Museums: those boring places where you're not allowed to touch a thing unless you're in the children's section where all real excitement happens. Right? Wrong! If that's what you think about museums, you just haven't gone with the right people. These photos prove those medieval exhibitions and Renaissance art are just fun waiting to happen. But don't take our word for it - take a look for yourself.
One Of These 'Beetles' Is Not Like The Others
Most people just breeze through museum exhibits. Some people are a bit more detail-oriented and pause at each one to read the placard and examine the historical treasures hiding behind the plexiglass. This guy perusing the Museum of Natural History in Cleveland decided to get up close and personal with the beetles when he noticed something hidden amongst all of them. The creator behind the display clearly wanted to know if anyone could spot the difference.
Indeed, one of these is not like the others. A toy car was hidden among the beetles, and if visitors don't look closely, they will miss it.
Sometimes It's Important To Bring The Art To Life
Wandering around a museum full of statues is one of life's simple pleasures. Some sculptors were able to turn giant slabs of marble into literal masterpieces. The curve of a cheek or the curl of a piece of hair is defined in perfect detail on some statues, especially ones by the likes of Bernini. After a long day spent looking at sculptures, this group of friends decided to make their own masterpiece.
All it took was the drape of a body and a few helping hands to perfectly recreate this sculpture. In fact, it is so good it is almost hard to tell which is which.
One Statue To Fill In All Of The Missing Gaps
Life is full of all sorts of strange things. We can't imagine the surprise this guy faced when he came across this sculpture. The hand seen in the art has two fingers: the thumb and the ring finger. Coincidentally, those are the two fingers this person's hand doesn't have. This statue literally completes this person; how sweet is that? We wonder if this guy tried to snag the figure.
After all, it is not every day that you come across the statue that might be your match made in heaven.
Famous Last Words From The Citizens Of Ancient Rome's Pompeii
Natural disasters aren't great, but for the citizens of Pompeii in 79 A.D., a volcanic eruption was particularly disastrous. One of the reasons archeologists know this is because the city was perfectly preserved along with all of the buildings and people in it. Once the lava stopped flowing and hardened, all that was left behind was a city that looked like it had been carved from stone. The archeologists at this museum decided to have fun with the visitors.
We all remember the game kids play where the floor is lava, and if you touch it, you are out. These are the famous last words for everyone in Pompeii.
A Sweet Reunion at the Museum
Being an adult doesn't mean that you need to stop having fun, especially on Halloween. One city has a super fun 'Night at the Museum' event where adults can dress as their favorite historical characters and get after-hours access to all of the exhibits. Some real 'Jurassic Park' franchise fans decided this was the perfect opportunity to dress up as their favorite dinosaurs and hang out with the remains of their ancestors.
The conversation might not have been that lively because all that was left of this T-rex cousin was a whole pile of bones for these two young T-rexes to stare at.
Museums Make The Perfect Makeshift Dancehalls For Kids And Parents
For little kids, every experience is a new one. Stepping foot into a museum full of beautiful pieces of art is an experience unlike any other. Everywhere they look, they see fantastical images of Greek gods and goddesses being one with nature or ballerinas pirouetting to perfection. As this mom watched her daughter, she knew that she would have a dancer on her hands, and we hope she nurtured that hobby.
Mom was probably dancing just out of this photo, but we imagine she was a mirror image of her little one enjoying this precious moment.
Who Knew That Police Dogs Could Give Statements Just Like Humans?
When you think about K-9 units in any police force, the first thing that comes to mind is a rather large dog that possesses a specific unique skill set that is employed to sniff out the bad guys. The one skill most people assume a police dog would not have is the ability to write. After all, dogs don't even have thumbs; how are they supposed to hold a pen or pencil?
Someone at this police department just did not understand that Peach was a dog and could not provide a written account of what he does on the job. Luckily, his handler was able to help draft a statement, and it was too funny not to end up framed in a museum.
