• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Museum of the Weird on 6th St. Draws National Attention with Oddities

September 18, 2013 by David Thomas 1 Comment

Steve Busti Owner of Museum of the Weird

Hanging out with Steve Busti, enthusiastic owner of Museum of the Weird

Austin is weird, right? It’s how we’ve branded the city.

We’ve all seen the tie-dye shirts, but how weird is Austin really? Is it mermaid mummy weird? Is it shrunken head weird? The Museum of the Weird on 6th St. is that weird.

The Iceman Cometh

When Steve Busti was just a young lad, he went with his aunt to a K-Mart. In the parking lot was a man with a truck, taking money from a line of people as they peeked into the back of it.

Steve’s aunt paid the man and lifted Steve up so he could see into the back of the truck. He came face to face with the world famous Minnesota Iceman – an ape-man frozen in ice, of controversial origin, which has attracted the attention of the FBI, Smithsonian Museum, U.S. Customs and Vice President Walter Mondale. The world famous moniker is not hype. The Iceman has attracted the attention of international paleontologists and scientists.

These are two of the many wax statues located in the museum.

Steve Busti has collected quite a few wax statues.

First impressions are important. If Steve Busti had never met the Iceman, I may not be writing this story. “If I hadn’t seen the Iceman at such a young age, I’d probably be an accountant or lawyer or something and there would be no Museum of the Weird,” Steve said with a grin. It’s interesting how things work out.

Steve and his wife opened Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts in 2005. “It’s a reflection of both our personalities,” he informed me. “She has locally made jewelry and I have my oddities.”

The museum grew from there. Steve took advantage of the extra space in the back of the store and above it, and he’s slowly amassed an impressive collection over the last eight years, with his most prized possession being the Iceman. Steve’s acquisition of the Iceman has gained the attention of national media outlets like The Huffington Post.

Swords, Light Bulbs and a Two-Headed Calf

Museum of the Weird Austin

The Minnesota Iceman is not the only attraction the Museum has to offer. Since Museum of the Weird is essentially an old school carnival side show, it stands to reason they would have side show acts. They do.

My particular group had the honor of seeing John T. Rex perform. John is one of a significant minority of people who do not feel the effects of electrical current. To prove this, he grabbed an exposed end of a thick electrical cord, turned on the power and lit a light bulb by having an assistant touch it to his skin. Afterwards, I went up and touched his skin, to which I was rewarded with the tingling sensation of electricity.

There is another act at the museum as well: sword swallowing. Juan Martinez, who has been with the Museum for three years (and told Steve Busti about the availability of the Minnesota Iceman), has been performing as a sword swallower for two years.

John T. Rex Museum of the Weird Austin

John T. Rex has been doing his act at the Museum since 2012

The sideshows and Minnesota Iceman showings are on something of a schedule, but there is plenty to see and read about while waiting for the next show to start. There is a display with a brief history of dime museums and sideshows, a two-headed calf, the Feejee Mermaid,  and an assortment of other oddities and wax figures. I don’t want to spill all the beans here, but there are some very interesting exhibits.

Two Headed Calf Museum of the Weird

A two-headed calf is one of the many oddities you will find at Museum of the Weird

Halloween is right around the corner and this is a place that should be on any family’s to-do list. Museum of the Weird is a cool place to visit. It’s located at 412 E. 6th St. and is open from 10 AM–midnight all week long (with the exception of certain holidays).

Tickets can be purchased at the cash register. To see the Museum and the Minnesota Iceman exhibit, adult tickets are $12.00 and kids under 8 are $7.00. I highly recommend this first option, but if you don’t want to see the Iceman, tickets are $8.00 and $5.00, respectively. There are other discount options available, so it’s best to call ahead or contact them via their website.

 

@The_DT_Show asks:  

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen?

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
David Thomas
David Thomas
David Thomas
Latest posts by David Thomas (see all)
  • Cap City Comedy Club Is My Favorite Place in Austin and Here’s Why - May 20, 2015
  • Esther’s Follies Summer Camps Teach Fine Art of Vaudeville - May 6, 2015
  • Moontower Comedy Festival Is Back with Over 100 Comedians - April 15, 2015

Filed Under: Activities, Culture, Discoveries, Museums

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

4th of July Fireworks Austin

Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin (2025)

4th of July Deals Austin

Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More

What's Open on 4th of July Austin

What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)

4th of July Events Austin

4th of July Events in Austin Area 2025 | Parades, Live Music & Family Fun

Recent Posts

  • Top Kids Events in Austin July 4 – July 6 include Star Spangled Fest, Kids Day, and More!
  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of July 4 Include Star Spangled Fest, Divine Carnival: Reimagining the Odyssey, and More!
  • Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin (2025)
  • Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More
  • What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in