Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum

The studio and home of prolific artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo at the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo wows as a striking example of 1930s Mexican modernist architecture. 

You definitely have to tour Casa Azul and Anahuacalli Museum — but this site is also worth visiting if you have time.

When Wally and I talk to friends about our travels in CDMX, the conversation often turns to the places we’ve seen, and the places on our list for our next trip. 

One of the places I’d been wanting to visit was the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo, the former home and studio of two of the city’s most revered artists — though I’d argue that Frida has eclipsed Diego in fame since their deaths in the 1950s. It felt like a fitting comeuppance for how he treated her. But more on that later. 

“Whenever Frida wanted to visit Diego, she had to pull herself up an exterior floating staircase and cross a narrow footbridge.

Diego had specifically requested this to make it difficult for Frida to enter his studio (and see his adulterous dalliances). 

Their tumultuous relationship undoubtedly checked the “it’s complicated” box. ”

San Ángel: An Escape From the City

The historic house museum is located in San Ángel, an enchanting neighborhood southwest of Mexico City. Once a separate municipality, San Ángel served as a retreat for wealthy families who built grand country homes to escape the chaos of city life during the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Ancient lava flows shaped this rugged terrain, where its cobbled streets and colonial estates were eventually consumed by the ever-expanding sprawl of Mexico City.

Duke and Wally stand on the terrace by the walkway that connected Diego’s home to Frida’s.

We planned our visit to coincide with the Bazar Sábado, a weekly market held on Saturdays, where artists and artisans set up shop and sell their wares. 

Our Uber driver dropped us off at the museum’s entrance on Calle Diego Rivera. As we waited for our guide, we couldn’t help but notice valets dressed in traje de charro, the traditional attire of mariachis, running past us in pairs. They were undoubtedly heading to the entrance of the nearby San Ángel Inn to park arriving cars. Known for its restaurant, the historic inn is a favorite dining spot for both locals and tourists, especially on weekends.

O'Gorman's Mexican fence post cactus barriers (and modern aesthetic) pissed off his traditional neighbors.

Wally and I walked to the front of the property, which faces Avenida Altavista. In our opinion, the best view of the two buildings is from across the avenue. On the left is the big house, a boxy white and red structure with a distinctive sawtooth roof and water tanks, which once served as the residence and studio of the plus-sized muralist Rivera. 

It’s linked at roof level by a narrow walkway and contrasted by the little house, the vivid blue home on the right, which belonged to his unibrowed surrealist painter wife, Kahlo.

The building that now serves as the restrooms originally functioned as a darkroom for Kahlo’s father, Guillermo.

Not the Blue House: The History of Diego and Frida’s San Ángel Studio Home

When the site opened at 10 a.m., we met our guide, Fernanda, in the museum’s courtyard. She resembled a proto-punk Japanese schoolgirl, dressed in a long-sleeve white shirt, sweater vest and tartan skirt held together with oversized safety pins. Joining us were a couple from Alabama celebrating their pandemic-postponed honeymoon and a towering white-haired man on a business trip from Germany who had added a day for sightseeing. 

Before the tour began, Fernanda asked how many of us had visited Casa Azul, Kahlo’s family home in the boho Coyoacán neighborhood. She explained that a lot of visitors show up here thinking they’re about to see the Blue House.

“It’s important to understand the difference,” Fernanda explained, “because that’s the house where she was born and where she returned after divorcing Rivera in December 1939.” 

She continued, “Here, there isn’t much furniture — it’s more of a photographic history. But what makes this site significant is the architecture of these three buildings.”

Our charming tour guide, Fernanda, was an expert on O’Gorman, Rivera and Kahlo.

Kahlo only lived here for six years. The couple moved into the home in January 1934 after Rivera was essentially forced to return to Mexico following the controversy surrounding his mural at Rockefeller Center, Man at the Crossroads. The mural, which included a depiction of Vladimir Lenin, led the Rockefellers to order its destruction and terminate Rivera’s commission. Rivera later re-created the mural in 1934. This version, titled Man, Controller of the Universe, can be seen at the Palacio de Bellas Artes murals in Mexico City.

Kahlo and Rivera remarried in December 1940, a year after their divorce, at San Francisco City Hall in California; however, she never returned to San Ángel. Her declining health made it more practical for her to remain in the beloved house of her childhood, la Casa Azul, which now serves as a popular attraction. This house offers a comprehensive glimpse into her life, showcasing her furniture and personal belongings. Rivera, however, lived in the studio home until his death in 1957.

In 1981, the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) acquired the houses from Rivera’s daughter, Ruth Rivera Marín, and, after nearly 16 years of restoration, it opened to the public. And three decades later, INBA acquired the Cecil O’Gorman House and incorporated it into the museum campus.

You can imagine Juan O’Gorman’s bold modernist design didn’t go over so well with the neighbors, who lived in colonial-style homes.

Cecil O’Gorman House 

Thanks to his interest in sports, Juan O’Gorman was the first to discover that the pair of tennis courts belonging to the San Ángel Inn were for sale.

In 1929, the aspiring 24-year-old architect purchased the plot at 81 Las Palmas, now Calle Diego Rivera, using money he had earned as chief draftsman at Carlos Obregón Santacilla’s atelier. 

He then began constructing a revolutionary dwelling inspired by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, whose work he had studied at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). The design adhered to the principle that buildings should be created solely based on their purpose and function. 

Nearly a century later, the structure remains one of the earliest examples of functionalist architecture in Latin America. Its stripped-back, utilitarian design was radical for its time, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding 18th century colonial homes.

An exposed concrete spiral staircase swirls up the side of O’Gorman’s house.

By 1930, O’Gorman had completed the Cecil O’Gorman House, which, according to his autobiography, he designed as a home and studio for his father. 

But that’s not the whole story. 

His father, the Irish painter Cecil Crawford O’Gorman, was an avid collector of colonial art and antiques. He already owned a spacious hacienda nearby and had no interest in downsizing to the modernist glass box that his son had built. In reality, it’s likely that O’Gorman designed the house to showcase his architectural ideas and intended it to serve as a prototype for low-income housing, though the project never came to fruition.

Elevated on pilotis, slender columns that raise the reinforced concrete structure off the ground, this innovative construction method eliminated the need for traditional load-bearing walls, allowing O’Gorman to incorporate an entire wall of articulated glass windows. 

Access to the second floor is provided by an external spiral staircase, but unfortunately, it was closed during our visit due to the installation of an upcoming exhibition.

We weren’t able to go upstairs in the O’Gorman House because they were setting up for a new exhibition.

Like Rivera, O’Gorman had socialist inclinations and sought to challenge the norms of his time. He wasn’t just building a home — he was making a declaration of functionalist design amid the traditional architecture that characterizes much of San Ángel.

The neighbors were said to be outraged, demanding that his architectural degree be revoked. 

The locals didn’t care for the home’s curb appeal, either. Enclosed by Pachycereus marginatus, a tall columnar cactus, also known as Mexican fence post cactus, and landscaped with agaves, it reflected the aesthetic of an indigenous Mexican village rather than the prevailing manicured European style.

Rivera, on the other hand, appreciated O’Gorman’s vision. He commissioned him to construct a similar pair of homes for himself and his wife, Kahlo, on the adjacent lot. 

A model of the property inside the O’Gorman House.

Inside, what formerly served as the dining room and kitchen now holds a glass case with a scale model of the trio of buildings as well as a series of photographs by Cristina Kahlo-Alcalá, Kahlo’s grandniece. Among the photos are images of the hospital gowns Kahlo wore during her stays at the American British Cowdray Hospital in Mexico City, on which she often used to wipe excess paint from her brushes while she painted.

These doodles became the mural Entre Filosofía y Ciencia by O’Gorman.

In 2012, the museum’s restoration team uncovered the sinopia, or preparatory sketch, for the fresco Entre Filosofía y Ciencia (Between Philosophy and Science) on a layer of lime plaster beneath where the completed mural by O’Gorman originally stood. The fresco was purchased by Banco Nacional de México in 1957 and, when it’s not traveling, can be found in the Museo Foro Valparaíso.

Recall that Frida had leg and back issues, and imagine her having to walk up and down this floating staircase onto her roof and then across the walkway to get to Diego’s house.

Frida and Diego’s Complicated Relationship 

After we exited the Cecil O’Gorman House, Fernanda directed our attention to the floating staircase perched on the exterior of Kahlo’s house. Its tubular steel handrail leads from the second floor studio windows to the rooftop terrace. We couldn’t believe anyone would have used those stairs — especially Kahlo, whose chronic health issues significantly impaired her mobility. 

As a child, Kahlo contracted polio, which left her right leg weakened and deformed. Then, as a teenager, she was in a horrific accident when the bus she was riding collided with a trolley car. The impact left her with a fractured spine, and a handrail pierced her body, entering through her back and exiting through her pelvis.

RELATED: 9 Fascinating Facts About Frida

Yet, whenever she wanted to visit Rivera, she had to pull herself up those stairs and cross the narrow footbridge. Rivera had specifically requested this particular feature from O’Gorman to make it difficult for Kahlo to enter his studio (and see his adulterous dalliances). 

Their tumultuous relationship undoubtedly checked the “it’s complicated” box. It was a marriage strained by mutual jealousy and infidelity. Rivera didn’t fit society’s standards of handsome — Kahlo nicknamed him el Sapo-Rana (Toad-Frog) — but his fame, confidence and charisma made him irresistible to many women. 

Tour groups meet in the small courtyard in front of Diego’s house.

Rivera’s House and Studio

In my opinion, the most fascinating part of the museum is Rivera’s house. It still contains some of the original furniture and artwork from when he lived there. 

The bedroom has a set of small windows high on the wall, which limited the amount of direct sunlight and helped keep the room cool. Next to the bed, there’s a pair of shoes, an enamel bedpan and a leather suitcase sitting atop the woven coverlet, awaiting its next trip. An articulated gooseneck task lamp and a small bust of Chairman Mao sit on the olive green-painted nightstand, with a watercolor landscape by Rivera hanging above it.

Diego’s bedroom

Like his bedroom, the studio was mostly left as it was at the time of Rivera’s death. The main section, with its double-height space, was perfect for large works and transportable murals. The design facilitated easy handling of the panels, allowing them to be moved in and out of the studio through the folding windows.

Our favorite pieces among the personal items were Rivera’s collection of larger-than-life cartonería (papier-mâché) figures. Known in Mexico as Judases, these brightly colored effigies, with features like oversized or abnormally small heads and stubby limbs, commanded the room with their massive presence. Originally, these figures were depictions of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ. Rivera’s collection includes devils, skeletons and other fantastical creatures, which were traditionally burned, exploded or flogged on the Saturday before Easter. 

Some of Diego’s collection of papier-mâché Judases in his studio

Many of these larger-than-life-sized effigies were created by the Mexican folk artist Carmen Caballero Sevilla. One Holy Week, Rivera visited the Mercado Abelardo Rodríguez and was impressed with Sevilla’s Judas figures and invited her to work in his studio in San Ángel. (He admired the working class, which is why he often wore overalls.)

Cool metal skeletons covered the walls.

Diego collected handicrafts like these Judases.

Brushes and trays with reserves of dried paint remain exactly as Rivera had left them, offering a glimpse into his creative process. Among them were shelves with jars of pigments that reflect his color palette — including Paris Green, a highly toxic emerald green powder made from copper and arsenic. 

Diego’s paints line the shelves of his studio but have long since dried up.

There are bookcases filled with pre-Hispanic and indigenous folk art. On one of the easels was a painting of the Latin American actress Dolores del Río, who was rumored to have slept with both Rivera and Kahlo. 

Diego painted Dolores del Rio, a beautiful Latin American actress who is said to have slept with his as well as Frida.

Fernanda pointed out a papier-mâché torito, a little bull, hanging high above us. She explained that this tradition dates back to the mid 19th century. These creations are mounted on a kind of scaffolding that rests on the wearer’s shoulders, stuffed with fireworks like roman candles and bottle rockets, which are set alight as part of the annual festival in the town of Tultepec honoring Saint John of God, the patron saint of (what else?) fireworks makers. 

Sound dangerous? It sure is — but that didn’t stop Fernanda’s brother from participating in one. And he has the burns to prove it. 

Our group followed Fernanda up the staircase to the second floor, where we could take in a full view of the studio. Fernanda explained that this was the very spot where Kahlo discovered Rivera with her younger sister Cristina — an incident that became the proverbial last straw, which led to their separation and brief divorce. It wasn’t Rivera’s or Kahlo’s numerous indiscretions that caused the rift; it was the fact that Rivera was having an affair with her closest confidant.

Just off the landing, we entered Rivera’s private office, a space with a desk and a typewriter and additional bookcases filled with pieces from his prolific collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, an obsession that can be seen at the Anahuacalli Museum in Coyoacán. 

