The International Cryptozoology Museum first opened in 2003 in a small home in Libbytown, Maine. The odd collection of artifacts and artwork eventually became so popular the owner, Loren Coleman, could no longer handle private showings in his home and in October of 2009 the museum moved to its own building in Portland.

Wait – What’s Cryptozoology?

I can hardly blame you for feeling confused. I was a bit baffled by the name of the museum and then by its total existence. For those out of the loop, cryptozoology is science of searching for evidence proving that certain creatures really do exist on this planet. We’re talking about the existence of unproved creatures, like the Jersey Devil, Loch Ness monster, or the famed Abominable Snowman. Oh – and don’t forget about Bigfoot!

Cryptozoology is not, believe it or not, a new science. The study of strange and hidden creatures has been a practiced art since the early 1940’s. While some view it as a pseudoscience, others, like Loren Coleman, take it very seriously.

What’s in the International Cryptozoology Museum?

The truth is that the International Cryptozoology Museum itself is a bit of a mystery to us. Inside this Arts District compound you’ll find the culmination of years’ worth of hard work and dedication.

[Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USoGS9HyNMg]

Inside the museum you’ll find an impressive collection of artwork and sculptures, most of which were created especially for the museum. Don’t let the 8-foot statue of Bigfoot send you running out the door. It’s not a stuffed creature but a simple replication of what someone believes he might really look like.

Aside from Bigfoot’s likeness you’ll find several other odd replicas, including furred trout and jackalopes. There is also an impressive collection of paintings, bronze casts, drawings, and sculptures from some of the best cryptozoology artists in the world, including Peter Loh, Bill Rebsamen, Paul Dini, and Erik Gosselin.

And then there’s the coelacanth, a fish from the coelacanthiformes family that was thought to be extinct until it was discovered during the late 1940’s off the coast of Africa. Scientists have fossils proving that the fish became extinct sometime during the Paleozoic or Mesozoic era. The International Cryptozoology Museum, of course, claims to have an actual 6-foot long specimen mounted to the wall.

The museum does have a few realistic attractions. There is a rather large collection of animal skulls on display, including those from lions, gorillas, chimps, and several other wild animals.

Why Does the Museum Exist?

The truth is that the museum was really Loren Coleman’s hobby. He thought having the items in his house and selling a few books was enough to keep him alive (at the poverty level) while submerging himself in his favorite pastime – cryptozoology.

Enter the IRS.

The IRS eventually audited Coleman and decided that the existence of the museum was nothing more than a hobby despite his insistence that the study of cryptozoology is a legitimate occupation. Even so, the IRS won the battle of definitions and decided that the meager amount of donations Coleman was making was not enough to support the museum.

[Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysDbHRlpn78]

Coleman had no choice. He had to move the museum to its own location and start making a profit or it would cease to exist. He partnered with several artists and partners to make the new museum a reality.

The museum does not gross a huge profit each year but it does receive quite a number of visitors. Each pays $5 (child or adult) to get in the door and everyone is encouraged to leave an additional donation if they feel they are able to do so.

Portland, Maine is a gorgeous place to visit, especially during the spring and summer months. There’s plenty to do year round but if you’re into weird and wacky sites and attractions (or if you really believe in cryptozoology) than the International Cryptozoology is one site you won’t want to miss!