This was the first time for both of us, and in our opinion, it was completely worth the time and money. It is definitely graphic, so keep that in mind, but it's also very informative and well done. We learned a lot about historical torture methods and the context behind them. While it's intense, it's also fascinating in a "history is wild" kind of way. If you're into darker history or want something different to do in St. Augustine, this is a solid experience. It also wasn't very crowded, which made it easier to take everything in at our own pace. read more

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This museum focuses on torture, punishment, and execution methods from medieval times and other eras. Displays include the rack, iron maiden, torture chair, Spanish boot, pillory, barrel for drunkards, scales for determining witch status, and more. The 100+ items are replicas or recreations, but they're life-size and historically accurate. The museum is part of a chain with locations in Chicago and LA, and admission includes an audio guide for your phone. It was interesting, but definitely dark and not for everyone. They also use wax figures to show how the devices worked, which makes it feel even more intense. Only complaint: Price is a bit high and less worth it IMO... read more

I've always been curious about the Medieval Torture Museum and seeing that there was one in St. Augustine, I decided to use my one full day in the city there to visit the museum. The museum is quite pricey for what it was. It was over $50 for two people to walk through for about an hour. Though I did learn about some methods of torture, I had already known about 90% of what was shown, so I didn't feel like my money was well spent. However, if you're morbidly curious about some twisted history, this is an informative museum. You scan a QR code to listen to each display with stories of people's experiences. It's a heavy museum for sure. If the museum was cheaper, I'd definitely say it's worth a visit. However, it does come off that it looks like a cheap haunted house at times (without the jump scares, of course). It's fine for one visit and we did enjoy walking through. The staff here were very helpful, welcoming, and friendly. read more

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Incredibly interesting and well curated museum! Yes, the subject is very gory but it's interesting nonetheless. The museum notes it might not be great for kids but teenagers I think can handle it. They offer a great recorded accompaniment as you tour the exhibits. read more

Medievel Torture Museum was a traumatic good time. People were some sickos back into the day (now too for that matter) and they were creative, I give them that. The exhibits were fun, interactive, you could tough some and there was accompanying audio. Very much a detour from the bubbly vibe outside the place. There is also a tiny art museum with lots of microscopes. Some talented people with good eyesight to create these things. I mean creates an elephant carving in the eyelet of a needle or portrait of Michael Jackson in detail that you can't see with the naked eye. Well done. The staff was friendly and informative. Goth types. You can tell they like their jobs. I definitely recommend the place for something unique and different. Oh, it is upstairs so follow the signs. I will say the merchandise is expensive if you are looking to buy. read more

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What a fun time! The staff was friendly and funny. I felt like the ticket price was worth the entry. I enjoyed seeing all of the tools of torture. What does that say about me? :D I also loved the micro art exhibition. Highly recommend this place. read more

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Super cool exhibit and experience. If you are into medieval history or just history in general it is definitely worth the stop. The how tour took roughly an hour and a half to walk through at a decent pace so plenty to see and learn about. They provide a audio guide that you can listen to from your phone which is a nice plus. Would definitely recommend stopping in. They also had a bonus exhibit at the time which was the world's smallest art. The are is so small you need a microscope to see. Which just is amazing when you see the detail they managed to achieve. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

This was a totally cool experience, a lot of things to see and learn about. If you were just like us and actually listen through the voice recording, you will find that the money spent was worth it. Not to mention that the front desks were super nice and helpful. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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What an amazing crew! My favorite kind of people, creepy, smart, and funny! I can say they are great entertainers! We loved the museum! It is perfect for those who are curious about death, torture and true life stories! Marly, Riley, and James stay cool, stay creepy, we loved it!!! Thank You for a great time! read more

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I had been here before but breezed through it so I decided to give it another go on a recent trip. My fiancé and I did the self guided audio tour and it took us about an hour to walk through and listen to the stories about each of the devices. It was CRAZY learning about some of the devices and the fact that they were used on people. Just incredible how times have changed. I highly recommend checking it out if you don't have a squeamish stomach! read more

This museum is interactive and super interesting! There is so much to see, it's much bigger than I expected. An excellent history lesson! The staff was friendly and accommodating. They have some really cool knives, swords, and other items in their gift shop. The museum is clean and well maintained, great ambiance with all of the battery operated candles. They also have a little art room with "tiny art' which we really enjoyed, what a great idea for and art installation! read more

Whether you're into this or torture curious or extremely nosey like I was you will be amazed of the findings. Reading the descriptions of the usages was mind blowing at times. I'm elated to be born in the 19th century... You may appreciate life more or want harsher punishment for certain crimes read more

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Buns js straight buns, it took us 5 minutes and they said it would take an hour. Do not waste you time and money!!

