This adults-only museum in Melbourne's inner north was just named one of the world's most underrated
A poll of Time Out editors from across the globe revealed a list of 11 excellent but under-the-radar museums that warrant some well-deserved recognition. Some are small and incredibly niche, others simply sit in the shadow of bigger institutions – and they're all worth adding to your must-visit list.
There's the CupNoodles Museum in Osaka, which – you guessed it! – is a shrine dedicated entirely to the joys of instant noodles. Also making the cut is the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, which not only boasts ginormous dinosaur skeletons, fossils and the bones of a 10.6-metre-long sperm whale, but also has a cool biophilic cliff-like design as part of it's exterior facade.
And flying the (freak) flag for Melbourne is none other than the Museum of Desire. Located in Collingwood, this relatively newish spot (it opened in December 2024) is a celebration of all things love, pleasure and sex. Open to curious visitors aged 18-plus, it has 25 interactive spaces that have been specifically designed to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality.
We're talking a kissing booth, a ball pit full of boobs and a vast collection of erotic art. If you're feeling particularly frisky, you can finger the 'orgasm harp' to a musical climax or check out the 'Confessions of a Photocopier' installation for some NSFW office antics.
The Museum of Desire was joined by two other Aussie representatives: the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, a treasure trove hidden in the grounds of the University of Sydney that houses diverse artefacts from archives of art, historic antiquities and scientific specimens; and MOD in Adelaide, a free, futuristic museum that blends art and science in a super interactive way.
So move over Melbourne Museum and the Immigration Museum (kidding, we love you guys), because there's a sexy new addition to Melbourne's world-class museum line-up. And it's bound to get tongues wagging.
Here are 11 of the world's most underrated museums, according to Time Out editors:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
3 hours ago
- Time Out
REVEALED: The 10 most popular overseas destinations for Australians in the past year
Remember that weird time when everyone was baking sourdough instead of booking flights? Or when a trip to Woollies was as close as you got to an overseas holiday? That era is long gone (hallelujah!), and we're happy to report that Aussies are hitting the road (and skies) like they did before the pandemic. Even with the cost-of-living crisis, international travel is soaring, with 12 million outbound trips recorded in 2024-25 – up 12 per cent from the previous year. Last year, New Zealand was dethroned as Australia's favourite overseas destination – a title it has held since the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) began collecting travel records almost 50 years ago. It was overtaken by Indonesia, which reclaimed the crown in 2025 as the number one spot for holidaying Aussies. And honestly, we're not surprised. It's our closest and largest neighbour, boasting stunning islands, flavoursome food and affordable flights. Aussies took 1,741,370 trips to Indonesia over the past 12 months, making up 14 per cent of all overseas travel. More than 82 per cent of these were for leisure, with numbers surpassing pre-Covid levels. While New Zealand followed in second with 1,409,320 trips, it remained the most popular destination for residents from most of our eastern states. Meanwhile, Indonesia topped the charts for travellers from South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria, resulting in it claiming the overall crown. Japan swooped in as Australia's third-favourite holiday spot, with the number of Aussies travelling there three times higher than a decade ago. With 910,640 trips, it overtook the USA, which saw 746,220 visitors from Australia. The USA was the only country in the top ten where travel volumes were lower than ten years ago, with 25 per cent fewer trips compared to 2014-15. It was a big year for travel to China too, with the Asian nation climbing two spots to become Australia's fifth most popular overseas destination. Like Indonesia and Japan, travel to China surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 643,530 journeys recorded. In July 2024, China introduced a new visa policy allowing Aussie citizens to enter without a visa for up to 30 days – a move that no doubt helped boost its popularity. So, where are you off to next? The 10 most popular international destinations for Australians Indonesia New Zealand Japan USA China Thailand UK India Vietnam Fiji Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter ✈️ 🇯🇵
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
Three-course menu with Thames views for £28 at Skylon: 10 unmissable Time Out de
Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there's lots to do in this city for cheap in 2025! At least… There is now. Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital. Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You'll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday. Seeking the perfect pre-theatre treat or a dreamy date night spot? Skylon's new set menu offers three courses of Modern British cuisine for just £28. Start with delicate smoked salmon, indulge in sticky toffee pudding, and soak in stunning views of the Thames – an elevated meal without the hefty price tag. Craving a brunch with a twist? At Kanishka, acclaimed chef Atul Kochhar presents a Pan-Indian feast that's as exciting as it is delicious. Sip your complimentary Hendricks before indulging in eight sharing plates, a hearty main, and a trio of decadent desserts, all for just £35! Ready for a fresh new look? Treat yourself at the House of Keune by Bloom with 30% off a luxury hair makeover. Enjoy a half-head of highlights, toner, a blow dry, and deep conditioning treatment, finished with expert styling and a glass of bubbly – all for just £137. Visit their flagship Holborn salon and leave feeling completely transformed. The Slice is your weekly guide to what's happening in London, so if you're looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we've got you covered. Click here for this week's edit of the best things to do in town. The Slice newsletter also a brand new look! We'll still be in your inbox every week, bringing you all the very best things to eat, drink and do in the capital. So if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here! If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here. It's all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals. Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London has launched their new signature fusion menu featuring bold, vibrant and fresh flavours, and you're invited. This is refined hotel dining with bold Southeast Asian flavours and British ingredients at its heart, courtesy of Executive Chef Adam Bateman and his award-winning team. Expect a lineup of dishes that blend Western techniques with big, punchy flavours, all served in a setting as elegant as the food itself. And with £19.50 off the usual price, this one's seriously good value. GET THE OFFER Welcome to Kanishka, one of Mayfair's most stylish Indian dining spots, where acclaimed chef Atul Kochhar has unveiled an all-new Pan-Indian weekend brunch. For just £35, you'll Kick things off with a complimentary Hendrick's G&T, then enjoy a beautifully curated set menu of eight diverse sharing plates (think chicken tikka, tandoori broccoli and Dahi bhalla) followed by your choice of a hearty regional main, like Murgh Makhani or Laal Maans, and a dessert trio to finish. Level up with bottomless drinks for an extra £10 and enjoy bold flavours, impeccable presentation, and unbeatable value. GET THE OFFER Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter's wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customise a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft! GET THE OFFER Born in London and proudly sustainable, Perk'd Up Burger has made waves for its rich, flavour-packed smash patties – made from 40-day dry-aged ex-dairy British beef. That's right: this burger tastes good and does good. Veggie? No worries. Their signature veggie haggis burger is just as satisfying, stacked with melty cheese, crispy onions and house sauce in a brioche bun. Add a drink, pull up a seat at The Star in Shoreditch, and prepare for burger bliss at a bargain price. GET THE OFFER Dinner on the South Bank can feel like a splurge, but Skylon's set menu serves up style without the hefty price tag. Now £28 (down from £35), the three-course line-up features starters like smoked salmon or courgette with cashew mousse, comforting mains and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding – all enjoyed with sweeping Thames views from the Royal Festival Hall. Perfect for pre-theatre, date night or a chic riverside stop-off. GET THE OFFER Keep your hair (and your mood) fresh this season with a luxury salon experience at The House of Keune by Bloom, the award-winning chic salon inside the iconic Post Building. Just a short stroll from Holborn and Tottenham Court Road, this global flagship for Keune Hair Cosmetics is offering two indulgent hair packages exclusively with Time Out. Choose a precision cut and finish with a complimentary spa cream bath treatment, take-home goodies for just £70 (down from £109), or go for a half head of highlights with toner and blow dry for just £137 (was £197). Both options include a deep conditioning treatment, expert styling from award-winning pros, and a glass of bubbly to toast your transformation. GET THE OFFER Ever wanted to get your hair done at a world-class hair salon, without the hefty price tag? Now you can, with a trip to Andrew Jose, nestled in the sophisticated and creative Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. Save £116 on a luxurious session, including a wash, cut, luxury REVLON EKS conditioning treatment and famous blow-dry that will last from dawn until dusk, done by a highly trained stylist. Wedding, birthday or graduation – get your next look for £39 GET THE OFFER Grab your mates and head to a Paint a Pic session – a relaxed, beginner-friendly painting class held in pubs and bars across London. You'll follow step-by-step guidance from a pro artist as you sip your favourite drink and unleash your inner Picasso. With a new design each time, you'll build your own art collection and take home your masterpiece in a complimentary tote. Now just £27 (was £34). GET THE OFFER Do you feel that? It's the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair's Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you'll find it hard to say no. GET THE OFFER Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea with Champagne at Oblix at The Shard for £65, down from £84. Indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury treats, freshly baked scones, and premium teas, all while soaking up breathtaking skyline views. GET THE OFFER MORE: Is the issue of violence against women being used as as a political tool? MORE: How to win £3,000,000 house in West Sussex MORE: Free and 'juicy' burger deals in London for National Burger Day Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scottish city beats London as it's named ‘best in UK for young people'
Residents praised its green spaces and access to nature GREAT SCOT! Scottish city beats London as it's named 'best in UK for young people' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH city has been named "best in the UK" for young people - beating London. Researchers at Time Out surveyed over 18,500 locals to compile a ranking of the world's best cities for Gen Z to live in - according to Gen Z. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Arthur's Seat offers visitors panoramic views of the capital Credit: Getty 3 Residents praised Edinburgh's green spaces and access to nature Credit: Alamy 3 Scotland's capital topped several categories in the survey of Gen Z Credit: Andrew Barr Locals shared their thoughts on nightlife, food, culture, happiness, access to green space and walkability. Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, was ranked in seventh place above locations including Mexico City in Mexico and Shanghai in China. Residents praised its green spaces and access to nature, as well as its walkability. According to Time Out, the city ranked highly for its nature, with 95 per cent of 20-somethings rating this particular aspect. Edinburgh has a range of famous green spaces, including The Meadows and Princes Street Gardens. The capital is also home to Arthur's Seat, offering world class views of the city. Time Out wrote: "Edinburgh topped several categories in our survey of Gen Z, receiving the highest score for green spaces and access to nature (according to 95 per cent of 20-somethings living there) and walkability (89 per cent of Gen Z say the city is walkable)." The only other UK city to appear on the list is London, coming in at ninth place. Writers said: "London is known for its free art and culture, so it's not surprising that a whopping 96 per cent of Gen Z living there rated its culture scene highly. "The city's food scene also received a tonne of praise in our survey, with 95 percent of young people rating it highly. Stunning Scots hotel with jaw-dropping views and spa, right in the city centre "Unsurprisingly, the UK capital didn't fare too well for affordability; only 45 per cent agree it's a budget-friendly place to live." Bangkok, Thailand, took the top spot in the world's best cities ranking thanks to its "stand-out scores in happiness" and affordability. Gen Z residents also say it's easy to make friends in the city. Edinburgh was recently ranked third in the world for culture by travel experts.
