There are various categories of a museum where we can find creative integration of stories, collectables and human interaction. Many people are not attracted to museums as it can get monotonous and boring to some extent. So I researched and found out that my love for museums has led me to explore unique museums that have taken a different but exciting challenge to present the past compellingly.
In this blog, I have listed down five kinds of museums that you can visit in Europe where you don't just have to take a stroll in the large halls and call it a day.
There are more than five types, but we will come up with those suggestions later if you find such details exciting. Keep reading.
Type 1: Archaeology Museums –
Kristal Museum, Borculo – I have inherited a love for crystals, so when I came to know about the museum on our weekend trip to Enschede, I couldn't resist myself. The museum boasts various archaeological artefacts ranging from crystals mined from different parts of the world, fossils of various plants and animals that give an idea about the past eras that existed million years back, to the kinds of rocks found in the soil and subsoil of our Earth.
Besides the usual display of gemstones, minerals and fossils, you can also explore the working station where the whole process is carried out.
Added Benefit: You can also buy a gemstone for yourself!
The other ones are The Museu da Filigrana (Lisbon, Portugal)
Type 2: Art Museums –
De Pont Museum, Tilburg – Jan De Pont, the founder of the museum, decided to channelize his fortunes to better contemporary art. He is a businessman who cleverly converted a closing Textile mill into space where the artist's outlook and perception is the essence of an art display. Each art is carefully chosen to be demonstrated in the museum to start a dialogue regarding important thoughts, facts or emotions. Each craft is given its own space so that everyone visiting has the opportunity to see, feel and interpret the collections in their way.
Just a tip: Can combine the TEXTIEL MUSEUM visit along with it, which is a working mill that can help you understand the mystery behind clothing better.
The other ones are Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Kroller Museum Voluwe
Type 3: Natural History Museums –
De Museumfabriek, Enschede - As the name suggests, you may consider it a textile or fabric museum, but it isn't just that. Being a part of the Dutch Natural History Collections Foundation, it has a section of nature collections used for scientific research, exhibitions, and education purposes. A visit to the museum will let you explore life's origin, life cycle, and many more fun facts. The stuffed animals or pressed plants provides a picture of biodiversity on our planet.
Type 4: Maritime Museum –
Museu De Marinha, Lisbon – The Maritime museum depicts the maritime history of Portugal. Everyone knows the story of Vasco da Gama that how he discovered India. But would not it be exciting to follow his adventure the way it happened? King Luis, who had a strong inclination towards oceanographic studies, began the journey of this museum. It encompasses the navigation maps and instruments, scale models of ships used during invasions and how that formed world map in those days because of all the expeditions. It was a spine-chilling experience as I felt so close to my country being so far away since both countries are so intertwined.
Pro Tip: Visit the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia for grand architecture, and Vasco da Gama's tomb lies there.
Type 5: Science Museum –
Nemo Science Museum, Amsterdam – Everyone loves Nemo then why not Nemo Science museum? Being one of the largest science centres in The Netherlands proudly hosts five floors of hands-on experiment exhibitions. Specific scientific topics dominate each storey, and all the experiments are self conductible. Ranging from DNA to magnets, electricity and the human mind cover many subjects giving ample interactive sessions. This was my personal favourite as time flew by and I wasn't bored for any moment.
Side Advice: If you have kids, then this is a mine for you. You can easily spend hours here. Dig it.
There are other museum designs, too, which are equally unique and exciting. Stay tuned for more.