Britain’s long and often spectacular history of mismanaged inventions, doomed projects and ill-fated ideas is finally getting its own cultural institution.
Next spring, the internationally touring Museum of Failure will open in the UK, celebrating everything from grand design disasters to corporate overreach – all viewed through the lens of learning rather than ridicule.
Its founder, Dr Samuel West, believes the UK is the exhibition’s natural home. Having toured the museum across Europe, the US and Asia, he says Britain’s dark humour and affection for the underdog make it uniquely receptive to the idea of openly examining failure.
“I’ve always wanted to bring it back home,” West said. “The British sense of humour totally gets this – that sarcastic, black awareness that things can just go horribly wrong.”
The Museum of Failure is dedicated entirely to innovation that didn’t work out. Its collection spans failed gadgets, abandoned technologies, commercial disasters and cultural misjudgements, highlighting the messy reality behind progress. Visitors are encouraged to laugh, but also to reflect on the risks that underpin any attempt to do something new.
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