An exhibition of strange and curious objects from the museum stores.
The museum looks after an amazing collection of over 130,000 objects which cover natural history, geology, archaeology, social history and art. Amongst these objects there are some that to us living in the modern world may find strange, curious or just weird.
Many tell fascinating stories about the past, when strange folklore and the supernatural was a common part of daily life, especially in more rural areas of Buckinghamshire. Witchcraft was often a blend of herbalism, folklore and the remnants of pagan practices.
The Victorians particularly had a fascination with death and many objects both memorialised the dearly departed as well as reminding their loved ones of their own impending death. The ancient Egyptians had their own beliefs about death and would preserve the human body for the afterlife, but they also practiced animal mummification.
Then there are things that tap into our most primordial fears, such as the fear of the dark, which writers and film makers have exploited to feed our vivid imaginations with stories of blood-sucking bats and giant spiders.
Come and judge for yourselves how ‘weird’ these objects are and discover the fascinating stories behind them, from witch bottles to hidden shoes to ward off spirits, a mummified cat to a duck-billed platypus.

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Visitor information
Address
9 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2QP
01296 331441
Opening times
Museum Opening Hours
Wednesday – Friday 10am – 3pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Last entry for the museum is 30 mins before close.
***Half term – 15 – 23 February***
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Roald Dahl Children's Gallery Opening Hours
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Last entry for the museum is 1 hour before close.
***Half term – 15 – 23 February***
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Exclusions and safety measures
The National Art Pass offer applies to museum entry. Entry to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery is charged separately. Art Pass tickets can be booked online or in person.
Visitor information
What else is on at Discover Bucks Museum
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.