Diego’s typewriter and some of the pre-Columbian artifacts he loved to collect.

From Rivera’s office, a door opened onto the rooftop terrace and the narrow bridge connecting his former residence to Kahlo’s. However, Fernanda quickly dismissed any thoughts of taking the infamous floating stairs. Instead, we followed her back through Rivera’s office and down the staircase to the courtyard below.

Frida’s house leaves much to be desired — but at least O’Gorman painted it the vibrant blue of her beloved family home, Casa Azul.

Kahlo’s House

Our group paused outside Kahlo’s house as Fernanda pointed out an interesting feature: a carnelian red painted garbage chute extending from the second floor, connected to a steel drum barrel. Its purpose? To collect kitchen waste.

By this time, the site had grown much busier, with dozens of visitors streaming in and out of the buildings.

The rooms inside Kahlo’s house were noticeably smaller and compact than those in Rivera’s, in large part because there wasn’t an open studio space. Unlike her husband’s residence, Kahlo’s house was devoid of decorative objects or furniture, leaving the space feeling even more austere.

The tiny kitchen exemplified functional design, featuring a concrete countertop with a gas cooktop, a small sink, and the opening of the chute that connected to the steel barrel outside. 

A man from Germany insisted Wally pose for a picture in his bright T-shirt to contrast with the blue of Frida’s house, next to the kitchen garbage chute.

We peeked into the modest bathroom, the very space where Kahlo’s 1938 oil painting, Lo que el agua me dio (What the Water Gave Me), was conceived. Fernanda told us that there weren’t any good spaces for Frida to paint in her home, so she chose the bathroom, which had better lighting. 

Frida’s home is small and dark, so she preferred to paint in the bathroom. One of her most famous works, Lo que el agua me dio, came from this period.

Wally paused in front of a framed letter that Kahlo had written to Hungarian-born photographer Nickolas Muray, with whom she shared a decade-long, on-again, off-again relationship, and read this poignant sentence aloud: “Please forgive me for having phoned you that evening. I won’t do it anymore.”

One of the glass cases in Kahlo’s house displays an open copy of the book Complete Anatomy of Man by Martín Martínez, and included a handwritten dedication from Kahlo to Dr. Juan Farill, the surgeon who performed seven spinal surgeries on her. 

The final room we explored was her small bedroom — a fitting conclusion to our visit. The room was concealed behind thick black drapery that we had to pull aside to enter. Inside, an installation by Cristina Kahlo-Alcalá features numerous lightboxes  illuminating Kahlo’s medical records from the American British Cowdray Hospital. The air in the room felt heavy and still, with the slow rhythmic sound of a heartbeat emanating from a hidden speaker. 

We knew beforehand about Diego and Kahlo’s turbulent relationship. But standing in the dark, claustrophobic space Diego had O'Gorman design as her home was a different kind of gut punch. It was hard not to feel the weight of it — the realization that someone as fiercely powerful as Kahlo could be confined like this by a man who claimed to love her. It really shook us, and we didn’t linger.

Our group poses under the entrance to Frida’s house.

Know before you go

We purchased tickets prior to our trip through a site called Tiqets. At $30 per person it’s definitely more than the $2 price of general admission, but we felt it was worth it. 

Our guide, Fernanda, was charming and incredibly knowledgeable, offering all the insights we could have hoped for about the site. She didn’t shy away from discussing the complexities of Rivera and Kahlo’s relationship either. And even though the tour was scheduled to last an hour, she stayed with us for an hour and 45 minutes, never once making us feel rushed.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Admission is 40 pesos for adults, while children under 13 and seniors can enter for free. On Sundays, admission is free for everyone. –Duke

Floor-to-ceiling windows opened wide to allow transport of Rivera’s large-scale mural panels into and out of his studio. 

Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

Diego Rivera s/n
San Ángel Inn
Álvaro Obregón
01060 CDMX
Mexico

 

How to Celebrate Imbolc: Wiccan Ritual, Traditions and the Magic of Brigid’s Day

This Wiccan holiday marks the season of light, where renewal, inspiration and magic bloom as the first signs of spring begin to stir beneath the frost.

The world still slumbers under winter’s icy grip, but hints of change are stirring. The days, though cold, grow perceptibly longer. A fragile light dances across frosted fields, promising renewal. Somewhere, deep beneath the snow-covered earth, life begins its quiet return.

This is Imbolc, a sacred pause between the chill of Yule and the burgeoning energy of Ostara. It’s a time to kindle hope, purify the hearth, and honor Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry and creation. Her spirit ignites the spark within us, encouraging us to shed the darkness and prepare for what’s to come.

“Imbolc reminds us that even in the coldest winters, warmth and light are waiting to emerge.

It’s a celebration of small, quiet beginnings — the first breath of spring.”

As the wheel of the year turns once more, Imbolc reminds us that even in the coldest winters, warmth and light are waiting to emerge. It’s a celebration of small, quiet beginnings — the first breath of spring.

The Meaning and Myth of Imbolc

Imbolc, pronounced “Im-bolk” or “Im-bolg,” derives its name from the Old Irish word for “in the belly,” symbolizing the pregnancy of ewes and the promise of new life. It marks the turning point when the earth begins to stir, and winter loosens its icy hold, making way for the first signs of spring.

At the heart of Imbolc is Brigid, the Celtic goddess of hearth and home, poetry and healing, fertility and fire. Known as a triple goddess, she embodies creation, transformation and inspiration. Legends say she was born with a flame rising from her head, forever tying her to the power of fire. For centuries, her sacred flame was tended by priestesses in Kildare, Ireland, representing eternal light and life.

Myths tell of Brigid’s transformative power: She turned water into beer (my kind of gal), healed the sick and inspired poets with her words. As a protector of livestock and bringer of fertility, she was revered by farmers and families alike. Even after Ireland’s Christianization, Brigid’s essence was woven into the figure of Saint Brigid, whose feast day on February 1 coincides with Imbolc.

Imbolc is also a time of purification and preparation, as people cleanse their homes, bless their hearths, and light candles to invite the sun’s growing strength. It’s a celebration of potential — aa sacred moment to honor the seeds lying dormant in the earth and within ourselves, waiting to bloom.

Imbolc Traditions Through Time

Imbolc carries with it the energy of renewal, light and quiet preparation for the coming spring. These traditions, passed down through centuries, offer both a nod to the past and inspiration for modern celebrations.

1. Lighting the Flame

The act of lighting candles or hearth fires is central to Imbolc, symbolizing the returning warmth of the sun and the goddess Brigid’s eternal flame. In ancient Ireland, hearths were relit as a symbol of cleansing and starting anew. Today, people light candles in their homes or place them in windows, creating a glow that mirrors the lengthening days.

2. Blessing the Hearth and Home

Traditionally, homes were purified as part of Imbolc rituals. Sweeping away the old, literally and spiritually, was a way to prepare for growth and prosperity. Modern spring cleaning practices might include smudging with sage, sprinkling saltwater, or reorganizing and decluttering spaces.

3. Divination and Weather Lore

Imbolc is a time for seeking guidance about the year ahead. In Celtic traditions, weather omens played a key role — similar to the modern custom of Groundhog Day. Watching the behavior of animals or observing flame patterns were common ways to divine whether winter’s grip would loosen. Candle divination, in particular, remains a popular way to connect with the energies of this season.

4. Honoring Brigid

As the goddess of fire, poetry and fertility, Brigid is at the heart of Imbolc. Her altar might include candles, seeds, white flowers or symbols of fire. Offerings of milk, honey or baked goods are made in her honor, while poetry or creative acts are seen as gifts to her essence.

Imbolc traditions encourage connection to the rhythms of nature and the spark of inspiration within, making this a deeply personal and transformative celebration.

Symbols of Imbolc

Imbolc is rich with symbols that reflect its themes of light, renewal and connection to nature. These symbols not only tie to ancient traditions but also inspire modern celebrations, making them versatile tools for rituals, altars or simple seasonal decorations.

1. Candles and Fire

Representing the growing light of the sun and the goddess Brigid’s eternal flame, candles are central to Imbolc. Fire symbolizes purification, inspiration and the spark of creativity that comes with the return of warmth.

2. Milk and Dairy

As a time when ewes begin to lactate, milk represents nourishment, fertility and abundance. Dairy products, like milk, butter and cheese, are traditional offerings to Brigid and reminders of the life-sustaining power of nature.

3. Seeds and Grain

Seeds symbolize potential and the promise of new growth. Grains, like oats and barley, represent sustenance and the cycles of planting and harvest. These are often included in rituals or placed on altars to honor the turning of the seasons.

4. Snowdrops and White Flowers

Snowdrops, among the first flowers to bloom after winter, embody hope and renewal. White flowers in general are associated with purity and Brigid herself, adding beauty and meaning to any Imbolc altar or space.

5. Brigid’s Cross

The cross, woven from rushes or straw, is one of Imbolc’s most iconic symbols. It represents protection, the four elements, and the turning of the seasons.

6. The Color White

White is associated with purity, cleansing and the snowy landscapes of this time of year. It’s often used in altar cloths, candles and flowers to reflect the themes of the season.

Imbolc Ritual: Casting a Spell for Inspiration and New Beginnings

At Imbolc, Wiccans can honor the first whispers of spring and cast a spell to awaken creativity, clarity and the promise of new growth. This spell draws upon the energy of Brigid, the goddess of inspiration, to kindle the spark within and set the stage for the year ahead.

What you’ll need:

• A white candle

• A bowl of milk or water 

• A sprig of rosemary

• A small jar of seeds

• A silver coin

• A small piece of green fabric or pouch

• A bell or chime

Step 1: Set the space.

Prepare your altar or sacred space with the items listed. Arrange the candle in the center and place the bowl of milk or water beside it. Scatter the seeds and rosemary around the bowl. Dim the lights, light incense, and play soft music to create a focused and magical atmosphere.

Cast a magic circle if you wish. Hold the white candle in your hands. Close your eyes and visualize its flame as a beacon of inspiration and hope. Light the candle and say:

Brigid’s flame, so pure and bright,
I call upon your guiding light.
Inspire my heart, my mind, my soul,
And help me make my spirit whole.

Step 2: Charge the seeds.

Take a pinch of seeds and hold them in your hands, focusing on your goals and dreams for the coming months. Visualize them sprouting into reality, nurtured by your efforts and Brigid’s blessings. Sprinkle the seeds into the bowl of milk or water while saying:

Seeds of potential, nourished and blessed,
Grow with abundance, bring me your best.
By earth and water, by sun and flame,
Bring forth the promise in Brigid’s name.

Step 3: Create a charm of inspiration.

Place the rosemary sprig, the silver coin, and a small handful of seeds into the green fabric or pouch. Tie it closed while focusing on the qualities you wish to invite into your life: clarity, creativity and prosperity. As you tie the charm, chant:

By this charm, I call to me
Creativity, prosperity.
By Brigid’s light, by fire’s glow,
Through this year, may inspiration flow.

Hold the pouch over the flame of the candle (without burning it) to infuse it with energy, then place it near your heart and visualize its power filling you with Brigid’s light.

Step 4: Seal the spell.

Ring the bell or chime to close the ritual, signaling to the universe that your intentions have been set. Hold your hands over the bowl of milk or water and say:

This spell is cast, this charm is true,
Blessed by Brigid’s flame anew.
The wheel has turned, my path is clear,
I walk with hope through this new year.

Dip your fingers into the bowl and anoint your forehead, hands and heart as a sign of cleansing and renewal.

Step 5: Close the circle.

Extinguish the candle, thanking Brigid and the elements for their guidance. Take the charm you’ve created and keep it near your creative workspace or carry it with you to inspire you throughout the season. Pour the milk or water into the earth, offering it as thanks to the land for its nourishment and potential.

Feasting for Imbolc

Feasting at Imbolc is a celebration of nourishment, fertility and the subtle shift toward spring. Traditional foods honor the season’s natural rhythms, focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients that reflect the energy of renewal and growth. Whether hosting a feast or preparing a small meal for yourself, these ideas connect to the spirit of the season.

1. Dairy Delights

Imbolc is closely tied to the lactation of ewes, making dairy a symbolic staple. Incorporate milk, cream, butter and cheese into your feast to honor Brigid as the goddess of fertility and nourishment. Consider dishes like:

• Creamy potato soup or leek and potato soup

• Freshly baked bread with homemade butter

• Cheesy casseroles or savory tarts

2. Warm Grains and Breads

Grains symbolize abundance and the promise of new growth. Baking bread is a traditional way to honor the hearth and Brigid, who is associated with fire and the home. Ideas include:

• Oatcakes or soda bread

• Barley or oat porridge sweetened with honey

• Seeded loaves to symbolize planting and fertility

3. Seasonal Vegetables

Root vegetables are perfect for Imbolc feasts, reflecting the connection to the earth’s stored energy and the first hints of new life. Serve roasted carrots, parsnips or turnips, or prepare a hearty stew featuring seasonal produce.

