Weird & Unusual Attractions in New Haven, Connecticut, United States

New Haven, United States, New Haven, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

Weird & Unusual Attractions in New Haven, Connecticut, United States

1. New Haven Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

Explore an eclectic collection of unique, unusual objects, ranging from the world's smallest violin to a whale's toothbrush.
  • Eccentric Collection: Features items that defy categorization and challenge conventional thinking
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to handle and learn about the curiosities on display
  • Rare Finds: Includes one-of-a-kind artifacts that can't be found anywhere else

2. Woolsey Hall Organ Pipes Graveyard

Visit the final resting place of the pipe organs removed from Woolsey Hall, a sight that's both eerie and fascinating.
  • Historic Preservation: Offers a glimpse into the history of organ-making and music in New Haven
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Features intricate designs and craftsmanship that showcase artistry in pipe organ construction
  • Unexpected Attraction: Offers an off-the-beaten-path experience for curious travelers

3. The Grotesques of Yale University

Delve into the gothic history of Yale's campus by discovering its grotesque gargoyles and other decorative creatures.
  • Architectural Details: Highlights the intricate designs and craftsmanship found on Yale's historic buildings
  • Historical Significance: These grotesques date back to the early 20th century, serving as a testament to Yale's rich history
  • Scavenger Hunt Fun: Provides an engaging way to explore and discover Yale's campus

4. The Knights of Sidonia Statue

See the peculiar statue of a knight riding a turtle in downtown New Haven. This fantastical sculpture adds whimsy to the cityscape.
  • Fantasy Element: Depicts an unusual and imaginative scene that challenges the norm
  • Local Landmark: Serves as a popular meeting spot and photo opportunity for both locals and visitors
  • Symbolic Message: Represents the idea of perseverance, with the turtle symbolizing determination despite adversity

5. The Tiffany Window at United Church on the Green

Admire one of the few remaining Louis Comfort Tiffany windows in a public space, featuring breathtaking stained glass designs.
  • Artistic Masterpiece: Showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and design of renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany
  • Rare Find: One of only a handful of surviving Tiffany windows in public spaces across the United States
  • Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for reflection and contemplation

6. The Collection of Curiosities at the Shubert Theater

Discover an assortment of strange and unusual items that once belonged to legendary theater producer J.J. Shubert.
  • Historic Artifacts: Offers a peek into the life and career of J.J. Shubert, a prominent figure in American theater history
  • Eccentric Collection: Features items that defy categorization and challenge conventional thinking
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to handle and learn about the curiosities on display

7. The Eli Whitney Museum's Catalog of Errors

Explore a collection of inventive mistakes and failures in the field of invention, showcasing the role of trial and error in innovation.
  • Innovative Mistakes: Highlights the importance of failure and perseverance in the development of new ideas
  • Interactive Experience: Provides an engaging and educational way to learn about innovation and invention
  • Historic Significance: Offers insights into the lives and work of inventors, including Eli Whitney himself

8. The New Haven Bone Collection at the Peabody Museum

Marvel at one of the world's largest collections of mammal and bird bones, showcasing the diversity of life on Earth.
  • Rare Specimens: Features a vast array of unique and hard-to-find specimens from around the world
  • Educational Experience: Offers insights into evolution, extinction, and the diversity of life on Earth
  • Historical Significance: Provides a glimpse into the history of paleontology and the development of this field over time

9. The Yale University Art Gallery's Collection of Oddities

Delve into a diverse collection of artifacts, including a mummified hand and an ancient Egyptian cat mummy.
  • Eccentric Collection: Features items that defy categorization and challenge conventional thinking
  • Historic Artifacts: Offers a peek into the history and culture of various civilizations throughout time
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to handle and learn about the curiosities on display

10. The Yale University's Collection of Strange Books

Explore a trove of rare and unusual books, including the Book of Demons, a 15th-century grimoire.
  • Rare Finds: Includes one-of-a-kind artifacts that can't be found anywhere else
  • Historic Significance: Provides insights into the history and culture of various societies throughout time
  • Educational Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to learn about the evolution of bookmaking, literature, and knowledge

11. The International Festival of Arts & Ideas' Unusual Performances

Experience cutting-edge performances that push the boundaries of traditional art and entertainment.
  • Experimental Art: Features innovative works from around the world that challenge conventional thinking
  • Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity to learn about various cultures and their unique artistic expressions
  • Engaging Experience: Offers a chance to participate in interactive workshops, discussions, and performances

12. The Yale University's Collection of Odd Instruments

Discover a vast array of rare and unusual musical instruments from around the world.
  • Rare Finds: Includes one-of-a-kind artifacts that can't be found anywhere else
  • Educational Experience: Offers insights into the history and culture of various societies through their musical traditions
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to learn about the construction, function, and sound of each instrument on display

13. The Yale University's Collection of Curiosities in Science

Explore a fascinating assortment of rare and unusual scientific artifacts, including the world's smallest violin.
  • Rare Finds: Includes one-of-a-kind artifacts that can't be found anywhere else
  • Educational Experience: Offers insights into the history and development of science, technology, and innovation
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to handle and learn about the curiosities on display

14. The Yale University's Collection of Forbidden Art

Discover a collection of art that was once deemed too provocative or controversial for public viewing.
  • Controversial Works: Features art that challenged societal norms and sparked debates about freedom of expression
  • Historical Significance: Provides insights into the evolution of art and culture, as well as social issues throughout history
  • Educational Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to learn about the role of art in society, as well as its power to provoke thought and change

15. The Yale University's Collection of Unidentified Artifacts

Marvel at a collection of mysterious artifacts whose origins and purpose remain unknown.
  • Mystery and Intrigue: Provides an opportunity to engage in speculation and discussion about the origins and purposes of these artifacts
  • Historical Significance: Offers insights into the history and culture of various societies throughout time
  • Educational Experience: Allows visitors to learn about the methods used by archaeologists, historians, and scientists in their quest for knowledge