Looking for something more daring for your next Canberra trip? Bored of seeing the same old faces at the Portrait Gallery? Can't cope with another visit to Questacon? Have we got the thing for you! Twinned with Amsterdam's famous Museum of Torture, the latest must-see spot on the crowded Canberra tourist circuit is the macabre Museum of Labor, opened last week by avid knife-collector and curator Bill "Switchblade" Shorten.
Strictly for the strong of stomach, this unique museum displays some of the most gruesome methods used to torment innocent victims of the Australian public throughout the ages.
The Museum layout is a maze of small, dark smoke-filled backrooms accessible only by joining a union, but don't worry, Bill will sign you up for one even if he doesn't tell you about it. Each room houses one or two wax dummies of union officials (not to be mistaken for the actual wax dummies) as well as famous implements of torture which are usually locked behind glass but can brought out for special celebrations such as the National Conference in July. The dark lighting and theatrical design of the museum adds to the scary mood. You never know who'll pop up out of the shadows wielding a bloodstained knife or which direction they'll come at you from!
