12 Surprising Facts About Museums That Will Change How You See Them on International Museum Day
12 Cool surprising facts about museums that might change how you see them.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Museums are more than just quiet places full of old stuff. Some are underwater, others show broken hearts or bad art, and most hold way more than what you see. These fun facts will give you a whole new way to look at museums, just in time for International Museum Day.
1. The World’s Oldest Public Museum
Wolfgang Moroder on Wikimedia Commons
The Capitoline Museums in Rome, established in 1471, are considered the world’s oldest public museums. Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of bronze sculptures, laying the foundation for public access to art and history.
2. Only 1% of Artifacts Are on Display
Diliff on Wikimedia Commons
The British Museum houses over eight million artifacts, but only about 1% are on public display at any given time. The rest are stored or used for research, highlighting the vastness of museum collections.
3. The World’s First Vagina Museum
Maggie Jones on Wikimedia Commons
London is home to the world’s first museum dedicated to vaginas. The museum aims to educate visitors and destigmatize conversations about anatomy, health, and identity. Its bold, informative exhibits spark real dialogue.
4. Museums Beneath the Waves
Andy Blackledge on Wikimedia Commons
The Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) in Mexico features over 500 submerged sculptures. These works of art promote coral reef growth while offering divers a unique visual experience. It’s a blend of creativity, ecology, and underwater adventure.
5. A Museum of Heartbreak
Estsiiri on Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb collects personal items left behind after breakups. Each item is paired with a short story from its donor. Together, they create a moving portrait of love, grief, and healing.
6. Tracing Sanitation History
Ajay Tallam on Wikimedia Commons
The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in India explores the evolution of sanitation systems. It features toilets from ancient civilizations to modern innovations. This museum makes hygiene both educational and surprisingly fascinating.
7. Frogs Mimicking Human Life
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
Froggyland in Croatia displays over 500 taxidermied frogs frozen in lifelike human activities. They’re posed in scenes like schoolrooms, gyms, and courtrooms. It’s quirky, detailed, and completely unforgettable.
8. The World’s Largest Museum Complex
Geiserich77 on Wikimedia Commons
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., includes 19 museums, 21 libraries, and a zoo. It houses millions of objects related to art, science, history, and culture. Visitors could spend weeks there and still not see everything.
9. Celebrating Art Gone Awry
Kafka Liz on Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts proudly showcases work that’s “too bad to be ignored.” Each piece celebrates effort, creativity, and humor regardless of skill. It reminds us that art does not have to be perfect to matter.
10. Museums Going Green
HouseOfScandal on Wikimedia Commons
The Boston Children’s Museum was one of the first to earn LEED Gold certification for sustainability. It uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, and its green design helps inspire young visitors to care for the planet.
11. Ancient Centers of Learning
Amr F.Nagy on Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Alexandria, founded around 300 BCE, was a major hub for ancient scholars. It was closely linked to the famous Library of Alexandria. Together, they were symbols of early academic ambition and curiosity.
12. Celebrating Museums Worldwide
Simon Just on Wikimedia Commons
International Museum Day takes place every year on May 18. It honors the role museums play in culture, education, and global understanding. In 2025, over 37,000 museums across 158 countries joined the celebration.