4. Sweet Treats

Honey and other natural sweeteners reflect the nurturing energy of the season. Create desserts that bring warmth and joy, such as:

• Honey-glazed scones

• Rice pudding with cinnamon

• Custards or panna cotta

5. Herbal Teas and Milk-Based Drinks

Infused drinks are a lovely way to conclude your feast, offering warmth and comfort. Consider:

• Chamomile or rosemary tea for clarity and calm

• Warm milk with honey and cinnamon for a soothing, symbolic nightcap

• Mulled cider or spiced wine for a celebratory touch

Creating a Feast for Brigid

Dedicate your meal to Brigid by setting a small portion aside as an offering. This can be placed on your altar or returned to the earth to honor the goddess and the cycles of nature. Light candles during your meal to reflect the growing light, and invite your loved ones to share their intentions or blessings for the year ahead.

Feasting at Imbolc is about more than food—it’s a moment to pause, nourish your body and spirit, and celebrate the promise of renewal in the turning of the seasons.

Crafting for Imbolc

Imbolc is a time to honor creativity and the spark of inspiration, making it the perfect occasion for hands-on crafting. Channel Brigid’s energy as the goddess of creation by making meaningful items that celebrate the season’s themes of renewal, protection and potential.

1. Brigid’s Cross

What you’ll need:

• About 16-20 pieces of straw, rushes (or yarn, strips of paper, pipe cleaners, etc. 

• Scissors

• Thread, string or rubber bandsSeeds symbolize potential and growth, making them a powerful tool for setting intentions.

Braiding a Brigid’s Cross is a traditional Irish craft often associated with Imbolc and the goddess Brigid. It’s made by weaving rushes, straw or other flexible materials into a distinct cross shape with a square center and four arms.

How to make it:

• Soak natural materials like straw or rushes in water for a few hours to make them more pliable.

• If using pipe cleaners or paper, ensure they are cut to equal lengths (about 10-12 inches).

• Start the center: Hold one straw vertically in your left hand. Fold a second straw in half and place it over the first, forming an “L” shape.

• Add the Alarms: Rotate the cross clockwise. Fold a third straw in half and lay it horizontally over the second straw, enclosing the vertical straw. Rotate again and fold a fourth straw over the last one.

• Repeat this process, rotating and adding straws until you achieve the desired thickness for the center.

• Secure the arms: Once the center is complete, you’ll have four arms extending outward.

• Group the ends of each arm and tie them tightly with string or rubber bands to hold the shape.

• Trim the ends to make them even. 

• Place the completed Brigid’s Cross on an altar, hang it above a door, or use it as a protective charm.

• Symbolism: The square center symbolizes balance and the hearth, central to Brigid’s domain. The four arms represent the elements (earth, air, fire, water) and the cyclical nature of life.

• Traditionally, the cross was hung in homes to invoke Brigid’s blessings and protection for the year ahead.

2. Seed Jars of Intention

What you’ll need:

• A small glass jar

• Seeds (for herbs, flowers or vegetables)

• Small slips of paper

• A pen

Seeds symbolize potential and growth, making them a powerful tool for setting intentions.

How to make it:

• Write your goals or wishes for the coming season on small slips of paper.

• Place the seeds in the jar, layering them with the slips of paper.

• Seal the jar and place it on your altar as a reminder of the intentions you’ve planted.

When the season is right, plant the seeds as a symbolic act of manifesting your goals.

3. Imbolc Candleholders

What you’ll need:

• Glass jars or small bowls

• Natural materials (twigs, dried herbs, ribbons)

• Glue or twine

• Tea lights or votive candles

These simple, decorative candleholders symbolize the growing light of the sun and Brigid’s eternal flame.

How to make it:

• Decorate the outside of a glass jar or bowl using twigs, dried herbs or ribbons.

• Secure the materials with glue or twine.

• Place a tea light or votive candle inside, and light it during your Imbolc rituals or feasts.

4. Rosemary Wreaths

What you’ll need:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Floral wire or twine

• Dried flowers and ribbons

Rosemary is a traditional herb for purification and protection, making it a perfect addition to Imbolc crafting.

How to make it:

• Form a small wreath shape with the rosemary sprigs, securing them with wire or twine.

• Add dried flowers or ribbons for decoration if desired.

• Hang the wreath near your front door or in your sacred space to cleanse and protect.

Crafting as a Sacred Act

Crafting at Imbolc is a way to weave your intentions into tangible forms. Whether you’re making a Brigid’s Cross for protection or a seed jar to nurture your goals, these crafts connect you to the themes of Imbolc and the power of the goddess Brigid herself.

Embracing the Light of Imbolc

As the wheel of the year turns, the Wiccan holiday of Imbolc offers a moment to pause and honor the quiet transformations happening within and around us. It’s a time to kindle the first sparks of inspiration, to nurture the seeds of what’s to come, and to invite light and warmth back into our lives.

Whether through rituals, feasting, crafting or simply reflecting on the promise of spring, Imbolc encourages us to celebrate the potential of new beginnings. By embracing the season’s themes of renewal, creativity and connection, we align ourselves with the cycles of nature and the guiding light of Brigid.

As you step into the growing light of the season, may you carry with you the hope and inspiration that Imbolc brings. Blessed be. –Wally

The Genius of Mongol Warfare: Strategies That Conquered Empires

8 Mongol military tactics that changed how wars are fought, including false retreats, horse archers, siege technology, spies and propaganda. 

In the vast, wind-swept steppes of Mongolia, a handful of nomadic tribes evolved into one of the most formidable military machines the world has ever seen. Within just a few decades, the Mongols — once dismissed as primitive horsemen — would carve out the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from the edges of Eastern Europe to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. At its height, the Mongol Empire covered nearly 12 million square miles, encompassing China, Persia, Russia and parts of the Middle East, with its influence even reaching Korea and Southeast Asia.

But their astonishing success wasn’t just a matter of brute strength. The Mongols were strategic masterminds, innovators in a world still clinging to outdated tactics. They wielded mobility like a weapon, turned deception into an art form, and mastered psychological warfare so effectively that their very name struck terror into the hearts of distant nations. 

“The Mongols rewrote the rules of warfare.

Their campaigns shattered the conventional strategies of the time, leaving entire civilizations scrambling.

But what truly set the Mongols apart was how they consistently turned the battlefield into a proving ground for innovation, efficiency and relentless adaptability.”

“Genghis Khan recognized that warfare was not a sporting contest or a mere match between rivals; it was a total commitment of one people against another,” writes Jack Weatherford in Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. “Victory did not come to the one who played by the rules; it came to the one who made the rules and imposed them on his enemy. Triumph could not be partial. It was complete, total and undeniable — or it was nothing. In battle, this meant the unbridled use of terror and surprise. In peace, it meant the steadfast adherence to a few basic but unwavering principles that created loyalty among the common people. Resistance would be met with death, loyalty with security.”

The Mongol focus on precision, planning and an uncanny ability to adapt led to victories that reshaped the course of history. Let’s dive into the tactics that made the Mongol Empire from 1206 to 1368 an unstoppable force — and secured its place as one of history’s most dominant military powers.

1. Horse archers as the backbone

The open steppe: a vast, unforgiving expanse where the horizon blurs into the sky. The wind howls, carrying with it the distant thunder of hooves — faint at first, but growing louder, a storm of dust and fury heading your way. Before you can even catch a glimpse of your attackers, arrows begin raining down from the sky like lethal hail, striking with unerring precision.

This was the nightmare that armies across Asia and Europe faced when they encountered the Mongols. Unlike the heavily armored knights of Europe or the disciplined infantry of China, the Mongols fought as if they were part of the wind itself — swift, elusive and deadly. 

Their entire way of life had trained them for this. From childhood, Mongol boys were taught to ride with the skill of seasoned cavalrymen and to shoot with a deadly accuracy that could strike a sparrow mid-flight. But what made them truly terrifying was their ability to do both — racing across the battlefield at full speed with bows drawn.

No army wanted to face a horde of these warriors, with each solider armed with a composite bow, a weapon capable of firing arrows with greater force and at longer ranges than any bow of the time. The Mongols would circle their enemy, shooting while riding with such precision that no one within range was safe. 

Unlike conventional armies that moved in rigid formations, the Mongols attacked with fluid, ever-shifting maneuvers, swarming like a living organism. They were never where you expected them to be, always striking at your most vulnerable points.

It’s easy to see how traditional armies found themselves outmatched. Try to chase the Mongols, and they’d vanish into the distance, only to regroup and encircle you. Stand and hold your ground, and you’d be worn down by relentless waves of arrows. And this was just the beginning of their tactics — this merciless dance of speed and precision was merely the opening move in battles that would leave entire regions trembling in their wake.

2. Hit-and-run tactics and feigned retreats 

The battlefield is quiet — too quiet. Your forces stand on edge, gripping swords and shields, scanning the horizon for any sign of the Mongol horde. They’ve attacked twice already today, firing volleys of arrows before vanishing into the vast plains. Frustration simmers among your ranks. You know they’re out there, hiding just beyond sight, waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.

Suddenly, the ground begins to tremble, a distant rumble of hooves echoing through the air. There they are: a line of Mongol riders streaking toward you at breakneck speed, dust billowing behind them. Your archers scramble to prepare — but just as they aim, the Mongols turn and retreat, racing back into the open steppe. A cheer goes up from your troops — they’re running away!

But the retreat is a trap. What you don’t realize is that this maneuver is exactly what they want. As your forces give chase, emboldened by what they believe to be a fleeing enemy, the Mongols keep just out of reach, drawing you farther from your strong position. They’re leading you into a killing ground — a carefully chosen area where they hold every advantage.

Then it happens. The Mongols suddenly stop, wheeling around with the fluidity of a flock of birds, and a second group of riders bursts from a hidden position, flanking your forces. Arrows rain down in a deadly crossfire, and before you can even order a retreat, your ranks are in chaos. The “retreating” riders now charge back with renewed ferocity, encircling you on all sides. It’s no longer a battle — it’s a massacre.

This was the brilliance of Mongol hit-and-run tactics: the feigned retreat. Where traditional armies saw retreat as a sign of defeat, the Mongols turned it into one of their deadliest weapons. They understood human nature — how pride, fear and the desire for victory could be manipulated. Time and again, enemy forces were lured into pursuing what they thought was a vulnerable target, only to find themselves surrounded, overwhelmed and utterly crushed.

3. Spreading fear, rumors and propaganda

You’re a soldier stationed in a distant city, a place that until recently had felt like a secure fortress, surrounded by thick walls and defended by thousands. But now, unease grips the streets. The merchants whisper dark tales from travelers — stories of entire towns wiped off the map, of rivers running red with blood. The name on everyone’s lips is the same: Mongols.

You hear that when the Mongols approach a city, they send messengers ahead with an offer: Surrender or face annihilation. Those who resist are said to be shown no mercy: civilians slaughtered, leaders executed and survivors — if there are any — left alive just so they can spread word of the devastation to the next town. The stories are horrific, often exaggerated with every retelling, but that’s the point. Before the Mongols even arrive, their reputation arrives first, a shadow that stretches across hundreds of miles.

The panic sets in. You hear of entire armies fleeing without even putting up a fight, abandoning their posts at the mere rumor of Mongol scouts. Even among your fellow soldiers, there’s doubt. What if the rumors are true? What if the Mongols really are unbeatable? What chance do you have against an enemy that fights like a phantom, one that doesn’t just defeat armies but erases cities from existence?

The Mongols understood the power of propaganda better than any other force. They didn’t just wage war on the battlefield; they waged psychological warfare on entire populations. They would often exaggerate their numbers and the brutality of their tactics, knowing full well that fear could sometimes do more damage than arrows or swords. By the time the Mongols appeared at the gates, many cities had already lost the battle in their minds. The choice between surrender or certain death seemed all too clear.

In this way, the Mongols won countless victories without even lifting a weapon. Their enemies crumbled under the weight of their own dread, driven by stories that blurred the line between truth and myth. 

4. Siege warfare

The city walls loom tall and impenetrable. They’ve held back countless enemies before, giving the citizens within a sense of security. They’ve heard of the Mongols — how they devastate everything in their path — but they’re confident that these steppe warriors, known for their lightning-fast cavalry, won’t have the patience or the tools to crack these mighty defenses. 

But as the days stretch on, something unsettling begins to happen. Siege engines start appearing — massive trebuchets that hurl boulders with frightening precision, towers that inch closer every night and tunnels that seem to dig themselves under the city walls. The Mongols are even said to have thrown diseased corpses over walls to sow panic and chaos. 