This place is F%#king awesome Do the audio tour part there is so much information and the stories are to die for Some of the torture devices are interactive A must when in St Augustine read more

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it should have alive activities during the walking in the tour. The small museum does not have the same pictures in the miro

Great experience lots of interesting information from the mid evil times, would recommend to come check it out.

honestly kind of underwhelming wish it coul been better and was supposed to last an hour only took a few minutes

I went here as part of a friend's bachelorette party so this wouldn't be my choice of activity but I did enjoy it (as much as you're allowed to enjoy a torture museum without seeming like a creep lol). If you like horror movies and other scary things this will probably be 5 stars for you. I do think it's weird that you have to buy the audioguide separately because the exhibits don't show much information like you would expect from a museum. The audio gives more info and even background story on specific people who invented, used, or endured the torture methods so it should automatically be included. Without the audio, it's not a museum; it's just a display of torture stuff. There were about 30 exhibits (maybe a few more). If you're in a group, only one person should buy the audio and you can just play it on your phone speaker. We went on a Saturday night and it wasn't too packed. Masks were not required so I didn't see many people wearing them inside. I do recommend adding on the tiny art and viewing it after going through the torture museum. Tiny art is really unique displays that are so small you have to look through a microscope to see them. The detail was impressive and it is all happy/positive things, nothing torture related. It was a good way to destress after seeing and hearing about torture. read more

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Absolutel scam. They bot farm on other platforms to boost their score and extort tourists. Absolutely not worth the $50 we spent for admission. read more

The medieval torture museum was a great place to head to. If you are a person who likes the spooky vibes with a bit of history I would recommend coming here and checking it out. The ghost hunting was also pretty neat and caught plenty of ghosts. Also don't forget to get your tickets to see the tiny art. When I took a look at them through a microscope my mind was blown away by how something could be so minuscule read more

Medieval Torture Museum - A sneak peak at the tiny art. - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Wow, what an eye opening look into the history of humans. Seeing first-hand the examples of instruments used to coerce people into confessing things (sometimes even if they didn't do it). It's amazing to see the different devices and methods that were developed over time, as well as seeing how far we've come since then. Pretty gruesome, but an important reminder of the history of civilization. Definitely worth a visit. PS: they are pet friendly to well behaved pups! read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Good dog friendly! - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Great little diversion right on the main shopping street in old town. 20 bucks for about a 90 minute tour. the audio portion is informative and the exhibits slick and well done . it dark and a little graphic so would not take early elementary schoolers or older but squeamish kids read more

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This museum was excellent there was so much to see and all of the descriptions were easy to understand and very informative. The museum did take us about an hour including the Tiny art museum which will blow your mind. Everything was really cool, I would definitely come back and recommend it to friends and family. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Very interesting place. It's amazing how barbaric humans used to be. It was $15 per person and you can easily get lost reading the stories behind the devices. Some of these are still being used in other countries. It was totally worth the money. Count on spending anywhere from 1-2 hours in here. read more

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With my lady and I in St. Augustine for our anniversary, we thought visiting the Medieval Torture Museum would be cool to see. We expected a few visual examples, maybe some relics of the past detailing the history of torture. From the outside, we didn't anticipate the museum would suck you in as deeply and with such graphic replicas of torture devices and human suffering. But holy shit, the depictions, combined with the headphones or your phone to do the audio tour, gave you as good a glimpse without experiencing it first hand of all the horrific things human beings have done to each other. Hell, I discovered some devices and approaches I hadn't even heard of before. If you're squeamish, chances are you will not want to pay a visit. But if you're into the macabre and the side of human history, I don't think you will have a disappointing experience. Upon paying your ticket, you walk through the entry point in a darkened, medieval-like atmosphere that becomes darker and more gruesome with their exhibits as you go further down the hallway into more of the rooms. Again, having the audio explaining the devices and methods of torture enhances the experience as you tour the exhibits. To give you an idea, you view devices such as the garotte and gallows used for hanging, a guillotine, a rack for using to pull apart people's limbs. As we made our way down the hall, we saw the various masks used for blaspheming, chastity devices, followed by a brazen bull -- which, if you know anything about Roman history, was some pretty intense shit. The breaking on the wheel... also some severe epic shit. That was all fine and dandy, dandy and fine. However, the exhibits become so much more graphic and gruesome than I anticipated. Such as the scaffolding used to flay the skin off of people's bodies. Yeah, they showed a replica of that. Things started to become real from there. The previous devices, I had read about in history books and watched documentaries. No big deal. But flaying is another level. How they used the cat-o-nine tails and cat's claw, also was on another level. Seeing the examples, using prosthetic models, of how these torture devices worked enhanced the visual experience of seeing how this was used in medieval times and earlier. As you moved deeper down the hall, the methods of torture become crueler and more barbaric, as if that wasn't possible already if you didn't know how far people went to torture. The heretics fork and seeing how torturers used that, with the example on a prosthetic model, demonstrated some crazy shit; devices to crush hands and fingers, pulling and cutting out tongues, impaling, an iron maiden, a pendulum -- also insane shit. By the time you finished taking the tour, if you thought you knew about torture before, you certainly did now. Not for the weak of hearted for sure. This tour is definitely for people that have an interest in medieval history, especially torture. This tour is not Disney on Torture. It's a great exhibit and will leave you with visuals. I just may not use an anniversary or birthday as an occasion to do the tour, unless you're dark and macabre like that. But hey, to each their own. read more

