When freelance filmmaker and photograph restorer Denny Daniel noticed his collection of antiques and oddities was getting too large, he decided to share it with the public. He started the Museum of Interesting Things, based in Manhattan, to teach about the history of gadgetry and inspire the next generation to tinker.
Atlas Obscura reports on the development of the project:
He started with small demonstrations in his apartment, and as people showed more and more interest, the project grew and began to travel. The exhibit is organized by categories, like Math, Science, and Literature, which he takes to schools—elementary through university—as well as hospitals, libraries, and galleries. Any space that is big enough for him to set up a few tables for his antiques is fit for the exhibit. Visitors are encouraged to handle some of the items, to experience what it was like to use them, and make suggestions. (That’s how the collection ended up with three 8-track players.)
The Museum of Interesting Things does not keep public visiting hours, but if you would like to explore the treasures within you can arrange a visit on their website. Daniel also takes his show on the road bringing his exhibits to private events and parties:
“Schools, hospitals, universities, galleries, parties, libraries, anywhere with a room and people, we’ll bring things!”
And today we celebrate...