Early in their conquests, the Mongols recognized that brute force alone couldn’t bring down the heavily fortified cities of China, Persia and Europe. So they adapted. They captured and recruited siege engineers from the civilizations they conquered, learning how to breach walls that had stood for centuries. 

The Mongols would also cut off all supplies to the city. Starvation and desperation would do the work for them, as defenders grew weaker and morale crumbled. Every siege was a calculated operation designed to break both the city’s defenses and its spirit.

The siege of Xiangyang in the 13th century is one of the most famous examples of Mongol tenacity. The city, a key fortress along the Yangtze River, was heavily fortified and seemed impregnable. But the Mongols weren’t deterred. After years of encircling the city and relentlessly attacking, they deployed new trebuchets built with the expertise of Persian engineers they had brought into their ranks. These trebuchets had longer range and greater power than anything the defenders had seen before. When they began firing, the walls that had withstood years of assault began to crumble. Once Xiangyang fell, the path to conquering southern China was wide open.

By the time news of a Mongol siege reached neighboring cities, panic often spread faster than the armies themselves. The fall of one fortress became a warning to the next, and with each victory, the Mongols solidified their reputation as an unstoppable force. Siege warfare allowed them to conquer the unconquerable, turning the cities that should have been their greatest obstacles into stepping stones for their ongoing conquest.

5. Use of spies and scouts

The sun dips low over the horizon, casting long shadows across the camp. As your army prepares for the next day’s march, there’s an uneasy tension in the air. You’ve heard the rumors — how the Mongols always seem to know every move you make, every weakness in your defenses, even the most secret paths through the mountains. It’s as if they’ve been watching you for weeks, perhaps months. The truth is, they have.

Long before the first Mongol arrow is loosed in battle, their spies and scouts have already done much of the heavy lifting. These agents, often disguised as merchants, travelers or even defectors, slip unnoticed into enemy territories. By the time a Mongol army arrives, they know everything: the strengths of your defenses, the locations of your food stores, the morale of your soldiers and the political tensions within your ranks.

This intelligence network is a vast, organized system. Mongol scouts map out entire regions, identifying the best routes for swift movement and the hidden vulnerabilities of their enemies. 

In the world of Mongol warfare, knowledge truly was power. Where other armies relied on brute strength or blind courage, the Mongols leveraged the hidden movements of their spies and scouts to outthink their opponents long before they clashed on the battlefield.

6. Rapid communication

The Mongol army moves like a shadow across the landscape — swift, coordinated and seemingly unstoppable. But what’s truly remarkable isn’t just their speed; it’s their ability to remain connected across the vast expanse of their empire. From the frozen forests of Siberia to the deserts of Persia, the Mongols maintain perfect coordination over thousands of miles. How? Through a means of communication incredibly advanced for its time: a system known as the yam.

Imagine being a messenger tasked with carrying critical orders across hundreds of miles of hostile terrain. You’re not traveling alone or unaided, though. As you gallop along the steppe, you know that every 20 to 30 miles, there’s a relay station — each stocked with fresh horses, supplies and guards. You ride at full speed to the next station, where you hand off your message to the next rider, who continues the journey without missing a beat. 

In a world where armies could take weeks to coordinate movements over long distances, the Mongols collapsed time and space. Orders that would take weeks to reach other empires were transmitted across the Mongol Empire in a matter of days. This rapid communication allowed them to stay unified, adapting to changing situations and striking with devastating precision.

7. Learning from conquered peoples

The Mongol Empire was a rolling juggernaut that devoured cities, kingdoms and empires. Yet, unlike many conquerors before them, the Mongols didn’t just take land — they took knowledge as well. As they moved across continents, they were like sponges, soaking up the best tactics, technologies and ideas from every culture they encountered. For the Mongols, wisdom could come from anywhere, and they knew that the difference between victory and defeat often lay in adapting and improving upon what others had already mastered.

The sophisticated siege engines Genghis Khan and his successors used weren’t Mongol inventions. They were borrowed, adapted and perfected from the Chinese and Persian engineers whose lives were spared to serve under the Mongol banner.

This ability to assimilate the skills and knowledge of conquered peoples was one of the most overlooked strengths of the Mongols. While other conquerors destroyed what they didn’t understand, the Mongols saw opportunity in every culture they encountered. Skilled craftsmen, scholars, engineers and even military experts were often spared, given new homes and tasked with serving the Mongol cause. 

Once they learned a new tactic or technique, they integrated it into their existing strategies, creating a flexible and formidable war machine that could handle pretty much any challenge.

This willingness to learn, adapt and evolve was a key factor in the Mongols’ success. Where other empires stagnated, the Mongols thrived by remaining open-minded and pragmatic. In doing so, the Mongols proved that the smartest way to dominate the world wasn’t just through force, but through understanding and adaptation.

8. Living off the land and rapid campaigns

The wind sweeps across the open plains, carrying with it the scent of dry grass and distant smoke. You’re a soldier in an army marching into unfamiliar territory, uncertain of what lies ahead. Supplies are dwindling, and every day feels like a struggle to keep your men fed and ready to fight. 

But across the field, the Mongol army seems unfazed. They move swiftly and silently, barely slowed by the lack of resources that would cripple any other force. How do they do it? How do they manage to keep their strength, their speed and their ferocity even in the harshest conditions?

The answer lies in their ability to live off the land. Unlike the lumbering armies of Europe or China, bogged down by supply chains and the need to carry provisions for weeks or months, the Mongols were masters of survival and self-sufficiency. They didn’t rely on vast wagon trains of food or endless lines of pack animals to feed their troops. Instead, they adapted to whatever environment they found themselves in, thriving in conditions that would break lesser armies.

Mongol warriors were raised on the harsh steppes, where survival meant knowing how to make the most of what little was available. They were trained to be self-reliant from a young age, and this ethos extended to their campaigns. The Mongols could cover vast distances with astonishing speed because they weren’t weighed down by the need to secure elaborate supply routes. Instead, they carried what they needed on their horses — dried meat, fermented milk and hard cheese — and when supplies ran low, they simply hunted, foraged or took what they needed from the land.

Mongol warriors could subsist on mare’s milk, often fermenting it into the drink known as kumis, and in dire situations, they could bleed their horses, drinking the blood, mixed with water, for sustenance. 

This ability to live off the land, coupled with their lightweight and durable supplies, made the Mongol army one of the most mobile forces in history. They rode at a pace that left their enemies reeling. 

The Legacy of Mongol Warfare

The Mongols rewrote the rules of warfare. From the vast plains of Mongolia to the fortified cities of Europe and the Middle East, their campaigns shattered the conventional strategies of the time, leaving entire civilizations scrambling. But what truly set the Mongols apart wasn’t just their ability to win battles; it was how they consistently turned the battlefield into a proving ground for innovation, efficiency and relentless adaptability.

Their mastery of speed and mobility made them the swiftest force the world had ever seen, while their psychological warfare broke enemy morale before the first arrow was ever fired. They used intelligence networks and rapid communication to stay steps ahead of their foes, creating an empire where information flowed faster than any army could march. And with their willingness to learn from every culture they encountered, the Mongols turned their enemies’ technologies and tactics into the bedrock of their growing power.

The Mongol Empire may have eventually fragmented, but the strategies they pioneered can be seen in modern military tactics and logistics. Even beyond warfare, from women’s rights to paper currency, Mongol innovations helped shape the modern world.

Demonized as an inferior race for centuries, the Mongols are finally getting the recognition they deserve. –Wally

From Freaks to Serial Killers: The Dark Wonders of Graveface Museum

Dive into a world of roadside oddities, taxidermy curiosities, cult memorabilia and chilling true crime tales — including the legacies of Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy — at Graveface Museum.

The devil’s in the details: the iconic entrance to the Graveface Museum

If your idea of the perfect afternoon includes taxidermied animals, Church of Satan memorabilia, paintings made by a serial killer, and an arcade filled with vintage monster-themed pinball machines, then the Graveface Museum might just be your new happy place. Tucked away in Savannah, Georgia’s historic Byck building along the cobblestoned Factors Walk, this one-of-a-kind museum is a must-visit for enthusiasts of the macabre, the mysterious and the downright bizarre.

Originally, Duke and I had planned a day trip to Savannah with my mom, but she decided to sit this one out due to the blustery, cold winter weather. With just the two of us making the trip, we decided to explore some of the city’s more unusual shops and attractions. 

We took an Uber from Hilton Head, South Carolina and had the driver drop us off in the artsy Starland district. It was here among the shops that we stumbled upon Graveface Records & Curiosities, a combination vinyl and oddities shop founded by Ryan Graveface — a musician, record label owner and lifelong collector of all things peculiar. (Something tells me he would get along well with Ryan and Regina Cohn, whom we’ve dubbed the King and Queen of Oddities.)

After exploring the Starland district and other aspects of quirky Savannah, we made our way to Bay Street. The Graveface Museum is tucked away in the historic Byck building at 420 East Factors Walk, a cobblestone thoroughfare sandwiched between River Street and Bay Street. Keep an eye out: This hidden gem isn’t as obvious as the tourist stops along the river — but that only adds to its allure. 

The museum pays homage to all things creepy or unusual.

A Grave Undertaking 

The museum opened in February 2020 (right before the pandemic hit, gulp) as a passion-project-turned-immersive-experience. Given that Ryan’s last name is Graveface, an affinity for the macabre seems inevitable. With a mission to preserve and showcase the stranger aspects of history, he’s curated an eclectic mix of roadside attractions, true crime artifacts, cult memorabilia and secret society paraphernalia, among other peculiarities.

Highlights include the largest private collection of John Wayne Gacy’s paintings, artifacts from Ed Gein’s notorious crimes, and exhibits on topics ranging from Satanism to UFO cults. The museum also features a free pinball arcade, offering visitors a chance to unwind after exploring its darker displays.

The eclectic gift shop

Enter Through the Gift Shop

Your journey into the macabre begins in a gift shop that’s as offbeat as the museum itself. Part retail space, part curiosity cabinet, it’s stocked with horror-themed merchandise, oddities and hilariously gory painted movie posters from Ghana, Africa. It’s an appetizer for the weirdness that lies ahead.

Sunny days…with a side of terror: Ernie and Bert masks up front

The $25 entrance fee might seem a bit steep, but if you’re into all things weird, it’s worth it. The staff is brimming with enthusiasm, eager to share their knowledge of the unusual. With your ticket in hand, you’re ready to step into a world where the bizarre, the dark and the fascinating collide. Step right up — into the gaping maw of a bright red devil.

The first room of the museum houses medical oddities like the Spiderfawn.

The Tour Begins: Roadside Oddities

The first room welcomes you into a world of roadside curiosities — an homage to the kitschy, the creepy and the oddly endearing. Here, you’ll find displays of “freaks of nature”: a taxidermied faun with two heads and extra legs, and Clementine, a calf with five legs — a mix of biology gone awry and human fascination with the unnatural.

But not everything is what it seems. This room dives into the art of Homer Tate, nicknamed the “King of Gaffes” for devising grotesque, cobbled-together creations that once dazzled and duped carnival-goers, including a few variations of the infamous Fiji mermaid. Our favorite was the one called Fish Girl, which incorporated the red hair of Tate’s wife and a cat’s teeth. 

This Fiji mermaid is a hoax by Homer Tate, who used his wife’s hair and his cat’s teeth.

Apparently, Tate also produced shrunken heads — some fake, some real! — and was arrested for grave robbing. However, since he was the town sheriff, he didn’t spend have to worry about spending time behind bars.

Also in this first room are dioramas of taxidermied critters that reveal a peculiar Victorian obsession: crafting miniature scenes featuring preserved animals in quirky, anthropomorphic roles. These whimsical displays, once popular showpieces for the 19th century elite, straddle the line between charming and unsettling. Our favorite? A tiny circus featuring prematurely born kittens as the star performers — walking the tightrope, balancing on balls and delighting an imaginary crowd. What else would you expect from the generation that created death photography?

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RELATED: See this roadside oddity in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cute l’il Clementine was born with five legs. You can see the purple mirrored chamber about Heaven’s Gate and alien abductions.

Alien Abductions and Heaven’s Gate

From roadside oddities, you’re transported into a small, mirrored room that feels like stepping into another dimension. This space is dedicated to UFO lore, alien abductions, and one of the most infamous cults of modern times: Heaven’s Gate. A  video loop of its founder anchors the exhibit and offers a chilling glimpse into the cult, whose members believed they would ascend to an alien spacecraft trailing the Hale-Bopp comet. 

The room’s mirrors amplify the eerie vibe, reflecting the otherworldly artifacts and making you feel like you’ve entered a cosmic echo chamber.

