On December 19th, the Morbid Anatomy Museum announced that it is closing its doors. Located at 424 3rd Ave in Gowanus, Brooklyn, the museum was in operation for only two and a half years.
With a mission of celebrating death and curiosities, the museum showcased oddities such as “wax anatomical models, bejeweled skeletons, and books bound in human skin”. The institution hosted lectures with esoteric titles such as “Love, Wrath, Death, Lions: A Coney Island Love Story,” spooky workshops such as “Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy,” as well as an occasional “Death Cafe” with Funeral Director Amy Cunningham. However, its largest events were likely their Morbid Anatomy Flea Markets - which all curiosity-collectors must have had on their radars. The grim marketplace was a go-to event for antiques, taxidermy, and occult goodies.
While some events provided visitors with macabre knowledge or skills, one couple made the memory of a lifetime within museum walls. In June of 2015, Brad Harris and Elizabeth Alexander got married at the Morbid Anatomy Museum. (Which was reminiscent of one of their taxidermy exhibits, “The Kittens' Wedding”, circa 1890, by Victorian taxidermist Walter Potter.)
In order to prevent the museum’s unfortunate closing, the owners attempted to raise $75,000 via crowdrise. Sadly, they were only able to raise about $8,000 - just 11% of their goal.
In their statement issued via Facebook on Monday, the museum wrote:
“Our institution was made possible by an incredible investment from our founder and a dedicated group of early supporters, but we were unable to develop both the broad support from our audience and from grants, gifts and other sponsorship that is necessary for sustainability.”
The post has gained over 400 comments from disheartened followers - some Brooklyn-natives, as well as admirers from overseas. Fans regret not being able to visit the museum one last time, or in many cases, for the first time. Some commented inquiring about the fate of the exhibits, wondering if perhaps they will be auctioned off. Any information regarding a possible auction would likely be posted on their Facebook page.
I regret never having gone to the Morbid Anatomy Museum. Every time I have been in Gowanus, I've spotted the huge, black building and reminded myself to one day attend. Unfortunately for me and many others, our time has run out. Let this be a lesson to lovers of strange and subculture - never hesitate to support your local community. They need you.