All The Single Marble Statues Put Your Hands Up
Throughout the centuries, humans have danced, but hip-hop dancing wasn't exactly a style of dance back when Michelangelo and Bernini were carving marble masterpieces. This statue looks like he might be going through a hard time, but if you adapt that posture to the modern era, you end up with a very famous dance that these two lucky ladies picked up on immediately. In the words of Beyonce, "All the single ladies, now put your hands up!"
This is a picture-perfect moment, but we can't help but think the security guards must have been wondering what on earth they were doing.
Everyone Is An Art Critic When It Comes To Modern Art
Nowadays, it feels like almost anything can be counted as 'art,' especially if it is part of the modern art movement. A single swipe of paint on a canvas can spark a whole artistic movement, and installation art can be almost anything. One guy decided to show off just what he thought of modern art at this museum with a series of photos of 'found' objects he came across, like the water fountain.
He is definitely having a good laugh at the art critics that 'Ooh' and 'Ahh' over pieces of art that are seemingly everyday objects.
The Magic That Is The Face Swap Filter Is Unparalleled
Most people use the Snapchat Face Swap filter to swap faces with famous actors, animals, and friends. One guy knew that people were just not getting creative enough and decided to pull out the filter on his trip to a museum. Six ancient statues and six very funny face swaps later, he was able to create a photo series that makes him look like one of the lost pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
If any of these statues are cursed, this would be a good curse for the next person who tries to steal their faces.
Welcome To The Museum Of Smiling Portraits And Statues
Have you ever walked through a portrait gallery and noticed that most of the portraits are of rather grumpy-looking men who appear to be sitting on something sharp? Maybe that is why they are making those expressions? This person was tired of looking at grimacing cardinals and noblemen and decided to literally put a smile on their faces. All it took was a quick snap, some face tuning, and these guys went from sad to glad.
We have to admit, this is pretty genius. Now, these portraits look like a fun group of guys you would have a beer with.
Even Abraham Lincoln Needs A Side Hustle In This Day And Age
Okay, we know that the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was a busy guy who did many important things, but did you know he was also a part-time dog walker? He was not actually a dog walker, but this person could not help but take advantage of this metal sculpture of Abe Lincoln's pose. He looks ready to set off for a stroll with this pup.
The pup made it that much better by posing for the camera and smiling at its owner.
The Grand Reopening For The Museum Of Gloucester Was Attended By All
The great thing about museums is that they are very inclusive and often showcase exhibits from a wide variety of centuries and even millennia. The Museum of Gloucester was excited about its grand reopening and decided to make sure that everyone was properly represented, even those from the Late Cretaceous period like the T-rex here. It's great to see everyone representing their time period in traditional dress, even if it is slightly confusing.
We really hope this T-rex didn't try to eat up any unsuspecting villagers from a few thousand years after its extinction.
Nobody Can Resist A Pacifier, Especially Fish From The Cypress Swamp
One of the best ways to learn about various wildlife is to see them in the wild, and if that is not possible, zoos with a focus on conservation and aquariums are good options. Sometimes, the tanks in certain exhibits like this at the Virginia Living Museum have openings where little fingers can drop items like pacifiers inside the tanks. That's precisely what happened at the Cypress Swamp exhibit.
Mom was sure to check where the pacifier had landed, but it was too late. This fish decided to steal it and use it as a security blanket!
Historical Figures Are Sometimes Brought To Life By Accident
One of the strangest things about museums is that the old paintings sometimes depict people from hundreds of years ago that look identical to people walking around today. After visiting a museum, this guy got a message from his cousins wondering how he managed to sit for this portrait and get it hung up in a display. The resemblance is pretty uncanny, and he looks like the portrait came to life.
Maybe this is an ancient ancestor, and the genes were so strong that they emerged in him a couple of generations later.