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RELATED: Are there alien-human hybrids on Earth?!

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The mannequin on the right is of Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan.

Satanism and Secret Societies

The next stop on our journey delved into the forbidden, the misunderstood and the hidden corners of belief systems. 

One room is dedicated to Satanism, with a focus on the Church of Satan and its theatrical founder, Anton LaVey, whose philosophy challenged societal norms and fueled decades of controversy. Sexual liberation played a major part in LaVey’s teachings, and he encouraged members to embrace it. LaVey contended that living in a society in which we repress our natural urges and instincts results in unhappiness. 

From there, we entered a room dedicated to Christianity and secret societies like the international Order of Oddfellows. Artifacts from these groups reveal a fascinating interplay between faith, ritual and mystery. 

The juxtaposition of these belief systems — one often feared and the other foundational to Western culture — invites you to ponder the fine line between the sacred and the profane.

Stop and play some pinball to prep yourself for a (serial) killer ending.

The Pinball Arcade

Just when the heavy, dark vibe starts to settle in, the museum offers a much-needed breather: a room filled with vintage pinball machines. It’s a welcome shift in atmosphere, adding a playful, nostalgic charm to the experience.

Of course the lineup features creepy classics like The Addams Family, Dracula, and Halloween, a perfect nod to the museum’s macabre aesthetic. Best of all? These machines are free to play. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or just looking for a moment to decompress, this quirky arcade is the perfect palate cleanser before diving back into the dark history waiting around the corner.

This macabre display is a re-creation of Ed Gein’s final murder, where he decapitated a woman’s head and mutilated her genitals.

Haunted House: Ed Gein’s World

From pinball nostalgia, you’re thrust into the unsettling world of Ed Gein, aka the “Butcher of Plainfield” — a man whose gruesome crimes blurred the line between true crime and urban legend. The guided tour through Gein’s macabre legacy busts some of the myths that have grown around his name. No, there weren’t lampshades made of human skin or a “nipple belt.” (Gein didn’t even have electricity, and that infamous accessory was a hoax made out of latex.) But yes, he really did use skin to upholster the seat of a chair, and he carried around a nifty keychain made from a piece of his mom’s scalp and hair. 

Ed Gein inspired numerous villains in horror movies, including Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Gein, who robbed graves and murdered two women, is the inspiration for countless fictional killers, from Norman Bates to Buffalo Bill and Leatherface. The exhibit doesn’t flinch in showing the grisly details, including a diorama of his final victim. She’s depicted hanging upside down, her head cut off, and her genitals mutilated, revealing the true depravity of his crimes. This was to me the most disturbing aspect of the museum. 

We followed our guide up a staircase lined with grisly black and white crime scene photos of mob hits that reminded me of the work of Weegee. 

And yet, as shocking as it all is, there’s something oddly captivating about Gein himself. The small town simpleton obviously had horrific hidden depths. 

John Wayne Gacy dressed up like a clown…when he wasn’t torturing and murdering young men and boys.

Upstairs: John Wayne Gacy’s Disturbing Legacy

Climbing the stairs to the section dedicated to John Wayne Gacy, the infamous “Killer Clown,” felt like stepping into an even darker realm of horror. In this room, our guide, her tuna fish can earrings jangling as she spoke, recounted the grim tale of Gacy. He was a seemingly ordinary married man from suburban Norwood, Illinois, who, during the 1970s, tortured, sexually assaulted and murdered (not necessarily in that order) 33 boys and young men. Gacy's preferred method of killing was strangulation, chillingly referred to as his "rope trick." 

One wall of the museum is dedicated to the faces of Gacy’s known victims — a haunting tribute to the young men whose lives he stole. Seeing their photos lined up, it’s impossible not to picture the unimaginable horrors they endured.

Many of Gacy’s paintings were of the Seven Dwarves — a reflection of a childhood obsession

But what sets this room apart is the strange, surreal focus on Gacy’s art. Displayed prominently are his original paintings, including a series of the Seven Dwarves (Snow White is notably absent). Gacy’s clown paintings are equally unnerving, given his former role as a community entertainer in full clown getup.

A list of prices reveals that back in the 1990s, you could pick up a Gacy painting for a mere 100 bucks (or $270 nowadays). Today, their value has skyrocketed as collectors clamor for a piece of true crime infamy — a disquieting reminder of our society’s fascination with killers.

Keep an eye out for a documentary the Graveface gang is working on about Gacy. 

Wally put his best freak on to try out to be a permanent exhibit at the Graveface Museum.

A Must-See for Oddities Enthusiasts 

The Graveface Museum isn’t for the faint of heart — if you’re squeamish or prefer your history without a macabre twist, it’s best to give this one a pass. But for those intrigued by the intersection of the bizarre and the dark, it promises a one-of-a-kind experience.

From taxidermied curiosities and cult artifacts to the unsettling tales of Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy, the Graveface Museum balances horror with history, never veering into exploitation, but refusing to shy away from the unsettling truths of human nature And let’s not forget about the free pinball!

Whether you walk away fascinated, haunted or simply grateful for the ordinary comforts of your own life, one thing is certain: The Graveface Museum will stick with you long after you’ve left its eerie halls. –Wally

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The Oddities Flea Market

Death masks and other delights!

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The Deets

When yoiu see Freemasons’ Hall, you’re close. Find the fittingly creepy Lower Factors Walk between Bay and River.

Location

The Graveface Museum is tucked away at 410 East Lower Factors Walk, a strange little in-between street near Savannah’s waterfront. It’s not quite street level and not quite below it, but rather a cobblestone thoroughfare sandwiched between River Street and Bay Street. 

If you’re driving, nearby parking can be tricky, so plan ahead or prepare to walk a bit.

Admission
Tickets cost $25 per person, which includes access to all exhibits and the free-play pinball arcade. 

Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead before visiting.

Graveface Museum

410 East Lower Factors Walk
Savannah, Georgia 31401
USA

Middle Eastern Food and Culture in NYC

From vibrant festivals to hidden culinary gems, New York City celebrates Middle Eastern heritage with a rich mosaic of food, music and tradition.

Walking through New York City can feel like traveling through a world atlas, and nowhere is that more evident than in the way this metropolis serves up Middle Eastern culture. From the spice-laden dishes of Astoria’s bustling streets to the honey-drenched baklava beckoning from Brooklyn bakeries, the city is steeped in rich flavors and stories that stretch across continents. But where should you start, when the options are as expansive as NYC itself?

“NYC offers a Middle Eastern experience that goes far beyond food.

It’s a tapestry of culture — woven with spices, songs and stories — that invites you to take a bite, sip or step into its world. ”

A Middle Eastern Culinary Tour of NYC

Astoria, Queens is the heartbeat of this culinary journey, offering everything from Palestinian musakhan (spiced roast chicken served on flatbread) at Al-Sham to Egyptian koshari (layers of rice, lentils and macaroni, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions) at Mum Feteer And don’t miss the quirky Kabab Cafe, where Chef Ali’s grilled lamb chops — and his lively personality — are equally unforgettable.

Across the East River, Manhattan’s West Village holds treasures like Mamoun’s Falafel, where tipsy late-night revelers have savored falafel sandwiches since the ’70s (a steal at $3.50). 

Over in Brooklyn, Tanoreen in Bay Ridge turns Palestinian classics into contemporary works of art under the expert hand of Chef Rawia Bishara. Yemen Café & Restaurant is another Brooklyn favorite, offering fragrant mandi rice (spiced, with slow-cooked meat) and warm, crusty flatbread. 

Festivals and Events: Celebrating Middle Eastern Heritage Year-Round

Every April, Arab American Heritage Month lights up NYC with events like the Arab American Bazaar in Brooklyn, where the scent of donutlike ka’ak rings fills the air as dabke dancers draw crowds into their rhythmic spell. The New York Arabic Orchestra’s hauntingly beautiful performances bring centuries-old melodies to life, leaving audiences entranced.

Even Broadway nods to this heritage — score Aladdin the musical tickets, and you’ll find yourself exploring how tales like The Arabian Nights have woven themselves into Western culture. With its riot of color and clever wordplay, Aladdin is a vibrant reminder of the Middle East’s influence on global storytelling.

Markets and Meze: Where to Shop for Authentic Ingredients

If cooking is your love language, NYC’s Middle Eastern markets are your playground. Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue reigns supreme, with barrels of olives and stacks of Turkish delight ready to inspire your next mezze spread. 

In Manhattan, Kalustyan’s spices up any recipe with saffron from Iran and lentils from Turkey, while Astoria’s Aladdin offers freshly baked pita and tangy shanklish cheese. 

And head to Little Egypt in Queens for halal meats and speciality store items like spicy harissa sauce and molokhia leaves.  

Shopping at these markets is an adventure. Vendors chat animatedly in Arabic, the air is filled with the warm scent of cardamom, and if you’re lucky, you might leave with a free sample of gooey kanafeh.

The Coffee Culture: Sipping Traditional Arabic Coffee in NYC

Arabic coffee is a ritual. In NYC, that tradition finds a home in coffeehouses, where emphasis is placed on both the brew and the experience. This is just the opposite of the takeout attitude held by most New Yorkers, who find Arabic coffee requires one to sit, sip and savor it. 

The coffeehouse is a communal space where news is exchanged, arguments are hashed out, and laughter rings in the air. 

Steinway Street in Astoria — Manhattan’s Little Arabia — is lined with cafés like Al Sham, where patrons linger over cardamom-infused brews paired with sticky baklava. 

In Brooklyn, Layla blends modern aesthetics with tradition. Order an Arabic coffee and a basbousa semolina cake, and you might just end up in a spirited conversation with the barista. 

These coffeehouses act as hubs of connection and culture — and perhaps all that caffeine is how New York earned the nickname the City That Never Sleeps.

From Spices to Stories: Savoring the Soul of NYC’s Middle Eastern Culture 

From the fiery flavors of musakhan to the rich brew of Arabic coffee, NYC offers a Middle Eastern experience that goes far beyond food. It’s a tapestry of culture — woven with spices, songs and stories — that invites you to take a bite, sip or step into its world. 

Whether you’re chasing falafel in the West Village, wandering through a spice market or settling in with a finjan of coffee, you’re experiencing more than just the cuisine. You’re savoring history, community and the vibrant soul of a culture that continues to shape New York City in countless ways. –David Fox

Top Must-See Destinations in Arizona: More Than Canyons and Cacti

From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon and Sedona’s fiery red rocks to adventures like rafting the Colorado, hiking slot canyons, and sipping prickly pear margaritas under the desert sky, Arizona is pure magic.

Arizona is unlike any other state in the U.S. A sprawling canvas of ancient landscapes, vibrant cities and quirky adventures, it’s the kind of place where you can watch the sun paint the Grand Canyon at dawn, sip craft cocktails in Scottsdale by night, and still have time to hunt for a spiritual vortex in Sedona. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, or just someone who wants to try responsible gaming while exploring the Southwest, Arizona serves up more than its fair share of surprises.

Here’s a guide to Arizona’s must-see destinations that go beyond the usual tourist traps — and into the stories that make them unforgettable.

1. Grand Canyon National Park: Nature’s Ultimate Flex

The Grand Canyon isn’t just a big hole in the ground (though, admittedly, it is massive). This 277-mile-long geological marvel is a love letter from the Colorado River to the Earth, carved over millions of years. But let’s ditch the brochures — did you know the South Rim’s Mather Point is where amateur photographers turn pro in seconds? Or that mule rides down the canyon come with guides who can tell you the difference between Kaibab and Toroweap limestone?

For thrill-seekers, rafting the Colorado River is a wet and wild front-row seat to eons of Earth’s history. And for those who prefer to stay dry, the Desert View Watchtower offers a panoramic view that might just make you believe in the sublime.

2. Sedona: Where Red Rocks and Zen Collide

Sedona is like that friend who’s effortlessly cool — stunning to look at, a little mystical, and always ready to recommend a good hike or a chakra cleanse. Its iconic red rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, are Instagram gold, but this place is more than just a pretty backdrop.

Feeling adventurous? Trek Bell Rock at sunrise. Feeling spiritual? Sedona’s vortex sites are said to radiate healing energy (though skeptics might argue it’s just the altitude). Afterward, stroll through the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for local crafts, or treat yourself to a wellness retreat that includes guided meditation under the stars.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a jaw-dropping architectural gem built into the rocks, even if you’re more into selfies than sanctity.

3. Antelope Canyon: The Slot Canyon That Stole the Spotlight

Tucked away near Page, Antelope Canyon feels like you’ve stepped into another dimension — or maybe a desktop screensaver. Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its ethereal light beams, making it a photographer’s dream. Meanwhile, the Lower Canyon is perfect for the more adventurous, with narrow passageways that require a ladder and a good sense of balance.

