Mini Museums: Got 10 Minutes?


Seven of the world's smallest museums

Some museums take a full day or even days to explore while others take only 10 minutes. For all museumgoers, we’ve put together a list of the tiniest museums in the world that immerse you in culture just as much as their normal-sized counterparts. Here are Koktail’s top picks.

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Mmuseumm, New York City, USA

Situated between Tribeca and Chinatown in Cortlandt Alley, this tiny museum is placed in an abandoned elevator shaft and was once a Broadway costume workshop. Mmusseumm charishes modern artifacts, often everyday objects. Presumably, you won’t need more than five or 10 minutes to see the full collection, but if you love admiring conceptual displays, you’re welcome to spend hours.

mmuseumm.com

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Phone Box Art Gallery, UK

Possibly the world’s smallest art gallery, this green phone box was converted by John Hay, a local artist who hopes to bring a bit of British quirkiness to the village of Teesdale by filling the box with paintings. You can also find World War I memorabilia inside, including a tin hat, battle maps, newspapers and other collectibles.

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The World’s Smallest Museum, Arizona, USA

If you’re ever road tripping through the United States, this is a stop you shouldn’t miss. Located on Route 60 just outside of Phoenix, this tiny museum houses original Beatles songbooks and a letter written by JFK. But the most impressive item is the world's largest Apache Tear (round volcanic stones that come from a mountain called Apache Leap, the storied site of a tragic massacre of Apache warriors). 

museum.com

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Tiny E’s Museum, North Carolina, USA

Housed in a beautifully converted vintage trailer, this museum is dedicated to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Unlike most museums, this one travels on a route that starts from North Carolina and goes through Mississippi, Tennessee, Las Vegas and Hawaii. Within the museum, you’ll find a bunch of photos, collectibles like the iconic blue suede shoes and other important items connected to the Rock 'n' Roll’s career.

Tiny E's Museum's Facebook Page

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Cherokee Shell Museum, The Bahamas

Coverted from a 1950s telegraph office, this small museum was renovated by the local community in 2017 to present an important collection of "gifts from the sea". With its inventory of over 200 shells, find heaps of information about life in the seas and around the island.

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Mimumo, Italy

Just 2.29 square meters, Mimumo is situated in one of the oldest houses in Monza, the Casa della Luna Rossa, or “House of the Red Moon.” Originally a lovely idea from architect Luca Acquati, Mimumo an exhibition space for both renowned and rising young artists. The minute museum is open 24 hours daily.

fb.com/mimumomonzamuseum

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Edgar’s Closet, Alabama, USA

Dedicated to the life and works of Edgar Allen Poe, lovers of literature can’t miss this closet of a museum—literally. Located inside a high school closet, the museum was founded by sixth grade teacher Tommy Flowers and houses over 2,000 objects despite only being only two square meters. Find designs, memorabilia and works of art devoted to the American writer and poet. 

fb.com/edgarscloset