unmissable opportunity to discover and admire through microscopes a wide and incredible variety of viruses, bacteria and microorganisms in a unique scientific museum.
Berlin Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Berlin
Museum der Dinge: the museum of everyday objects
The Museum der Dinge, or the "Museum of Things", is one of the most curious collections in Berlin. Thousands of everyday objects are exhibited here, from radios to toys, from furniture to advertising gadgets, telling how industrial design has influenced daily life over time. Perfect for those who are passionate about design and industrially produced mass products in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of the objects that are part of our daily lives.
Prague. Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Prague
Museum of Medieval Torture Machines: the dark side of history
In the heart of Prague there is a museum that fascinates and disturbs at the same time: the Museum of Medieval Torture Machines. Torture instruments dating back to the Middle Ages are on display here, accompanied by detailed explanations of their function and historical context. An intense and evocative visit for those interested in the darkest history of humanity and the events of the Inquisition.
The unusual museums offer a different perspective on the cities of art, revealing hidden and surprising aspects of the local culture. From the most eccentric collections to immersive experiences, these destinations represent an original alternative to traditional museums, allowing you to explore the most curious and unexpected side of history and art. If you want to make your next trip even more fascinating, get inspired by these unusual museums and discover the lesser-known face of Europe's most beautiful cities!
By the editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo: Copyright © sisterscom.com / Shutterstock / Depositphotos
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