Insider tip: Tours sell out fast, so book early — and aim for midday when the light show is at its peak. Oh, and don’t forget to ask your guide about the Navajo stories tied to the canyon. They’ll add a layer of meaning you won’t find on Google.

4. Phoenix: More Than Just a Desert City

Phoenix has mastered the art of balancing its urban cool with a nod to the outdoors. Sports fans can catch a game at Chase Field, while nature enthusiasts can lose themselves in the Desert Botanical Garden, home to over 50,000 desert plants (yes, that includes the occasional bloom-worthy cactus).

Looking for a view? Hike Camelback Mountain at sunrise, or take the easy route with a rooftop cocktail in hand at one of the city’s trendy bars. Bonus points if you visit the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can try instruments from around the world — perfect for channeling your inner rock star.

5. Old Town Scottsdale: Where the Old West Meets New Luxe

Old Town Scottsdale is like a time machine with a martini bar — history meets modern indulgence. Start your day with a gallery crawl featuring everything from Southwestern landscapes to contemporary sculptures. Then, stop by Candytopia for a sweet immersive experience (marshmallow pit, anyone?) before heading to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which is equal parts thought-provoking and Insta-worthy.

By night, this place lights up with rooftop lounges and lively bars. Pro tip: Order the prickly pear margarita. Trust me, it’s as quintessentially Arizona as it gets.

For an added layer of excitement, visitors can explore platforms like Arizona sportsbooks. Whether you’re catching a game at Chase Field or relaxing after a day of hiking Sedona’s red rocks, these platforms bring the thrill of the action to your fingertips. Best of all, they emphasize responsible gaming, so you can enjoy the experience worry-free while adding a unique twist to your Arizona adventure.

6. State Farm Stadium: More Than a Game Day Hangout

In Glendale, the State Farm Stadium is an architectural wonder, with its retractable roof that’s almost as impressive as the events it hosts. From NFL games to international soccer matches, this venue is a bucket-list spot for sports fans.

Not into sports? No worries. Catch a concert, festival or even take a behind-the-scenes tour. Fun fact: The entire grass field rolls out of the stadium on a giant tray, allowing it to soak up natural sunlight outside the arena. 

Why Arizona Deserves Your Travel Plans

Arizona is a symphony of natural wonders, vibrant cities and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re snapping photos at the Grand Canyon, exploring Sedona’s spiritual side, or living it up in Scottsdale, there’s a little something for everyone.

So pack your hiking boots, your camera and a good appetite for prickly pear everything. Arizona proves there’s no limit to how much adventure you can pack into one trip. –Eduardo Solano

Discover Dubai’s Top Museums

Explore the best museums in Dubai, from ancient history at Al Fahidi Fort to cutting-edge innovation at the Museum of the Future. Learn about must-visit attractions for families, history buffs and selfie addicts.

Museum of the Future

Beneath Dubai’s veneer of glittering skyscrapers and luxury malls lies a deep cultural heritage, best experienced through its world-class museums. Whether you’re dreaming of time-traveling to the Iron Age, walking among the stars (or their waxy doppelgängers), or immersing yourself in candy-coated fantasy lands, Dubai’s museums offer something for everyone. One thing that’s certain: There’s no shortage of over-the-top attractions in Dubai.

From history buffs to art aficionados, these cultural gems promise more than knowledge — they deliver unforgettable adventures. And the city is a great place for families to visit. There are plenty of things to do with kids in Dubai.

Ready to uncover the past, embrace the present and peek into the future? Let’s dive into Dubai’s top museums that are guaranteed to enrich your trip (and, let’s face it, your social feed).

Hours and ticket prices could change. It’s always a good idea to check their website first. 

3D World Dubai Selfie Museum

📍 Warehouse 4, Street 26, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai

Prepare to step into a realm where art and imagination collide. The 3D World Dubai Selfie Museum experience isn’t just a place to admire art; it’s a place to become it. With over 185 hand-painted trompe-l’oeil photo ops spread across nine fantastical zones, this 23,000-square-foot wonderland invites you to take pics that look like you’re getting tongued by a giant chameleon, walking a tightrope, battling Yoda or wandering Wonderland. These playful optical illusions will blow your mind, and the friendly staff are always on hand to help you nail the perfect shot.

Whether you’re flying solo or wrangling the whole family, this interactive playground promises unforgettable memories and enough Instagram gold to keep your followers entertained for weeks.

Opening hours: 

• Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Last entry: 7 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 3 and older: AED 89

• Children 2 and under: Free

Al Shindagha Museum

📍 Al Shindagha Heritage District, Dubai

Step into the heart of Dubai’s history at the Al Shindagha Museum, a sprawling outdoor museum located along the picturesque Dubai Creek. This cultural gem takes you on a journey through the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. Wander through beautifully restored 19th century homes and themed pavilions that bring Emirati traditions to life. Highlights include the Perfume House, where you can craft your own scent, and the House of Poetry, which celebrates the art of Emirati storytelling.

Best months to visit: November through April, when cooler weather makes exploring the heritage district more enjoyable.

Opening hours: 

• Daily: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Last entry: 7 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• Adults (25 and above): AED 35

• Youth (5 to 24): AED 20

• Children 4 and under: Free

Arte Museum Dubai

📍 Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Step into the Arte Museum Dubai, where cutting-edge digital art transforms the beauty of nature into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Spread across 30,000 square feet (2,800 square meters) and 14 immersive zones, this museum combines captivating visuals, soundscapes by composer Young-Gyu Jang, and even unique scents tailored to each exhibit. Highlights include breathtaking media art installations and a serene break at the Arte Tea Bar, where you can sip on exquisite drinks while marveling at the artistry around you.

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Arte Museum promises a feast for the senses.

Opening hours: 

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 5 and older: AED 129

• Children 4 and under: Free

Coffee Museum

📍 Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai

For coffee lovers and history buffs alike, the Coffee Museum offers a deep dive into the Arab world’s enduring love affair with coffee. Nestled in the charming Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this quaint museum explores the journey of coffee through time, from its discovery in Ethiopia to its integral role in Middle Eastern culture.

Learn about the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder who noticed his charges acting energizing after chomping on some berries, the transformation of coffee during the black gold era, and the fascinating rituals surrounding Arabic coffee. The museum’s two floors are packed with artifacts, brewing methods and stories that capture the essence of this beloved beverage.

Opening hours: 

• Saturday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Friday: Closed

Ticket prices:

• Free

Dubai Museum

📍 Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai

Note: As of this writing, the museum is closed for renovations, set to reopen in 2025. 

It’s hard to imagine something this old standing in the heart of this glittering modern metropolis. Yet the Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the museum, is Dubai’s oldest surviving structure, built in 1787.

The Dubai Museum brings the city’s past to life with immersive dioramas, traditional Bedouin tents and a model dhow, a wooden sailing vessel, that offers a glimpse into maritime trade. Stroll through a vibrant souk, marvel at ancient artifacts like pottery and weapons, and soak in the architectural beauty of coral stone walls and watchtowers.

Don’t miss the serene central courtyard, where traditional summer houses made of palm fronds provide a perfect spot to pause and reflect on Dubai’s rich heritage.

With its life-sized exhibits and captivating stories, this museum offers a window into the vibrant history of the Emirati people.

Opening hours: 

• Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 15 and older: AED 3

• Children 14 and under: AED 1

Madame Tussauds Dubai

📍 Bluewaters Island, Dubai

Lights, camera, wax! At Madame Tussauds Dubai, you can rub elbows with lifelike figures of your favorite celebrities, from Hollywood legends and Bollywood icons to music megastars and sports heroes. Wander through seven themed zones, snapping selfies with stars like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Marilyn Monroe, and Lionel Messi as well as political figures like Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you’re walking the red carpet or posing with your role models, every room feels like a glamorous adventure.

Perfect for fans of all ages, this wax wonderland blends glitz, fun and a touch of star power to brighten your day.

Opening hours: 

• Sunday to Thursday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• AED 145 per person 

• Family tickets for two adults and two children: AED 424

Museum of Candy

📍 City Walk, Dubai

Step into a sugar-coated wonderland at the Museum of Candy, where your sweetest dreams come to life. With over 15 candy-themed zones like Sweetopia, Gummy Bear Pool and the Louvre of Lollies, this interactive experience is a feast for the eyes. Compete in cotton candy challenges, indulge in milkshakes, and collect enough candy memories to last a lifetime.

Perfect for kids and kids at heart, this colorful haven promises 60 to 90 minutes of whimsical fun and endless photo ops. Sweet!

Opening hours: 

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 12 and over: AED 109

• Children 11 and under: AED 89

• Children 2 and under: Free

Museum of Illusions Dubai

📍 Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Dubai

Prepare to have your mind blown at the Museum of Illusions, a world where nothing is quite as it seems. From the disorienting Vortex Tunnel, where gravity takes a holiday, to the mesmerizing Infinity Room, this museum offers interactive experiences that challenge your perception. Strike quirky poses in the Tilted Room, or take unforgettable group shots in the Ames Room, where sizes shift based on your position.

With exhibits designed to entertain, amuse and make you question reality, the Museum of Illusions is a must-visit for all ages.

Opening hours:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ticket prices:

• Adults (16 to 59): AED 80

• Children (5 to 15): AED 60

• Children 4 and under: Free

• Seniors (60 and over): AED 70

• Students: AED 70

• Family Package (2 adults and 2 children): AED 225

• Family & Friends Package (5 tickets for adults or children): AED 320

Museum of the Future

📍 Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai

Get ready to step into the year 2071 at the Dubai Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel and a playground for innovation. This iconic steel and glass structure, adorned with Arabic calligraphy, offers a glimpse into the future of humanity. Explore exhibits on cutting-edge advancements in biodiversity, renewable energy, space exploration and more. Each floor immerses you in a visionary world where artificial intelligence and augmented reality redefine what’s possible.

Don’t miss the interactive displays that spark curiosity and challenge you to imagine a better tomorrow. The Museum of the Future is an invitation to dream big.

Best months to visit: April, May, September and October, for fewer crowds and a more immersive experience.

Opening hours: 

• Daily: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Last entry: 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 4 and older: AED 149

• Children 3 and under: Free

Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum

📍 Shindagha Heritage District, Dubai

Journey back to the Iron Age at the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum, where over 12,000 artifacts paint a vivid picture of Dubai’s ancient history. Housed in a beautifully restored building that once belonged to Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum, this museum reveals the secrets of a trading and metallurgy hub from centuries ago. Explore intricate jewelry, tools, ceramics and even the golden ring that inspired the Dubai Expo 2020 logo.

With interactive displays and engaging audiovisuals, this museum is a treasure trove for history lovers and curious minds alike.

Opening hours: 

• Sunday to Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Thursday and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: 

• Visitors 13 to 59: AED 20

• Children 7 to 12: AED 10

• Children 6 and under: Free

• Seniors 60 and over: Free

Dubai Museums: Where History and Imagination Meet

Dubai’s museums are vibrant gateways into the city’s rich past, dazzling present and visionary future. Whether you’re wandering the candy-coated realms of the Museum of Candy, marveling at Iron Age treasures in Saruq Al Hadid, or stepping into tomorrow at the Museum of the Future, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dubai, each offering an experience as diverse as the city itself.

From art enthusiasts and history buffs to families seeking fun, there’s a museum to ignite every traveler’s imagination. So why settle for the ordinary? Add a dash of wonder to your Dubai itinerary and let these incredible museums turn your trip into an unforgettable story — and provide the most epic selfies ever. –Meenakshi Nair

What Are the Nephilim and Sons of God in the Bible?

Exploring controversial theories about Nephilim and the lustful Sons of God. Were they giants, fallen angels, warrior kings — or aliens?!

They’ve confounded readers of the Bible for centuries: the Nephilim — those enigmatic giants who, for a brief moment in Genesis 6:1-4, stride across the stage before vanishing into the mists of time. What are we to make of these mysterious figures, and the equally shadowy “sons of God” who, it seems, were quite taken with the local ladies? If you’re expecting a straightforward answer, prepare to be disappointed — or delighted, depending on your taste for ancient mysteries.

“When the Bible says the Sons of God took any of the women they chose, there’s no indication that their consent was considered. Today, we’d call that rape. ”

Divine Romances and Giant Offspring

Back when the world was young, shortly after the Creation and the Fall of Man, humanity was multiplying, and somewhere out there, celestial beings were looking down at the burgeoning population of Earth. And what caught their eye? The daughters of men, who, according to the text, were beautiful enough to inspire these sons of God to leave their heavenly abode and mingle with the mortals. The result? The birth of the Nephilim — described as mighty men, heroes of old.

It’s a story that practically begs for elaboration, yet Genesis offers little more than a tantalizing sketch. Who are these sons of God? What exactly were the Nephilim — and why do they get only a brief mention before the narrative shifts to the business of the Flood?

