museums

The surge of COVID-19 has, without a doubt, thrown a wrench into nearly everyone’s travel plans this year. Many of us have hardly traveled outside our hometowns since March, which is hard to believe when we live in such a connected world. Even though we may be physically bound to the walls of our own home (or let’s be honest, to our couch), there are still many opportunities to experience more of the world.

Museums are known for being educational experiences. Some people might even say they are life-changing. Most museum-goers are used to viewing art or other artifacts behind glass. But have you ever been to an extremely quirkymuseum, one that went against the norm? Search your area for the nearest museum; you might be surprised by what there is to learn. Photo by Jonathan Noechel-ShunnHastings Museum of Natural and Cultural HistoryThis museum’s biggest attraction is the Kool-Aid exhibit. Have you ever wondered who invented the delicious drink? Or what its old packaging looked like? Or what flavors are now discontinued? A large part of this museum is all about Kool-Aid and the history behind it. Come learn and take a picture with the Kool-Aid Man himself. Photo by vickisee.comSalt and Pepper Shaker MuseumFounder Andrea Ludden loved her mother’s collection of salt and pepper shakers so much that Ludden decided to make a museum out of all the different kinds of seasoning partners out there— over 20,000 to be exact.The shakers are organized by category and color. From shakers that look like multiple different items on a McDonald’s menu to almost every US president, if there’s a certain shaker duo you’re looking for, it’s more than likely in Tennessee.

My grandpa is Swedish; my grandma, English. Whenever his wife would start reminiscing about the glories of the motherland, my Papa, a lifelong chemist, would always reply, “But you’ll never meet an English inventor. Bunch of druids. The Swedes invent things.” Whether or not you’ll ever meet an English inventor, the Swedes are known for their pioneering spirit--just look at Anders Celcius, who invented the 100 point temperature scale, or Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite and founded the prizes named after him. In particular, Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, is a thriving hub where Swedish ingenuity is housed.

Illustration by Kate Hildebrandt

Hear the word Norway and the first thing you may think of is a long-bearded Viking sporting a horned helmet and rough-hewn sword, lording over a fjord from the top of a cliff with the northern lights dancing behind him. This Scandinavian country, with its deep-slicing coastal canyons and heaven-scraping mountains, certainly evokes an atmosphere of mystery and magic. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning scenery, Norway invites visitors to experience natural and indigenous wonders.

In addition to permanent collections, most museums have special temporary exhibits that showcase one particular subject. These can be anything from a display about the U.S. Postal System during World War II to blown and sculpted glass. You have to pay attention though, because these special exhibits are sometimes open for as short as a few months. Here are some exhibits that are currently on display that you won’t want to miss.