Crab Museum

The Crab Museum promotes itself as “Europe’s only museum dedicated to the decapod” but is more a quirky environmental action and climate change initiative launched by a team of absurdists.

While there is certainly some scientific information about crabs, there is also a lot of tongue-in-cheek nonsense about giant crabs, bearded ladies, crabs engaged in class warfare, an info panel (in the toilet) on pubic lice (commonly called “crabs”), and a “carb display,” supposedly initiated by a dyslexic curator.

The museum is the project of crab enthusiasts Ned Suesat-Williams, Bertie Suesat-Williams, and Chase Coley. In an interview with The Isle of Thanet News, the trio explained some of the philosophy behind the museum: “Margate was famous for its eccentric seaside attractions long before it was an artistic retreat for London’s struggling socialites. We like to think that Crab Museum will give a 21st-century nod to the donkey rides of yesteryear, and our combination of humour and science will inject a little bit of unexpected fun into an often overlooked area of marine biology.”

The gift shop features items such as lobster repellent, a tea towel depicting the food chain (as well as a beer can), and numerous postcards of an anarcho-anti-capitalist bent. The museum is free and worth every penny. Seriously funny and comically serious. Sadly, the museum is only open on weekends.