When I first heard about the Skullatorium I felt certain that it would be a unique experience, and was eager to see it for myself.
The view as you enter the museum.
Recently my son and I played "tourist in your own backyard". The Skullatorium was the highlight of our excursion.
I was like a kid in a candy store.
The collection displayed here was decades in the making. The owner told me that he found his first skull, a coyote, when he was just ten years old. I of course got a much later start, but like me he was instantly hooked on what would become an enduring fascination.
A display of felines domestic and wild.
The Skullatorium is located inside the historic Jerome High School, which closed in 1951; these days it is home to artists studios, some small businesses, and a collection of over 1500 real skulls from around the world. The museum is accessed by stairs on the outside of the building. The stairs were a little challenging for me but as you can see, not impossible. There's plenty of free parking, and signs to help you find your way. The gift shop is at the museum entrance. Original artworks incorporating skulls are displayed throughout. As an artist who works with skulls herself I found those especially interesting.
I saw things I'd never seen before, like that enormous Watusi-Ankole cow at top.
Every specimen on display has been painstakingly cleaned and preserved.
I know from experience the work that can go into properly cleaning bones and skulls. The pristine condition of the collection is impressive.
Turtle and tortoise shells above a large cow skull and a whale rib.
Bears, canines, and cats. At bottom right is an ancient saber-toothed cat.
Bird skulls from tiny to large, and some eggs.
There are very strange oddities...
And incredibly delicate skeletons.
Whales, dolphins, manatees, seals, and fish are included in the displays.
Vertebrae of different water-dwelling creatures such as whales and dolphins.
A display of rhinoceros skulls below various equines.
The teeth in the hippopotamus skulls surprised me.
This moose was as enormous as you would expect.
Along with skulls some other bones are displayed. Vertebrae, ribs, feet, and even bacula. Otherwise known as penis bones, ranging in size from no bigger than an embroidery needle to an example of one so big and solid they were apparently used by humans as weapons. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of those. The photographer (my son) was oddly reluctant to take a photo of that particular exhibit. I can't imagine why.
A display of human skulls, including some which were carved or decorated for memorial and ritual purposes.
The displays are well-lit and carefully labeled and arranged. The museum makes very good use of it's space. There are one or two displays that invite visitors to touch and handle the bones. (Otherwise, don't touch). Displays include information about the many species in the collection, and cultural significance where relevant.
Meerkats, genets, and other animals.
I used to wear band tee shirts back in the day. Now I wear museums and archaeological sites.
I've mentioned how I was like a kid in a candy store. How could I possibly look at something like this-
These are just beautiful.
And not daydream about doing something like this...
Like this, but way bigger.
Or this, but with really impressive horns.
As an artist I found the Skullatorium inspiring, and I imagine others would, too. It's worth a visit for that alone.
This is a fascinating and educational little museum, with beautiful collections displayed with care and attention to detail. I recommend the Skullatorium to anyone who is into natural history, appreciates dark art, and/or loves the special beauty of bones and skulls. There are lots of fascinating and fun things to discover in Jerome; the Skullatorium is a standout. I'm looking forward to visiting again.
You can learn more about the Skullatorium at their website.
Thank you for reading. This is an open thread.
