Morbidity Coming To a Museum Near You in Revived Travel Trend- Torture Museums

Some travel trends come and go with nary a disruption, but new attention is being brought to torture museums. Museums dedicated to all aspects of torture are not new. Many of these museums have existed for decades. It is the increase in interest and quantity of these museums and exhibits that is grabbing the attention of the travel industry. But just what are torture museums? Why do people feel the need to create and patronize such museums? Most importantly, where can you find one of these museums?

A torture museum is described as a museum that both displays instruments used to torture individuals and provides the historical relevance of torture in society. The subject matter of this travel trend, however gruesome it may be, revolves around history. Proponents of torture museums sight such an inhumane subject matter as culturally insensitive. Those against creating entire exhibits and museums revolving around the brutal loss of life see such exhibits as a glorification of some of the worst recorded violence in history. While their sentiments are felt and acknowledged, most torture museums insist that their exhibits- which include art, writings, and actual weapons and/ or costumes- do not glorify violence, but teach our current civilization about what we have evolved from and how much further we must evolve to overcome human torture happening today.

Historically, torture museums have been most popular in Europe. Countries such as Italy and Denmark created and embraced this travel trend years ago. One particularly intriguing exhibit is at the Middle Ages Torture Museum, featuring all things torture from the days of witch hunts. Visitors will be able to view a plethora of well- preserved artifacts used to torture people suspected of witch craft. It is within recent years that interest for these exhibits has spread across the pond. One traveling exhibit is leading the way. The Historic Torture Museum is a group led by academic scholars and historians in Europe. After San Francisco expressed an interest in their exhibits, the group set up a temporary- to- permanent exhibit of their findings. Met with good response, several other exhibits have been created for Texas and other American states.

Upon visiting a torture museum, there are a few things to keep in mind. These museums cover a broad range of violent material. Therefore, torture museums are not recommended for the faint at heart, and definitely not for young children. A certain level of maturity is necessary to appropriately assess such violently graphic material. Additionally, if you are politically fragile, reconsider partaking in this travel trend. Many exhibits are not bashful about their political opinions. It might also be wise to save lunch or dinner for after the exhibit. Some images are very telling.

Controversy swarms around torture museums with their violent displays or hidden political agendas, but their historical relevance is indisputable.

Photo Credit: bazylek100