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Amazing an in depth museum with fully detailed models and 10/10 ambiance. Roughly 40 different exhibits through 8ish rooms

Amazing displays. Dark and spooky. I would recommend having headphones for the audio tour. Can be toured in any direction. All audio enhanced exhibits are numbered. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Judas Cradle - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Seemed a little corny of an idea at first but it was pretty cool. Many rooms of torture artifacts and their history. It was macabre and interesting. The staff was very friendly and informative. Great respite from the heat. The ghost hunt was fun and will keep your kids from some of the risqué devices lol. The app has an audio tour and the ghost hunting allows for photos, videos and to read the ghost's "legend". read more

This place is dark and disturbing. I say that first, because the physical depictions and audio regarding the torture devices and methods might be too much for some. My fiancée was excited to go, but was moved to tears and discomfort at times as we made our way through the museum. Pro Tip #1 - bring headphones with you if you intend to do the audio tour. It's web-based, so you'll QR code navigate to the site and play it from there. We were forced to play it from the speaker on my iPhone. If you have something like AirPods, you can each wear one. Pro Tip #2 - the audio files start out in order, but they quickly stop being in order. For example, we started out in the first room and all of the audio clips were in sequential order in that room. Once we left that room, we were wandering around looking for the next audio file associated with something in that room. We began to wonder if we were supposed to go through the museum in a different order. Not sure if they moved exhibits or just didn't think about this. My advice? Go into the room and scroll through the list for the displays in the room you're in. When you're done, go to the next room and start the same thing in that room. Pro Tip #3 - the tickets are a bit cheaper online. We literally ordered them when we walked in the museum and presented them in person. We looked at the Groupon before we came in - it actually seemed to be higher than the normal online discount. Gripes and complaints I've already mentioned the audio not being in order. This was annoying for about 15 minutes. If the establishment reads this, I recommend reordering them to match your room layout. Maybe even label the rooms above the door with 1, 2, 3, etc. to help people navigate. There are a lot of spelling errors throughout the exhibit and in the audio file titles. If you take the time to read the placards along the way, you'll notice that there are some words spelled multiple ways on the same placard. The audio has some pauses and stammerings in it. The narrator has a very moody and creepy delivery, it just takes a bit away when he stumbles over a word here and there. It just gave the vibe of "good enough" to me. Some of the exhibits need a little maintenance and love. There are signs to interact with some of the exhibits (i.e., push, pull), but, because of how they are attached, the majority of them are turned away from the viewer. A couple of mannequins are a little damaged as well (the tongue pulling one, for example). I'd come back if someone in my group wants to see this type of stuff, but it was a one-time thing for me. I definitely think that the audio is better since the stories help up the creepy factor so I recommend opting for a tour price that includes that. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Executioner mean mugging - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Definitely cool if you're a horror fanatic like me! Museum itself is on the smaller side but definitely worth checking out. Once you pay you get a token to go through the gate, there were about 7-10 little different rooms I think all with different stuff to check out. Ambiance is dark and creepy. read more

Medieval Torture Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Who doesn't love checking out medieval torture devices? And with St. Augustine being the oldest town in the United States, I would have to think that the earliest inhabitants had some experience using some of these macabre tools. On our way home, we stopped in St. Augustine and there is the tourist Olde section with its numerous ice cream shops, tchotchkes stores, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind things like the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country, and this medieval torture device museum. We chose the latter. Today, there was a 30% off deal if you purchased the audio tour and microscope miniature sideshow. The audio tour goes right to your phone and staff will get you hooked up with their WiFi. The microscope miniatures number about 20 and you really need a microscope to view the tiny objects. Some of them were within the eye of a needle. So, we did purchase the deal. The audio tour lasts about an hour. Staff had to give a warning because there were some sexual torture devices (a chastity belt was on the lighter side) and that the mannequin molds were quite graphic. They recommend this is for older than 13-year-old kids or someone who is a bit more mature. Although a lot of this metal and wooden devices could be used in some serious BDSM, it really was for inflicting pain, and death. Some were made to have the criminal/victim/witch suffer embarrassment within the community but also be quite uncomfortable. Pictures are welcome, but I'll let you use your imagination to the more gruesome ones. The facility looked to be well kept and not dirty. Some devices had ropes that could be pulled to demonstrate the actions. The order of rooms and devices was a bit clunky, but we figured it out with the audio. The end of the tour is where the miniatures and gift shop begins. A lot of typical gift stuff like magnets and mugs, but then they had metal helmets and knives and daggers. Staff was nice and the air conditioning was great in the stifling heat. About $62 for three including a 30% discount for the audio tour and microscope miniatures. Worth the visit. read more

