Unveiling the Mysteries of Phallology at Iceland’s One-of-a-Kind Phallological Museum
Did you know that “phallology” exists as a scientific discipline and is even ancient? Tucked in the academic corner along with history, art, literature, and psychology, it holds its own as a moderately researched field. To give you a clearer understanding, allow me to introduce you to the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Located in Reykjavik, specifically at Laugavegur 116, this one-of-a-kind museum boasts a collection of phalluses linked to all mammal species indigenous to a single country: Iceland.
The museum currently showcases an eye-popping array of 209 penises and partial specimens, which include those from both terrestrial and marine mammals. Among them are 55 samples linked to 16 species of whales, a polar bear’s phallus, and 115 related to 20 types of land mammals. That’s not all! There are also 36 specimens from 7 different species of seals and walruses. And get this: four human members could be joining this exclusive club in the coming years, all of which would be legally and officially documented. When you add in other specimens of a more “folkloric” nature and 40 foreign members, the total count shoots up to a staggering 272 specimens from a total of 92 animal species.
Alongside the biological section, the museum features an artistic wing, teeming with over 300 quirky, highly creative expressions on the subject of penises, all from the whimsical minds of eccentric artists.
The Intriguing Story Behind The Museum’s Foundation
The brainchild behind this phallus-centric museum is curator Sigurdur Hjartarson. He began his collection of male organs back in 1974, kickstarting his journey with a bull’s penis before acquiring whale penises, amusing gifts from his colleagues. Little did anyone suspect that this playful endeavor would evolve into a full-blown passion for low-brow collecting.
Believe it or not, the museum has garnered unexpected acclaim, evidenced by its jaw-dropping attendance numbers. A case in point: over 11,000 visitors flocked to the museum in the summer of 2009 to get a “hands-on” experience with this taboo collection.
Practical Info, Dates, Timings, and Ticket Prices for the Phallological Museum
- Name: Icelandic Phallological Museum
- Location: Laugavegur 116 – Reykjavik
- Opening Hours: Everyday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ticket Price: 1,700 ISK
- Contact: Dial 5616663 for more info
- Getting There: Easy city commutes via bike (available for rent at Borgarhjol near Hverfisgata 50) or utilize the Straetò urban transport, buses departing from Hlemmur and Laekjartorg stations.
