Salina's Garage Museum Showcases the Extraordinary and the Bizarre

The latest exhibition at The Garage in Salina, Kansas, is a captivating exploration of the most unique, unusual, and even downright weird vehicles ever created. "Oddities" offers visitors a chance to witness the extraordinary, from a replica of the iconic 1960s Batmobile to a DeLorean with a functioning flux capacitor and an "invisible" Boatmobile straight out of the animated series "Spongebob Squarepants." This exhibition promises to challenge perceptions and delight the senses, showcasing the quirkiest and most unconventional modes of transportation that have ever graced the roads.

Unveiling the Extraordinary: A Curator's Perspective on "Oddities"

Embracing the Weird and Wonderful

Matthew Miller-Wells, the director of education at The Garage, has been instrumental in curating this one-of-a-kind exhibition. He describes the process as one of the most enjoyable experiences, as the team delved into the world of the obscure and the bizarre. "There's just some weird, obscure stuff here," Miller-Wells enthuses, his passion for the subject matter evident in his words. From the 1995 "ChewBaru," a Subaru Boxer covered in dental tools, dentures, and toothbrushes, to the rare and out-of-style vehicles like the 1983 Chrysler LeBaron, each item on display holds a unique story and a captivating charm.

Polarizing Perspectives: The Subjective Nature of Oddity

Miller-Wells acknowledges that the "Oddities" exhibition is likely to elicit a range of reactions from visitors. "I think 'polarizing' could absolutely be one," he says, recognizing that what one person finds strange and intriguing, another may find confusing or even off-putting. The beauty of this exhibition lies in its ability to challenge preconceptions and encourage visitors to embrace the subjective nature of what constitutes "odd" or "weird." As Miller-Wells points out, "what is strange is subjective. Someone may think it makes no sense that a K-Car is in here, because they remember a time when they were everywhere."

Celebrating the Rare and the Remarkable

The "Oddities" exhibition not only showcases the bizarre and the unconventional but also celebrates the rare and the remarkable. Miller-Wells is just as excited about the 1983 Chrysler LeBaron as he is about the floating Amphicar, because these are vehicles that have become increasingly scarce on the roads. "The (K-Car) '83 LeBaron that's over there excites me just as much as like the (floating) Amphicar, because you just don't see those anymore," he explains, highlighting the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the automotive relics of the past.

A Unique and Immersive Experience

Visitors to the "Oddities" exhibition at The Garage can expect a truly unique and immersive experience. From the moment they step through the doors, they will be transported into a world where the extraordinary and the bizarre coexist, challenging their perceptions and igniting their curiosity. Whether they are captivated by the sleek lines of the DeLorean or the whimsical charm of the "Spongebob Squarepants" Boatmobile, each visitor is sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the creativity and ingenuity that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Practical Information and Admission Details

The "Oddities" exhibition is now open at The Garage in Salina, Kansas, and is accessible to the public. Daily general admission to the museum is $15, with discounted rates of $12 for seniors, students, and military personnel. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Memberships are also available, starting at $45 per year, which include unlimited admission and other exclusive benefits.