Morbitorium – Pontywaun, Wales - Atlas Obscura

Morbitorium

Pontywaun, Wales

An amazing collection of curiosities hidden in a small Welsh village. 

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In a quiet mining village in the South Wales valleys, you’ll find a most surprising collection of oddities. From the outside, you’d never suspect that this 19th-century canalside cottage was anything other than a normal family home.

Look closer, however, and you’ll soon spot an eight-foot skeleton with glowing red eyes tucked away in the corner of the vegetable garden and a hookah-smoking fox peering out from the front window. Once inside, it gets even weirder.

The Morbitorium has an amazing collection of curiosities from all over the world and occupies the entire ground floor of the house. Taxidermy animals peer down at you from the shelves while antique medical devices—including some Victorian sex toys—will make you appreciate the advances made to modern healthcare. 

Peruse its stock, and you’ll spot wet specimens, Ouija boards, human skulls and bones, mummified animals (including not one, not two, but three mummified cats), Masonic regalia, and vintage collectibles. and more. The backroom even has a full-sized coffin complete with a fez-wearing, dreadlocked skeleton.

There are also taxidermy classes, witchcraft workshops, and readings. 

Know Before You Go

Open from 11 am-5 pm.


Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.


Visiting the shop is free,  with a small charge to visit the museum. Adults ÂŁ2.50 / Under 16 free.


The website has details of the activities available, and it is possible to pre-book a visit to the museum,  although it's not necessary.

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September 20, 2019

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