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The museum flows well. There weren't many people in there while we were. May feel crowded with the space available. Wide variety of devices. Decent audio tour. read more

If you're looking for something different to do while in Saint Augustine, then this place might be worth a visit. I was intrigued by the reviews and the pictures people have taken while inside the museum that I had to check it out myself! If you're easily disturbed by gorey images, then this place is not for you but if that doesn't bother you, then go right ahead. The museum features plenty of different torture devices, little explanations on their origins and use (for certain torture device), as well as graphic representation of their use with mannequins/figures. Some exhibits were a little rough around the edges but I guess it added to the character of the museum. It says medieval but... I saw a device used for what is known today as an advanced interrogation technique/aka waterboarding. Also, I'm pretty sure flagellation is still being used in certain circles or even in some countries as punishment for certain unacceptable deeds. As you go through the exhibit rooms, they play some sound effects to kind of set the mood. Some were effective while other sounds effects were slightly strange and funny... An example was when we were entering the room with the chastity belt exhibits, they had some weird sound that was comparable to someone chewing loudly with their mouth open. It was slightly funny. A few exhibits are interactive so don't hesitate to participate! You can weigh yourself to see if you're a witch or an angel, drown a witch, or behead someone! Hint on the witch weighing device: I would definitely be a witch! You are free to take photos and videos during your visit. I opted not to as some do cross the lines of being inappropriately disturbing. I did really enjoy my visit but not in a way a torturer enjoyed implementing torture techniques upon their victims. More like... A learning experience about how cruel human beings can be. read more

Had no idea this place existed ... found it linked to another area museum. Visiting the area around Halloween, we wanted to do something creepy. This fit the bill. Used a Groupon which was a slight savings. The young man - not sure if he's the manager or owner - was so so helpful and beyond patient while dealing with my confusion regarding the Groupon etc. I really wouldn't advise anyone to bring children. There's kind of a gross sexual element about some of the displays. Love the scary sounds playing in the background and the dim lighting - adds an ideal spooky touch. read more

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Very interesting exhibit. Describes not only the method, but the reasoning behind many devices of torture.

Meh. Garth and Azruel decide to open up a "museum". And they try to make it scaaaary. Lots of mannequins and recreated nasty metal implements. Almost informative. If you are really bored, maybe. read more

My boyfriend and our friend stopped in to get out of the sun for a bit and check out this museum. Admission is $13 which I found pretty reasonable for the content. The museum shows different medieval torture devices and gives some history behind their use. It's definitely on the morbid side, but I'm into that kind of stuff haha. Some of the devices definitely made me cringe though! It showed how things were in a much darker point in history. Let's just say I'm glad I wasn't around back then! Some of the information plaques did have typos and one had the wrong description so I feel it could probably use an update to improve upon those areas. I still found it enjoyable and definitely worth a visit! read more

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So informative and unique. I love that is is for mature adults and full of the twisted history of torment and death. For any horror fans as well as history buffs you will absolutely love this museum. The gift shop if full of unique gifts and the micro museum is pretty amazing too. All around a great experience. read more

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I don't remember how we ended up in this museum but I have to say wow. There was a lot of art about torture (duh) but I never really noticed how people in medieval times were twisted. Lol. The museum itself is pretty small you can around it pretty fast. What was fascinating in a weird way is that they were very elaborate on finding ways to torture people. Also another interesting fact, most of the people who came up with these torture methods were part of the clergy. This was something different to do. If you're in St Augustine trying to kill time or do something slightly out of the ordinary, check out this museum. read more

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A nice escape from the heat outdoors. This was on my list of things to do while in the area. Pretty cool museum if you are into this kind of stuff - which we are! A graphic, historical look at how people were tortured back in the day. If you do not like gory, gruesome things and are squeamish, you will probably not enjoy this museum. It was definitely creepy and eye opening. The different exhibits had info about each device/torture and where it originated from. We spent about an hour or so looking at everything. Definitely recommend for those who are into this kind of stuff. read more