MA’s Most Mysterious Oddities & Bizarre Landmarks

From anatomical anomalies to mysterious hieroglyphics and miniature museums – Massachusetts has some pretty odd attractions! If you’ve got a penchant for the peculiar, look no further than your own backyard. These landmarks are sure to satisfy your desire for the deranged!

The Museum of Bad Art, Somerville

With all the museums dedicated to fine art, it’s refreshing to know that there is a place where the not-so-talented artists of the world are celebrated, too. From disturbing to creepy to just plain awful, the paintings and sculptures are sure to hold your interest.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLsDJGUhekH/?tagged=museumofbadart

 

Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston

Founded in 1848, this gorgeous garden cemetery is a unique memorial to the deceased. Featuring rolling green hills, flowers and plantings as well as one-of-a-kind art, sculpture and architecture – Forest Hills is a far cry from your average resting place. A major draw for tourists are the cement houses lining the side of a hill. They are miniature replicas of the homes the deceased once lived in.

Strange little buildings at #foresthillscemeteryboston #foresthills #boston

A photo posted by @annieruok15 on Feb 28, 2016 at 5:51pm PST

 

Rockport Paper House, Rockport

Built by mechanical engineer, Elis F. Stenman in 1922, this lovely little cottage is built entirely of old newspapers – well, except for the fireplace, of course. Even the furniture and fixtures inside the home are created from paper. Part of the fun of visiting the paper house is examining the vintage articles and headlines visible beneath the varnish.

#zine1o1mooc @zine1o1 #z1o1petitspapiers this is the Piano at the #paperhouserockport a house build entirely of newspaper. That was 1922 as he had so much fun doing it he continued when the house was ready and build all the furniture with newspapers too.

A photo posted by Geli (@geli1o1) on Sep 12, 2016 at 12:38am PDT

 

Mµseum, Somerville

The website describes The Mµseum as “a space for showcasing masterful, engaging, and innovative work on an intimate scale with a focus on art being produced in New England.” The tiny “museum” is 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep.

Getting close with the tiny-est of museums

A photo posted by Dan Can (@whocan_dancan) on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:23pm PDT

 

Dighton Rock, Berkeley

The strange carvings and symbols discovered on Dighton Rock in the 1680’s are one of the New World’s greatest mysteries. No one has ever been able to interpret the writings or determine who created them.

Mysterious #Rock #DightonRock #Fact #FunFacts_Zami

A photo posted by Zami A D (@staralive) on Aug 3, 2015 at 2:59am PDT

 

Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston

Those who long to visit Philadelphia’s famous Mutter Museum may not realize that there is a smaller version right at home in Boston. It features the skeletons of conjoined fetal twins and the skull of Phineas Gage, who survived a 13-pound rod being blasted through his head by dynamite – just to name a few.

#warrenanatomicalmuseum #harvardmedicallibrary #rickets

A photo posted by Sara Mayer (@sara_n_pisco) on Jun 9, 2015 at 5:18pm PDT

 

Joseph Allen Skinner Museum, South Hadley

Jam-packed with a menagerie of the weird, wild and wonderful, the Joseph Allen Skinner Museum has been a hidden gem for fans of the abnormal since 1946.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMACp2QBvUq/?taken-at=19397521

Echo Bridge, Newton

Want to hear your own voice echoed back to you up to 25 times? Then a visit to Newton’s Echo Bridge should be at the top of your list. Built in 1877, the bridge extends over Hemlock Gorge. The unique architecture of the structure accounts for the acoustic phenomenon. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Echo Bridge Restaurant once you’re all hollered out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/4_l8hNSoF6/?tagged=echobridge

Featured Image via Instagram/@MyDearHearts