A cultural day out in London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a totally bizarre museum. There’s something about the British sense of humour that just finds joy in the obscure. Whether you’re in the market for a tour of the capital’s strangest slot machines, or you’d prefer to get, quite literally, under the skirt of history – there’s a museum in London for you. Here are the best of them!
The Novelty Automation Museum
The Novelty Automation Museum is a must for anyone who has a fascination with slot machines. The curators of this museum have renovated and repurposed various coin operated machines and eventually re-homed them in this Holborn haunt. The chances of hitting the jackpot are significantly lower here than they are on online slots sites, but you’re perhaps more likely to come across something a little unexpected. Whilst online casinos can offer thousands of winning combinations, most of the machines here offer just one outcome. You pay your penny and watch the magic unfold.
Although it sounds a little too simplistic to work, that’s where the beauty of it is. Some of these machines are from as far back as the Victorian era and yet they’re still charming today. A ‘ferocious’ dog sits behind bars in one of the machines, his eyes flash red when you put in your coin, you’re then asked to insert your hand between the bars, as he growls, barks and drools onto you. It’s strange, its sort of scary and its incredibly low tech, but it’s hilarious. Truly worth visiting.
The Vagina Museum
Although this teeny tiny museum only opened in October 2019, it’s been making waves in the national news. The Camden based Vagina Museum is the first museum of it’s kind in the world. To make this even more incredible, it was entirely crowdfunded, with £50,000 being raised so that the importance of its exhibits could reach everybody. Taking up only two rooms, the museum is something you could probably achieve on a lunch break if you were quite speedy, but despite it’s small size, it has had a big impact.
The museum is free to enter, an aspect of this project that was important to it’s creators. The exhibition is always educational and at times comical. Stigmas are challenged, contemporary ideas are examined and the history of vulvas and vaginas is laid bare, all in the name of education. The space feels safe and inclusive, in no small part down to the incredible team of voluntary staff who are always on hand to help or further explain parts of the exhibition. If nothing else, it’s worth a visit for a picture of yourself with the giant ‘glampon’ – it’s Instagram gold.
The Magic Circle
If you happen to be passing by Euston, then keep your eye’s peeled for the neighbourhood’s magic new addition, The Magic Circle. This museum is conveniently located at the Magic Circle Headquarters and, as such, they have quite a selection of incredible curiosities. Some of its most notable possessions belong to Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin and the showstopper is, of course, Harry Houdini’s very own handcuffs. Anyone with even a passing interest in magic should definitely make a point of visiting, it’s enough to awaken even the grumpiest old man’s inner child. Do be sure to make yourself an appointment though, as this is strictly not a walk in venue.
Ticket prices vary depending on what’s on offer each day of the week. The Monday Morning Magic is an affordable option, with tickets starting at £50 for four people. During the tour you’ll meet a number of magicians, who not only will show you around the collection, but also amaze you with magic tricks and unbelievable stories. Afterwards you’ll be allowed to explore the Headquarters of this world renowned club. Late risers will perhaps be better suited to the Monday Mysteries which takes place in the evening from 7 until 10; the format is very similar but the vibe is much more ‘grown up’, with drinks being served and a slightly spookier atmosphere.
