The continent known for the kangaroo is celebrating all things poo!
As world travelers, the Poopable staff could hardly hide their excitement in learning about a new poo museum in Melbourne, Australia!
The land down under has recently unveiled its Unko Museum, an Instagram-ready space dedicated to the celebration of “adorable poop” with a distinct Japanese kawaii aesthetic. Toby Fehily, a visitor to the immersive exhibit, reflects on the significance of excrement and our societal relationship with fecal matter.
Located directly across the road from Melbourne’s inaugural public toilet, dating back to 1859, Australia’s first Unko Museum follows the footsteps of similar establishments in Japan and Shanghai. The entry fee of $23.50 (and $18 for children) is well worth the price of admission for IG-worthy set pieces as well as engaging, albeit “crappy” games.
No report yet on the value of the artistic works of poo
The poopy museum showcases feces in various forms (brightly colored for broader appeal). A art enthusiast pooper can hop in a play pit or check out some dump swirls, hanging from the ceiling.
Let’s not forget about the glowing and light-up poops as well. All matter of poop is seemingly displayed in the iconic soft-serve shape. Masaru Kobayashi, director of T Museum, the company behind Unko Museum draws parallels between the appeal of this shape and Euclid’s golden ratio as well as Kyoto temples’ tiered pagodas.
Kobayashi attributes the cultural acceptance of fecal matter in Japan to the kawaii aesthetic. This particular lens of display transforms “very dirty stinky things” into endearing elements.
Japan is known for sushi, Godzilla and… their societal acceptance of poop!
The connection to agriculture in Japan, where feces serve as fertilizer, likely contributed to the “stigma relief” of a pooper’s bowel movement. More than half of Australia’s land use is dedicated to agriculture. Ironically, fecal matter is outwardly ignored as a means of soil enhancement for crop cultivation in the country. This museum may be the perfect avenue to remove localized stigmas by showcasing poop versatility.
Unko Museum’s lack of taboo is evident as visitors can engage in activities such as stomping on colored turds for points or shouting, “poo” into a microphone in an effort to light-up a poo-poo portrait. The museum challenges societal stigmas surrounding excrement via offering a platform of fun and education for all poopers.
It is obvious that the Unko Museum will provide lighthearted experience which will help to end the negative stereotype that surrounds a regular human activity. The immersive poop experience can also help Australian parents that may be struggling with toilet training for their young poopers.
Feces isn’t just for fun either! Fehily brings attention to research which explores the use of fecal transplants to treat various health conditions. Australia’s regulatory approval for the procedure in 2022 marked a significant step in this direction.
Unko Museum exudes a profound ecological perspective
Beyond individual health, conservation biologist Joe Roman’s insights into animal excrement’s role in addressing the climate crisis are touched upon as well.
Would you dare to venture into this museum? Obviously, all of us at Poopable wish we could be waiting at the door! Tell us what you think! We’d love to hear from ya! Shoot us a note! Or drop a comment on this article or any others that flush your senses.