Alberta Has A Hidden Museum Designed To Creep You Out
By Britanny Burr on May 31, 2024.
Looking for a museum experience that’s anything but ordinary? Look no further than the Museum of Fear and Wonder, an extraordinary gallery near Bergen, Alberta, about an hour north of Calgary. Forget the dusty old dinosaurs and badlands of buried bones (sorry, Drumheller)–this museum is all about the curious, the unsettling, and the downright strange. We promise, this place is guaranteed to leave you with a lasting impression–for better or worse.
So what exactly makes this museum so special? The masterminds behind this project are brothers Brendan and Jude Griebel, who’ve spent countless years collecting a wealth of “emotionally complicated artifacts,” as they call them. Imagine a mix of creepy carnival masks, and a collection of well-loved weathered dolls from years past. These aren’t your typical museum pieces; they’re conversation starters, designed to make you think, and perhaps ponder what you thought you knew about the world.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder isn’t just about showcasing the odd and uncommon, it’s about using these oddities to explore the human experience. By confronting the things that make us feel uneasy or unsettled, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our possessions, and the world around us. It’s a chance to dive into our emotions and emerge with an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life. While all that may be true, it’s also completely creepy and if you spook easily, it will likely give you nightmares.
This isn’t your typical drop-in museum, visits are by appointment only, which adds to the air of allure and allows the Griebel brothers to curate a personalized tour for each visitor. The museum is free of charge and is only open during the summer months, from June 1st to August 30th. So don’t show up unannounced. You will not be let in.
On top of that, you might have a hard time finding the place unless you know what you’re looking for. The museum is housed in a re-purposed army barracks outside of Bergen. There’s no signage, making it a true hidden gem for those lucky enough to score an appointment.
Whether you’re a horror movie buff, a lover of the strange and wacky, or simply someone looking for an adventure that pushes the boundaries, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is a must-visit. It’s a place to confront your fears, explore the depths of human emotion, and be left pondering the very nature of our existence–all with a healthy dose of intrigue and a touch of spook.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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