The Dark Side of Divine Romance: Consent? What Consent?

Let’s not sugarcoat this: The sons of God in Genesis aren’t exactly the chivalrous type. When the text says they “married any of them they chose,” we’re not talking about a whirlwind romance or a fairy-tale wedding. No, this is more of a divine free-for-all, where the daughters of men were taken — emphasis on taken — with no indication that their consent was considered. Today, we’d call that rape. 

This little detail turns the story from a mythical dalliance into something much darker. It’s not just about heavenly beings mingling with mortals; it’s about power dynamics and the exploitation of vulnerability. The sons of God are exercising a celestial privilege, and the daughters of men are on the receiving end of a cosmic power play.

Some scholars argue that this part of the narrative reflects a broader theme of power imbalance — one that echoes through many ancient myths (including putting the blame on Eve in the Garden of Eden) and even into modern discussions about consent and authority. 

These divine beings, with all their supernatural power, saw something they wanted and took it, consequences be damned. And what were those consequences? Enter the Nephilim, the chaotic offspring of these unions, who were as much a symbol of the moral disorder as they were of physical might.

In this light, the Flood that follows can be seen as more than just a reset button for a world gone wrong; it could be a divine response to the abuse of power. The story’s about what happens when those with power overstep their bounds, and how, in the end, that kind of violation brings about its own downfall.

Sons of God: Angels Gone Wild?

But what exactly were these dubious creatures? One popular interpretation, especially in early Jewish thought, is that the sons of God were fallen angels — divine beings who, perhaps bored or rebellious, decided to have a little fun on Earth. 

This view is championed by the ancient Book of Enoch, a text that didn’t make the biblical cut but still managed to influence a lot of early Jewish thought. In Enoch, these sons of God were explicitly identified as angels who not only fathered the Nephilim but also taught humans all sorts of forbidden knowledge — think weapon-making, sorcery and makeup tips.

If we’re to believe this interpretation, the Nephilim were half-divine, half-human hybrids, giants whose very existence was an affront to the natural order — part of a roster of monsters of the Bible. 

Genesis 6 reflects an ancient belief in a world teeming with divine beings who sometimes overstepped their bounds, argues Michael Heiser, in his book The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. The sons of God are best understood as members of the divine council who rebelled against God, leading to the corruption of humanity through their offspring, the Nephilim. This reading positions the Nephilim as symbols of chaos, a divine error that needed correction — cue the Flood.

The Nephilim: They Might Be Giants

Not everyone is on board with the angelic interpretation. Some scholars suggest that the sons of God were actually members of a ruling class — mortal kings or warriors who, through their power and prestige, were seen as godlike. 

In this view, the Nephilim were their offspring, not so much giants in the literal sense but towering figures in terms of reputation and strength. After all, Nephilim is sometimes translated as “fallen ones,” which could just as easily refer to warriors who fell in battle as to beings cast out of heaven.

The story is less about divine transgression and more about setting the stage for the Flood, agrees John Walton in The Lost World of Genesis One. He suggests that the Nephilim and the sons of God are narrative devices used to illustrate the moral decline of humanity. The story reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship, where rulers often claimed divine parentage to legitimize their authority. The Nephilim, then, are not the literal giants of later myth but represent the corrupting influence of unchecked power.

The Legacy: From Giants to Modern Myth

Whatever their origins, the Nephilim have left a lasting mark on our imaginations. They’ve been linked to everything from the ancient Greek titans to the giant skeletons that pop up in dubious archaeological reports. 

In modern times, the Nephilim have marched their way into modern fiction, appearing as the heroic Shadowhunters in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series — proof that these ancient giants still loom large in our collective imagination.

They’ve even been co-opted by fringe theories and conspiracy buffs, who see in the Nephilim evidence of ancient alien visitations or secret histories suppressed by mainstream scholars. 

So, what are we left with? A tale of divine beings who might — or might not — have fathered a race of giants, a story that straddles the line between history and myth. –Wally

Who Is Freyja? The Fierce and Enigmatic Goddess of Norse Mythology

Duality defines Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and war, beauty and death. She’s also a powerful sorceress, wielding seid — magic tied to fate, transformation and prophecy.

Duke and I adopted a cat from a shelter named Freya — and quickly fell under her spell. I was always more of a Greek and Roman mythology buff than Norse, so my curiosity was piqued — I wanted to know more about the goddess our new kitty was named after. I dove into learning about the goddess, and it soon became clear that our Freya is every bit as beautiful, fierce and wild as her divine namesake, with both embodying a blend of grace, power and an untamed spirit.

Freyja (as it’s most commonly spelled), the Norse goddess of love, beauty, war and magic, both captivates and unnerves. 

“Freyja stands as one of the most captivating figures in Norse mythology — a goddess of dualities who embodies beauty and ferocity, love and war, magic and mystery. ”

What Does Freyja Look Like?

She’s draped in a cloak of falcon feathers, shimmering with the colors of the sunrise — golden and russet hues that catch the light as she moves. 

Her hair, long and flowing like streams of molten amber, contrasts with eyes that seem to hold the mysteries of the cosmos. 

Adorning her neck is Brísingamen, the legendary necklace forged by dwarves in the depths of the Earth. (See the full myth of the necklace below, in which Freyja whores herself out to dwarves.)

Freyja’s Chariot

She commands a chariot drawn by two formidable big cats. These silver-furred creatures, known as Bygul and Trjegul, glide with the grace of wild predators, their eyes glowing with the sharp intelligence and cunning of the goddess they serve. 

The chariot moves as if weightless, whether it glides across the earth or soars through the sky. 

The Origin of Freyja

Back when the cosmos were still untamed, swirling in chaotic mists and shadows, the Vanir emerged from this primal void — gods and goddesses intrinsically tied to nature’s cycles, ancient and wild. Among them was Freyja, born of the sea god Njörðr and sister to Freyr. 

But Freyja’s birth was unlike any other — rumor has it that she emerged from the crashing waves, fully grown, as the saltwater mixed with the dawn’s first light, setting her hair aglow with a golden sheen. (Sounds quite a bit like Aphrodite, doesn’t it?)

From the very start, Freyja carried a duality within her: a grace that could soothe even the most troubled hearts, and a ferocity that could shake the heavens. 

As she grew, her allure was unmatched, yet it was her wisdom in seiðr, the mysterious Norse magic, that truly set her apart. It was said that she could weave the very threads of fate, bend reality to her will and command the elements themselves. Her presence could sway the tides of war, and her tears, when shed, turned into precious amber, glittering tokens of her sorrow and joy.

The Vanir, Freyja’s original tribe, went to war with the Æsir in a conflict that shook the Nine Realms. To establish peace, Freyja played a key role as a mediator. As part of the truce, the Vanir sent Freyja and her family to live with the Æsir — a gesture that underscored her immense value and the high stakes of the agreement.

She craved adventure, adored beautiful things and was never afraid to wield her formidable powers to get what she wanted. This was a goddess who is as multifaceted as the jewels she wears — beautiful and fearsome, compassionate and unyielding, with a touch of mischievous charm. Just like our cat.

Goddess of Love and War

Freyja is a goddess of dualities, straddling seemingly opposing forces with effortless grace. She’s most commonly associated with love, beauty and fertility, but she’s far from a simple goddess of romance. Freyja’s love is fierce and complex, reflecting both the sweetness of new beginnings and the passion that can lead to conflict and heartache. 

Her beauty is more than skin deep, tied to the power she wields and the control she exercises over those who desire her favor. Her role in fertility isn’t just about the growth of crops or even the bearing of children — it’s about the vital force of life itself, the energy that sustains both the Earth and its people.

But Freya’s also a goddess of war, presiding over the battlefield in a role similar to that of Odin. Half of those who die in battle are claimed by Freyja, who takes them to her hall, Fólkvangr, while the other half go to Valhalla. This dual role reflects the Norse view of death, where even in war, the concepts of love, honor and sacrifice are deeply intertwined. Freyja’s warriors are chosen not just for their valor but for the passion with which they lived and fought.

Freyja’s power also extends into the realm of magic, specifically seiðr — a type of Norse sorcery associated with fate, transformation and prophecy. She’s said to have taught this art to Odin, a significant detail that underscores her mastery of one of the most feared and revered practices in Norse culture. Seiðr allowed her to manipulate the threads of destiny, control the elements and see into the future, making her both respected and dreaded.

Freyja’s Symbols and Associations 

Freyja’s symbols further reflect her complex nature. Brísingamen, her radiant necklace, is a source of power and authority. The cats that draw her chariot embody her independence and mystery, as felines have long been associated with both sensuality and cunning. Her falcon cloak, which allows her to take the form of a bird and fly, represents her ability to traverse the boundaries between worlds — between life and death, love and war, magic and reality.

Finally, Freyja’s association with gold and amber, symbolized by the tears she sheds for her missing husband, ties her to the earth’s treasures. These tears, said to be found along the shores of rivers and forests, show how deeply her emotions are connected to the natural world. 

Freyja’s domains make her one of the most complex figures in Norse mythology — her influence extends across all realms, and through her associations, we see a goddess who embodies the full spectrum of human and divine experience.

Freyja’s Necklace, Brísingamen

It’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship — each link in the chain engraved with ancient runes of power and protection, glowing with an otherworldly radiance. Inset with gemstones that flicker between deep amber and blood-red, it pulses in time with Freyja’s heartbeat, amplifying her beauty and authority, making even gods and giants bow in awe. And like any good Norse artifact, it has its own name: Brísingamen.

The tale of how Freyja came to possess Brísingamen is a perfect blend of ambition, desire and a touch of scandal — exactly the kind of tale you’d expect from the goddess of love and war.

One evening, Freyja was wandering through the forests of Midgard when her eye caught the glimmer of something extraordinary: a necklace unlike any she had ever seen. It was Brísingamen, forged by four dwarves deep within the earth, and it shone with a brilliance that rivaled the stars. Instantly captivated, Freyja knew she had to have it. But dwarves are a tricky bunch — they aren’t easily bribed with gold or treasures. No, these craftsmen had something else in mind.

When Freyja approached them, the dwarves, grinning slyly, made their offer: sleep with each of them, and the necklace would be hers. Now, Freyja isn’t one to shy away from a deal — especially when something as dazzling as Brísingamen is at stake. She weighed her options, considered the price, and agreed. The deal was struck, she had sex with each dwarf in turn — and the necklace was hers, glittering proudly around her neck. 

But not everyone was thrilled by Freyja’s deal.

Loki, the trouble-making trickster, caught wind of the arrangement and couldn’t resist stirring up trouble. He went straight to Odin, gleefully spilling the beans about how Freyja had “negotiated” for her new accessory. Odin was outraged and demanded the necklace be taken from her as a lesson in humility.

Loki, always ready to stir the pot, snuck into Freyja’s hall, slipped past her defenses and stole Brísingamen right from under her nose. When Freyja discovered the theft, she didn’t take it lightly. She stormed into Asgard, confronting Odin with a fury that shook the heavens. 

Odin decreed that if Freyja wanted her precious necklace back, she would have to incite a war. And even if Freyja wasn’t particularly keen on Odin’s terms, she knew she wasn’t walking away from Brísingamen. 

Now, how to start a war? Freyja took a surprisingly subtle approach. She traveled through villages and courts, planting seeds of jealousy, rivalry and greed. Her whispers acted like a slow poison, and soon, those tiny sparks of discord ignited into flames. Neighbor turned against neighbor, tribes clashed over petty slights, and kings sought expansion through conquest. War was declared, and Freyja got her necklace back. 

Freyja and Thor’s Hammer

In another myth, Thor woke up one day to find that his beloved hammer, Mjölnir, had vanished. Now, losing Mjölnir isn’t like misplacing your car keys — it’s a catastrophic event that leaves Asgard vulnerable to all sorts of enemies. 

As Thor fumed and threatened to smash anything in sight, Loki (who else?) volunteered to investigate. Using his usual cunning, Loki discovered that the hammer had been stolen by Thrym, a giant with a particularly thick skull and a bad case of greed. Thrym wasn’t interested in riches or glory, though — he had his eyes set on something far more valuable: Freyja.

Thrym sent a message to the gods: “You want the hammer back? Fine, but I want Freyja as my bride in exchange.” 

When Freyja heard the demand, her face turned scarlet, her eyes blazed, and she unleashed a roar so powerful that it caused the very foundations of Asgard to tremble. 

“Do you really think I’d let myself be bartered off like some prize cow?” she thundered, sending all the gods scrambling for cover. 

With Freyja’s refusal made perfectly clear, the gods had to get creative. They hatched a hairbrained plan that could only work in the world of Norse mythology: Thor would disguise himself as Freyja and trick Thrym into giving back Mjölnir. 

