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When in downtown Reykjavik, I couldn’t resist a visit to the The Icelandic Phallological Museum, or the “Penis Museum” as it is known colloquially because “Phallological” is kind of a mouthful (no pun intended).
Much like the smart and funny folks mentioned in this very official document, there are few things in this world that I enjoy more than a wacky museum, and it doesn’t get much wackier than this. Though in this case, the word “museum” is used pretty loosely to mean “penises in jars.”
What this museum lacks in educational value, it more than makes up for in whimsy. The museum started off as the founders private collection (yes, you read that correctly) of, well… privates. It has since grown into the largest collection of severed penises you’ll find outside of a serial killers basement, 200+ specimens in total.
According to the founder, it all started when he was given the gift on every child’s list, a bull penis. Later in life, when he worked as headmaster of a school, some of his teachers started bringing him whale penises to “tease him.” Office banter is a little different in Iceland. And that, boys and girls, is how a museum is born.
Of course, not all of the penises are in jars. At The Icelandic Phallological Museum, you’ll also find stuffed and mounted penises, phallic art, and even scrotum light fixtures.
The Penis Museum boasts specimens from almost all of the mammals in Iceland, but one mammal is noticeably lacking. There are not currently any human penises on display, but there are 4 that have been bequeathed upon their owners death, and one story of a man that tried (unsuccessfully) to bequeath his surgically. Future visitors to the Icelandic Phallological Museum can look forward to a “Jonah and the Whale” exhibit.
and this proud fellow who “just wants to be friends.”
Of course, we humans aren’t without representation.
Have you ever looked at the Icelandic National Handball Team and thought, “I wonder what their penises look like?” I hadn’t, mostly because I thought handball was an old timey sounding game the elderly made up to make us feel guilty about enjoying the internet. Turns out its a real thing, it’s in the Olympics, and the entire team agreed to display silver casts of their penises to the general public.
I guess I did learn something at the Penis Museum.
If actual penises or casts of such are a bit much for you, you can always retreat to the vegetarian section.
or enjoy an entertaining flip through the guestbook.
No tourist attraction would be complete without a gift shop, and this one is a doozy. Surely, you have a friend at home that need a penis candle or bottle opener.
Or perhaps some penis earrings for that special lady in your life.
Though, I’m not entirely sure how to claim that one at customs.
Whether you find the Icelandic Phallological Museum hilarious or grotesque, it’s certainly worth a visit while in Rekjavik. Where else can you (safely) get a photo of a whale penis that’s taller than you?
At 1250kr or just under $10, the Penis Museum will likely be the cheapest thing you do in Iceland, but who can put a price on an afternoon’s worth of penis jokes?
I am often drawn to the strange but when we visited Iceland this was a museum that we just didn’t want to visit. Even after reading your write up I am still not sure I want to visit.
Missed going to this place when we were in Iceland as it as in the middle of switching locations. Now I know what it looks like inside 🙂
Oh. My Goodness.
I was in Iceland a couple weeks ago and can’t believe I missed this! The look on your face at the end is priceless!
I did read this, out of curiosity. But it may possibly be TMI…
Just proves you can create a museum about anything!
OK – never in my life had I had to think so carefully about what to say. LOL!!! This qualifies as a crazy fun encounter…not sure what is weirdest or craziest…real stuff or veggie? I enjoyed the letter from the guy with the world’s largest penis. Interesting record to hold. LOL! I always travel with the kids and I have to wonder at which point a trip here would be appropriate. LOL!
I have seen reports about this museum on TV, and we are visiting Iceland in May. Still not sure if I am intrigued enough to put it on our packed itinerary, but thanks for the detailed story.
I’d visit for sure, but not sure my IQ or HQ are high enough to truly appreciate this. Great post, made me giggle looking at all the pictures, gonna share so others can have a cheeky Sunday laugh too. 🙂
I love visiting quirky museums! And if it’s the cheapest thing to do in the country, I’m in!
Wow very interesting museum. Not sure I would pay it a visit.
Ahahah. That’s crazy! Really?!?! I may not pick it for a family trip but I’ll for sure consider it otherwise. I mean, isn’t it a once in a lifetime experience and opportunity? The gift shop may be the most interesting part of this museum… for once!!!
I’m never quite sure what to think of museum like this. Of course we must admire and revere the almighty penis, but it’s a little weird, right?
What a weird place! I guess it is one of those things where you have to be in the right frame of mind!
Haha! I actually read several parts of this out loud to my boyfriend. Those letters of donation are easily the weirdest, funniest bits. Iceland is already on my list, but I may need to seek this out while I’m there!
Adventuring The Great Wide Somewhere recently posted…5 Places to See in 2016
I now wish I had made time to visit this museum while in Iceland. I just didn’t have time and now I regret it looking at the pictures. It sounds like a fun and weird place to visit.
They can really make a museum out of anything well this one, perhaps may not be something I would prioritize but I must admit people would be curious enough to visit it. Maybe that was their goal.
This is hilarious and I can find so many inappropriate things to say but I figure I best keep it clean. But the expression on your face says it all and probably exactly what I’m thinking…lol
Welcome to one of Iceland’s growing attractions…would definitely give this place a visit on sheer funny-factor!
That was fascinating! Your writing is hilarious… I can’t believe it actually started as a private collection! I don’t know if an actual visit would be my thing but that was a fun read! haha!
It’s a weird place yet interesting to see 🙂
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