Buzz
Museums are fantastic additions to any travel itinerary, with iconic places like the Louvre or the Smithsonian attracting large crowds of visitors each year. Then there are collections that, though more niche, still captivate the right audience.
Around the world, there are countless quirky museums, but who would have guessed that so many would focus on celebrities? These tribute-like exhibitions are dedicated to the famous, featuring memorabilia, props, personal items, and everything else fans could wish to see. Discover these celebrity museums from around the world that offer a truly unique experience.
10. The Britney Spears Exhibit at The Kentwood Museum
In the quaint town of Kentwood, Louisiana, you'll find the Kentwood Museum, home to two permanent exhibits—the Kentwood Military Exhibit and the Britney Spears Exhibit. Though it may seem unusual, the museum honors the hometown of pop sensation Britney Spears. After countless fans reached out to Kentwood for more information about the star, the museum opened the exhibit in 2001, allowing visitors to learn more about the iconic singer.
The exhibit is divided into three sections: one highlighting Britney’s childhood, another focusing on her time in the “New Mickey Mouse Club,” and the third celebrating her rise as a pop sensation. Museum visitors can explore a replica of one of her stages, as well as see her costumes, platinum records, photographs, and other personal memorabilia. A gift shop also offers an array of Britney Spears merchandise for fans.
9. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
One of Austria's most famous sons has a museum dedicated to him in his birthplace. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum is located in Thal, in the very home where the Terminator star grew up. After leaving Austria to pursue bodybuilding, acting, and politics, Schwarzenegger's accomplishments and charitable work are all showcased at the museum.
The museum’s rooms are filled with memorabilia, showcasing exhibits that span his childhood, his film career, and his time as governor. Visitors can explore rare movie props, a collection of workout equipment, photographs, and even get a glimpse of his governor's desk. Though small in comparison to Schwarzenegger and his diverse careers, the museum offers exclusive items that are impossible to find elsewhere. The experience will leave you saying, "I’ll be back."
8. The Stoogeum
The first and largest museum dedicated to the Three Stooges is located in Ambler, Pennsylvania. The Stoogeum houses approximately 100,000 pieces of "Stoogeabilia," which include props, toys, personal items, and much more. The 929-square-meter (10,000 ft) building has three floors filled with artifacts from the iconic comedy trio, along with an art gallery, research library, and an 85-seat theater that hosts film screenings, lectures, and other presentations.
The Three Stooges Fan Club, one of the oldest and largest fan clubs in the U.S., is also based at the Stoogeum. With around 2,000 members worldwide, the club holds its annual gatherings at the museum, bringing together Stooges' family members, supporting actors, impersonators, and fans for a comedy-filled celebration.
7. The L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition
L. Ron Hubbard, an American writer and the founder of the Church of Scientology, worked hard to have Scientology acknowledged as a legitimate religion. While his path to recognition was challenging, his influence and following grew throughout his lifetime. His achievements are celebrated and chronicled at the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition.
Opened in 1991, the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition features over 30 engaging exhibits and multimedia presentations. The exhibition showcases a variety of artifacts, awards, and films that highlight Hubbard's impact on Scientology. Visitors can watch videos such as “Introduction,” “A Brief Chronology,” “Early Years,” “University Years,” and “Living the Stories.” The museum is open daily and is conveniently located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
6. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum
In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered in a brutal fashion in their Fall River, Massachusetts, residence. Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, was accused of the ax murders but was cleared of all charges in 1893. The crime was never solved, and Lizzie continued to live in the Borden house until her death in 1927. The house is now a bed-and-breakfast and museum, open to visitors year-round.
The house remains largely unchanged since the murders, with artifacts related to the case on display throughout the property. Visitors can even stay overnight if they are brave enough to face the rumored paranormal activity. The Lizzie and Emma Suite contains both of their rooms, while the Andrew and Abby Suite features their bedroom as well as Abby's sewing room. The John V. Morse Room, where Lizzie and Emma's uncle stayed the night before Abby was discovered murdered in that very room, is also available. In addition to these, there are three other rooms for guests to stay. For those interested in learning about the chilling murders, day tours are available, and for the daring, candlelit night tours can be booked.