So there he was — Thor, the mighty god of thunder, his bulging muscles squeezed into a bridal gown, wearing a veil that barely concealed his thick beard. Loki, never one to miss out on a prank, gleefully played the role of Thor’s maid of honor and accompanied him to Thrym’s hall.

When Thrym saw his “bride,” he was thrilled — though a little confused by Freyja’s sudden appetite, as she devoured platter after platter of food and drained barrels of ale in one sitting. Loki, quick on his feet, explained that Freyja hadn’t eaten in days, out of excitement for her wedding. Dim-witted Thrym was sold and brought out the hammer as part of the wedding ceremony.

The moment Mjölnir was placed in “Freyja’s” lap, the charade was over. Thor ripped off his veil, seized the hammer, and with a single swing, sent Thrym and his cronies flying. The feast turned into a battlefield, with Thor gleefully smashing his way through the giant’s hall while Loki cackled in the background.

The gods returned to Asgard victorious, hammer in hand and no bride sacrificed. And Freyja? She watched the whole spectacle from afar with an amused smirk. 

Freyja as the Price of Asgard’s Defences

As we have seen, Freyja’s beauty and allure were legendary, which made her a target for unwanted attention — particularly from giants, who always seemed to be scheming for ways to get their hands on her. One such tale involves a giant who came to Asgard with an offer the gods couldn’t refuse…or so he thought.

The giant approached the gods with a bold proposition: He would build a wall around Asgard strong enough to keep out any enemy — an impenetrable fortress that could withstand even the fiercest of attacks. In return, he demanded three things: the sun, the moon and — most importantly — Freyja as his bride. Now, the gods weren’t exactly thrilled about the idea of losing the sun and moon, but the thought of handing over Freyja? Unthinkable.

Still, they figured they could outsmart the giant. After all, he was offering a monumental task, and they were confident that no one could complete such a project in the tight deadline they’d impose. The gods agreed to the deal but insisted that the wall had to be finished within a single season. Thinking they’d bought themselves an easy win, they relaxed…until the giant started making serious progress.

What they hadn’t anticipated was that the giant had a secret weapon: his powerful stallion, Svadilfari, who was hauling massive stones at lightning speed. As the deadline drew near, the gods realized they were in deep trouble. Freyja, fuming at the thought of being handed over like a prize, made it clear that if this deal went south, heads would roll. Literally.

Desperate for a solution, the gods turned to Loki, the trickster they could always count on for a scheme, however unconventional.

Loki didn’t disappoint. “Leave it to me,” he said with a sly grin, already hatching a plan.

That night, under the cover of darkness, Loki transformed himself into a sleek, graceful mare. His shimmering coat caught the moonlight as he trotted toward Svadilfari, the giant’s powerful stallion, who was tirelessly hauling massive stones for the wall.

Svadilfari, enchanted by the sight of this new and alluring horse, immediately lost interest in his work. Loki, in mare form, whinnied coyly, flicked his tail, and galloped into the forest. The stallion, spellbound, followed without hesitation.

What happened in the woods isn’t certain, but let’s just say Loki as a mare was just a bit too entrancing. He ended up pregnant and gave birth to Sleipnir, an extraordinary eight-legged horse with unmatched speed and strength. Sleipnir would go on to become Odin’s trusted steed, capable of crossing realms and outrunning the wind itself.

Meanwhile, with the horse gone, the giant’s progress slowed to a crawl. 

Enraged and realizing he’d been duped, the giant revealed his true form. It was terrifying to behold: His once humanoid features twisted and expanded, his body swelling to an immense size. His skin turned a dark, stony gray, cracked and weathered like ancient rock, with jagged ridges jutting from his shoulders and spine. His eyes burned like molten lava, seething with fury, and his hands became massive, clawed appendages capable of crushing stone. Veins of fiery red pulsed across his body, as if his rage was fueling him from within, and his voice thundered like an earthquake as he roared his fury, shaking the very ground beneath him.

But before he could make a move, Thor swooped in and took care of the problem the way he usually does — with a swift blow from Mjölnir, turning the giant into rubble. Crisis averted, the gods celebrated, and Freyja remained free, much to her relief.

Óðr, Freyja’s Wandering Husband

Freyja is married to Óðr (pronounced “Oh-thur”), a figure shrouded in mystery. His identity has long been debated by scholars. Some suggest that he’s another aspect of Odin, given the similarity in their names and roles as wanderers. If that’s true, it would make Freyja and Frigg — Odin’s wife, and a wise, reserved goddess of domestic life — two sides of the same coin, representing different aspects of a single goddess. 

Óðr, a mysterious figure even by Norse standards, was known for his wanderlust. For reasons unknown, he left Freyja, vanishing into the far reaches of the world. Heartbroken but determined, Freyja set out on a relentless quest to find him, traveling through every corner of the Nine Realms.

In her search, Freyja disguised herself many times, using her falcon cloak to fly over mountains, seas and distant lands. Her journey took her through realms of both gods and mortals, and wherever she went, she asked after Óðr. Yet her search was filled with more questions than answers, and with every door she knocked on, the trail seemed to grow colder. As the days turned into months and the months into years, Freyja’s sorrow became legendary.

The tears she shed in her search turned into shimmering gold or amber as they hit the ground. These tears were found scattered across forests and shores, becoming treasured jewels sought after by mortals and gods alike. Even in her despair, Freyja’s presence brought beauty into the world, a fitting symbol for a goddess whose love and pain are intertwined.

Despite the depth of her love and the lengths she went to, Freyja’s search for Óðr was ultimately fruitless. Whether he ever returned or remained lost to her, the myths don’t say clearly. What they do tell us, though, is that Freyja’s longing became a part of who she is: a goddess who, despite her formidable powers and fierce independence, knows the sting of loss. It’s this complexity that makes Freyja one of the most relatable figures in Norse mythology. She’s both the mighty goddess who commands the battlefield and the grieving wife searching for the one she loves.

Interestingly, despite her marriage, Freyja remains a goddess whose love is sought after by many. Giants, gods and dwarves alike have tried to win her hand or bargain for her favor. Yet, even when she strikes deals, it’s always on her terms, showcasing her autonomy and power within relationships. Whether she’s using her beauty to achieve her goals or fiercely guarding what she holds dear, Freyja’s never reduced to just a love interest. 

The tale of Freyja’s search for her lost husband, Óðr, is one of longing, resilience, and the deep, bittersweet love that lies at the heart of her myth. Unlike the larger-than-life battles or witty escapades of other gods, this story reveals a more poignant side of the fierce goddess, one that resonates with the universal pain of losing someone dear.

Freyja, Goddess of Dualities

Freyja stands as one of the most captivating figures in Norse mythology — a goddess of dualities who embodies beauty and ferocity, love and war, magic and mystery. Her stories remind us that power comes in many forms: the strength to fight, the wisdom to weave destiny, and the resilience to seek what’s lost. Much like our own Freya, who prowls the house with a mix of wild grace and playful charm, the goddess Freyja continues to enchant and inspire. –Wally

8 Must-Visit Destinations Across Victoria, Australia

Explore Victoria, Australia: Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Prom, Melbourne, Otways National Park, Phillip Island penguins and more iconic destinations. 

As one of Australia’s smallest (and coldest) states, Victoria is often passed over by international tourists. But the Garden State — as the locals refer to it — is actually packed with some of Australia’s most singular, picture-perfect attractions. 

Alongside being home to the vibrant city of Melbourne — Australia’s cultural hub and coffee capital — Victoria is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic attractions, including the Great Ocean Road, the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes and, of course, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Today, we’ll be going in-depth with these must-visit attractions, alongside highlighting a few more metro Melbourne and regional Victorian attractions that are essential to any VIC travel itinerary.

Top Attractions in Victoria, Australia 

1. Great Ocean Road

Spanning 151 miles (243 kilometers) across Victoria’s coastline from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road takes just over four hours to drive from one end to the other. But it’s the journey that makes this great Victorian road trip a must. 

With a myriad of natural sights to see along the way, the Great Ocean Road is best savored rather than sped through. You’ll definitely want to stop and snap some photos at the Twelve Apostles, take a dip at Bells Beach, and explore the redwood forests that dot the Otways National Park.

Keep in mind, however, that accommodation across the Great Ocean Road does fill up in the summer. So if you’re looking to start from the eastern side closer to Melbourne, you’ll want to book one of the hotels in Torquay, Victoria ahead of time. And if you’re starting from the western side around Port Fairy or Warrnambool, I recommend casting a wide net when it comes to securing accommodation. 

Another pro tip: The Great Ocean Road is a popular destination for weekend getaways, so consider a mid-week trip between peak seasons, and you won’t need to fight the traffic.

2. Phillip Island

A waddle of penguins at sunset. Need I say more? To be fair, I should. Because despite Penguin Parade being a worthy attraction anywhere in the universe, there’s more to Phillip Island. A two-hour drive from Melbourne, on the southern side of Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island ticks as many boxes for a long weekend away from the city as you need.

Big-ticket events? Try the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Culture? The Phillip Island Jazz Festival should have you covered. World-class surfing beaches? How about Cape Woolamai, Cat Bay and Smiths Beach. And for those of you who are travelling with dogs, Phillip Island is also home to many dog-friendly beach walks and hiking trails, which truly makes this beloved holiday destination one that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Bright Township

When you step outside your hotel and take a panoramic look at the backdrop of this town, you’ll experience the full charm of country Victoria, and truly understand the understated appeal of the Garden State. If you go to any country township during your time in Victoria, I highly recommend that it be Bright.

Bright is a small town a short distance west from Mount Bogong and Fall Creek, a region of northeastern Victoria that inspires and excites no matter what season it is. Its idyllic town center is abuzz with tourists in the summer, but Bright arguably comes alive during the colder winter months, providing Melburnians with a snowy respite from the city’s gray weather.

The same icy slopes of Mount Bogong transform into gorgeous hiking trails in the summer, however, making Bright a great destination year-round. Winter or summer, skiing or hiking, mulled wine or artisanal gin — Bright will provide everything you need for a true country getaway, and it’ll provide it well.

4. Wilsons Promontory

You could argue Wilsons Promontory is the jewel to rule all natural jewels in Australia, let alone Victoria — and most people would listen. The southernmost tip of Gippsland, in Victoria’s east, Wilsons Promontory (Wilsons Prom for short) is the kind of place fans of nature daydream about while they watch the office clock.

When you look at a photo taken of Mount Oberon’s summit — and there are plenty, trust us — you’d think Wilsons Prom was as remote as Patagonia. Nothing is further from the truth. This national park is a shade under three hours from Melbourne by car.

Urban Destinations in Victoria 

5. Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne’s a foodie town, there’s no doubt about it. Which means you have to pencil in a visit to the Queen Victoria Market. Life-affirming coffee in hand, it’s the kind of place you can wander at all hours and still feel invigorated by the hustle.

It’s not just a place for food and people watching, though. Summer and winter each have their own spin on the night market, with food trucks and entertainment to keep everyone’s cultural cup full.

6. Brighton Bathing Boxes

If you’re in Melbourne for a few days and the weather suggests a trip to the sea, make it Brighton. No doubt you’ve seen the bathing boxes adorning postcards and Instagram accounts in equal measure. There’s no prize for guessing why: They’re pleasing on the eye, and that’s all they need to be.

The best part? The bathing boxes fall on the Bay Trail, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians that runs from Melbourne’s CBD (central business district) to Mordialloc in the bay. If you’re staying in the city and feel up for the exercise, rent a bike and ride south.

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7. Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, is a venue that delivers spectacles impressive enough to convert the toughest critic. From the folklore-level Boxing Day Test to the Anzac Day match between footy teams Collingwood and Essendon, the MCG is a memory-making destination like few others.

You don’t even need to be a cricket fanatic to appreciate the sheer scale and atmosphere of this stadium either. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the MCG is among the most iconic sporting landmarks around the globe, which is precisely why the city of Melbourne uses the stadium for other cultural events, like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran concerts. So next time you’re heading to Melbourne City, check what’s on at the MCG to experience the stadium for yourself.

8. Art Gallery of Ballarat

Melbourne can’t have all the fun. Take a drive or a trip on the V/Line regional train to Ballarat and visit Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Both the literal and figurative heart of this creative city, the Art Gallery of Ballarat presents visitors with an honest and provocative depiction of Australia’s history through art.

Celebrated for its always active celebration of local artists, this gallery has never strayed from the manifesto that defined its origin: Not for self but for all.

VIC-torious Adventures

Of course, this list is just an entrée. Victoria is a multi-dish banquet, one that’s best enjoyed when you have the right amount of time and flexibility. It’s also a place you’ll want to return to, mark my words. –Charlie Btallent

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