We All Know That One Person Who Is A Boring Sponge
It's impossible to be interesting all of the time, but sometimes scientists really take it too far when they decide to name a new specimen. Whoever saw this sponge and thought, okay, it is a 'Boring Sponge' was not feeling particularly creative that day. Although, as far as insults go, this might be a good one to pull out the next time you need to tell someone how you really feel.
We would not suggest calling a friend this. If anything, a friend should be an interesting sponge since all of our brains are sponges and can absorb information.
Just A Little Bit Of Static Electricity Goes A Long Way
Being a dad means finding inventive ways to entertain the kids, and going to children's museums is just one of the many ways to do this. Anyone who has seen the static electricity metal balls often found in these museums knows that as soon as you place your hand atop one of them, good things will happen. And all of that electricity does some pretty funny things to hair.
Instead of this dad's hair becoming full of electricity, his little one's hair became fully charged with electricity and stood up on end all over the place.
Everyone Needs A Helping Hand At The Museum Of Illusions
Going to a Museum of Illusions alone is a real no-no. The whole point is that you get to experience all of the eye-bending optical illusions with friends and take some funny photos of them. One guy kind of forgot that the whole experience needs to be enjoyed with someone, and luckily, a museum attendant took pity on him and offered to view all of the exhibits as he made his way through.
Most workers just stand around, so it was probably a lot of fun for this attendant to help make all of the illusions come alive.
No Aquatic Exhibition Is Complete Without The Shrek Jellyfish
Running a museum and coming up with engaging exhibits is a lot harder than it looks. You don't just walk into the storeroom and pick out a few pieces to put on display. Instead, it takes hours, and you need to determine what will grab peoples' attention, and then you have to make it interactive because most people like to touch things, listen to interesting facts, and watch little videos.
The Tokyo Digital Art Museum got it right with this interactive exhibition, where people can draw a fish to be scanned into the fake aquarium. And one visitor could not help but add a bit of Shrek into the mix by drawing a Shrek jellyfish.
Apparently, Kids Don't Need to Be Awake to Have Fun
Whenever parents decide to trek to a museum with their child or baby in tow, they expect that they will be awake and have a lot of fun. Things didn't exactly go according to plan for this little one, but the parents were not about to miss all of the photo ops of their little one trying out all of the rides for their first time, even if they won't remember it.
The baby managed to sleep as its parents put it on the slide, in the ball pit, and everything else. It must have had some very colorful dreams as it absorbed its surroundings.
Sometimes We All Just Need To Let Our Inner Child Out
We all remember what it was like being a kid, and even if our joints crack and creak a bit more than they used to, there is always time to get down and have some fun. The inner child needs to be released, and science-themed museums are the perfect place for adults to do this. There are literally scientific marvels around every corner, and adults know just how to make them work.
Just look at this guy as he grins at his wife. His head has never been bigger, and he has never been happier.
Is This One Of Michael Jackson's Ancestors From Ancient Egypt?
Some people can trace their lineage back for multiple generations, and if you take a look at this statue, you just might see the face of a very famous former singer. Michael Jackson was known for certain things, and his nose was definitely one of them. It was a unique shape. In fact, it was almost identical to the nose on this statue which is why one person could not help but snap a photo.
Michael Jackson's maybe ancestor is hanging out at the Field Museum in Chicago if anyone is interested in checking it out.
When Life Gives Your Horns, Make Funny Photos With Them
As the old saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," but this phrase needs to be adapted when it comes to museums. It should be, "When life gives you horns, pose as a satyr." For this museum worker, she figured out a great way to spend her breaks, and it involves making very funny faces and posing with all of the horns and antlers in the entire museum.
We would love to see some more of these photos and maybe even some hybrid animals we have never heard of before.
Go Big Or Go Home At The Lamborghini Museum
Not all museums are built the same, and some are way cooler than others, especially if they are about something you love. For this father and son duo, they visited the Lamborghini Museum in Italy, and the father knew exactly what kind of photos he wanted out of this adventure. There weren't going to be any boring ones with the little boy just standing in front of a bunch of luxury cars.