5. Museu CR7
On the beautiful island of Madeira lies a shrine-like museum dedicated to soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Born on this island off the coast of Portugal, Ronaldo is a key player for both Portugal’s national team and Serie A club Juventus. As one of the most decorated soccer players in history, boasting numerous awards, championships, and records, Ronaldo established a museum to showcase his trophies for fans to admire. Some might say his ego matches his immense talent; you can decide for yourself.
Museu CR7 celebrates Ronaldo's career by displaying an impressive array of accolades, including four Golden Boot awards, five Ballon d'Ors, and numerous other club trophies. Visitors can interact with the museum's timeline, which highlights key moments in his illustrious career. A popular feature is the augmented reality experience, where fans can snap photos next to a life-like image of the soccer star.
4. Ava Gardner Museum
One of Hollywood’s most glamorous icons has a museum dedicated to her in North Carolina. Ava Gardner, an American actress active from the 1940s to the 1970s, is best remembered for her roles in films such as The Killers, Mogambo, The Night of the Iguana, and Bhowani Junction. The museum in her home state honors the rich life, loves, and lasting legacy of this legendary star.
The 465-square-meter (5,000 ft²) exhibit space highlights Gardner’s successful career in the entertainment industry. Guests can view a variety of costumes, movie posters, and awards, alongside a collection of personal belongings including jewelry, artwork, portraits, and more. The museum also features sections dedicated to the long-standing friendship between Ava Gardner and Gregory Peck, as well as exhibits on her homes in California, Spain, New York, and England. Every year, the Ava Gardner Festival is hosted at the museum to honor the life of the celebrated actress.
3. Jackie Chan Museum
One of the most renowned Chinese figures in the world has his own museum in Shanghai. The Jackie Chan Museum, housed in a renovated factory, is dedicated to the kung fu expert and accomplished actor Jackie Chan. Visitors are greeted by a short introductory film featuring the martial arts legend, before being invited to explore the museum.
The museum is divided into four distinct sections, each focusing on a different aspect of his life, from his early film career to his charitable efforts. Visitors can view various props from his films and engage with interactive displays and videos documenting Chan’s remarkable journey. Many of his films are action-packed, and the museum includes plenty of memorabilia to reflect this, such as a motorbike smashing through a wall. The final section of the museum highlights his philanthropic work and encourages visitors to contribute to his charitable causes. Chan’s impact extends far beyond the screen, as he continues to change lives through his charity work.
2. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
As one of the most legendary figures in literature, Ernest Hemingway once resided in a home in Key West, which is now a museum celebrating his life and work. Located in Old Town, this house was one of the first in the area to feature both indoor plumbing and a pool. In 1938, the pool was built at a cost of $20,000, measuring 18 meters (60 ft) in length, 7.3 meters (24 ft) in width, and 3 meters (10 ft) in depth. Hemingway penned some of his most celebrated works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls and A Farewell to Arms, while living here.
Much of the original, elegant furniture remains intact in the home, alongside other opulent decorations. The museum also offers visitors a chance to explore its beautiful gardens and the original pool. A white six-toed cat was gifted to Hemingway, and its descendants continue to roam the grounds, along with about 40 other polydactyl (six-toed) cats. Hemingway had a tradition of naming his cats after famous people, a custom that endures to this day.
1. Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum
You may not be familiar with Gibsland, Louisiana, but this small town is home to a museum dedicated to one of history’s most infamous outlaw duos. Bonnie and Clyde became notorious for their thrilling crime spree, which included robbery, theft, and shootouts. Their captivating, rebellious nature earned them a place in the public imagination as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.
The last place Bonnie and Clyde dined before their fateful deaths was Rosa’s Cafe, now home to the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum. The museum takes visitors back to 1934 to relive the violent ambush that claimed the lives of the notorious couple. Among the exhibits are a replica of their getaway car, firearms, and various other historical artifacts. A monument marking the exact spot where the couple met their end is located about 13 kilometers (8 mi) south of Gibsland.