No, dad was going to make sure that his son could 'carry' the weight of the car on his back and make it looks like he had the strength of the ancient Roman gods.
Walk Like An Egyptian And Other Signs From This Museum
Most of the time, the signage in museums is pretty standard. You have the graphics of the man and woman which indicate the bathroom, the three people in a square which means an elevator, and then the exit signs. This Ancient Egyptian Museum wanted to be different, and they knew just how to do it. Why have people walking and running on signs, when you can have full-on pharaohs?
When you see this sign, just follow the Pharoah, and you will get to wherever you need to go. Don't forget to hum the song "Walk like an Egyptian" by the Bangles to yourself.
M. Bean Knows When To Embrace His Inner Spirituality
For most of us, finding enlightenment is pretty tough. Some people search for it through different religious texts and experiences, while others just try to commune with the natural world. It's hard to know what Mr. Bean's character would opt to do, but becoming a smiling Buddha is not what we would have guessed. Yet, here he is in all of his enlightened glory, and we have to admit it looks pretty good on him.
Luckily, someone managed to capture Mr. Bean in his element so that we could all enjoy this new version of him.
The Force Transcends Centuries
When you walk into a museum exhibition dedicated to the 19th century, there are a few things that you expect to see. The first are portraits of rather dour-looking men in dresscoats. The second are some busts from the time period. You would expect the room to be furnished in a style similar to the time period, but in Slovakia, they decided to do something a little bit galactic instead.
If you look closely enough at the wallpaper, the pattern is actually of lightsabers and Darth Vader's mask. Only true Star Wars fans would get close enough to notice this.
Taxidermy Is Both An Art Form And A Calling
The art of taxidermy takes some real skill, patience, and a whole lot of trial and error. Not all taxidermists are the same, and this rather unique-looking lion proves that. Something went really wrong with the face, and either it was supposed to be scary or just plain confused. Any adult coming upon this lion would have a hard time looking it in the eyes. Whoever is responsible for this might need a bit more training.
We do give the unknown taxidermist props for trying, though. Practice makes perfect, right?
Disney Princess Moments Are Something Everyone Should Experience
Growing up, many of us watched Disney films that featured princesses communing with birds and singing to forest animals as they went about their princess business. Recreating these moments in the real world isn't as easy as the movies make them out to be. But for this woman, she did that Disney princess moment when a beautiful butterfly landed right on top of her nose. She even got the picture to prove it.
Adults really do just want to have fun, and places like these make it a reality which is why they are worth visiting.
Sometimes The Best Interpretation Is The Misinterpretation
Some people are polyglots and can pick up a new language at literally the drop of a hat. Other people, and probably the majority of the world, need a little bit more help when it comes to language learning, These two guys definitely don't speak Estonian, but that didn't stop them from attempting their own interpretation of this museum name. If you whisper the name phonetically to yourself, you will understand what is happening here.
If whispering doesn't help, just look at the kick placement, and you will know exactly how these two guys interpreted that name.
A Not So Distant Cousin
It's not every day that a driver's ed teacher gets to go on a class field trip. Most of their time is spent teaching teens how to not hit things as they learn how to drive. Now, that is a job that takes some real patience. For this teacher, though, he decided to chaperone a trip to the museum and ended up coming across white might just be the footprint of an ancestor.
He only has three fingers, and they perfectly align with this reptilian footprint. Maybe we don't understand how humans and dinosaurs are related after all.
The Latest In Modern Art: The Case Of The Missing Camouflaged Boyfriend
Modern art is one of those tricky things, where when you visit a museum of modern art, you are never quite sure what is the art and what is just the museum decor. One couple decided to do some solo wandering, and after a few minutes, the girlfriend could not spot her boyfriend anywhere. Somehow, he had managed to blend into his surroundings and become one with one of the abstract paintings.
All it took was a unique track jacket in the exact same color palette as the painting, and this guy was able to hide from his girlfriend effectively.
Why Do The Regular Pose When You Can Do The Funny One?
Most couples have the serious one and the funny one. Together they are a well-balanced duo, and we didn't think a photo could accurately capture this until we set eyes on these two. Trick eye museums are supposed to be a lot of fun, and you can take completely ridiculous photos in all sorts of funny positions. Instead of going all out, the girlfriend just did the standard pose.
After seeing that boring photo, the boyfriend knew that he had to shake things up and make the most of the experience, which he did, on his face!
Even Skeletons Need A Bit Of Christmas Spirit Around The Holidays
Museums can be stuffy and boring, especially if the team behind the exhibits isn't particularly creative. Kelvingrove Museum is not one of those places, though, and the team always knows when to make things festive. Just take a look at this giant skeleton. A little something has been added to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer to the museum floor. Somebody decided that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer needed to come to the museum.
Simply adding a red nose to the skeleton was all it took to bring a few smiles to visitors' faces, and other museums can definitely take a page out of this one's book for the next holiday season.
Any Painting Can Be A Selfie If You Try Hard Enough
Museums aren't for everyone; that is a fact. A lot of people would rather be glued to their phones than wander around an old building full of even older stuff, and that is totally okay. But sometimes, life gives you old portraits, and a bit of ingenuity can go a long way. This museum-goer knew that it was time for the old to meet new in the land of selfie-taking.
We have to admit, these historical 'selfies' are pretty spectacular, and this is definitely a museum hack we want to try recreating.
A Sign You Would Never Find At Jurassic Park
Museum signs tend to be pretty typical. Follow the arrows, or here is the bathroom, but once in a while, there is a sign that really stands out. The Museum of Earth Sciences in Cambridge has a lot of cool specimens to take a look at, but one thing they do not have is live velociraptors wandering around their halls. That is better left to the world of Jurassic Park.
This sign is pretty great, though, even if there are no velociraptors. The next 'Jurassic Park' movie should definitely consider adding a few to their walls, and maybe one specifically for T-rexes.
When The Name Of Something Is Too Good To Pass Up
As adults, we are meant to be serious and care about our careers and family and all of that stuff, right? Sometimes, adults just need to let loose, though, and this guy could not help but revert to his teen years when he found out a stone with a very special name was displayed somewhere in this museum. The chemical composition of the stone is interesting, but the name is something out of this world funny.
A native English speaker must have named this one because nobody else could create a play on words quite like this.
Don't Smile For The Camera At The Torture Museum
There are literally museums for everything these days, and some parts of history were pretty dark, like during Ivan the Terrible's reign. We're not sure this is the best place to bring a child, but the Terrible Torture Museum must have at least had some interesting exhibits and hands-on experiences for this little one to play with. Clearly, she understood the gravity of what she was seeing judging by this photo.
We suppose there is no smiling in this house of horrors, but we do have to question what this parent was thinking by even bringing their child here.
No Piano Amateurs Allowed At This Museum
Musical instruments are like people: they need a bit of TLC every once in a while, especially pianos. A lot of museums have grand pianos that are used for special events, like fundraisers, but this museum has one that a select group of visitors is allowed to play. There will be no amateur hour, though. If you can plan the 'Turkish March' or 'Moonlight Sonata,' then you are probably good enough to try out this piano.
If not, you may as well just pretend like the piano doesn't exist because this piano is not for anyone who isn't a classically trained pianist, apparently.
Even Girlfriends Need To Be Shrunk Once In A While
We would love to know how illusion exhibits are created at museums. It takes a special kind of mine to dream up some of the scenarios, and this chair one is definitely special. As soon as this girlfriend plopped herself down on this chair, it appeared as if she had shrunk down to the size of a baby. Judging by her partner's face, he is pretty happy with his new pint-sized girlfriend.
Just imagine if we lived in a world where you could actually be shrunk like this. Would life be easier or harder?