THE ULTIMATE
TORTURE MUSEUM, AMSTERDAM
Be prepared to have your belief in the basic goodness of humanity tested. The exhibits at the Torture Museum are mind-blowing and stomach-churning. Here are the tools public authority used to exercise its power over people in the most gruesome ways. Take the Skull Cracker, or Head Crusher, a metal skull cap connected to a metal plate that sat beneath the victim’s jaw. When the handle was turned, the cap and plate moved closer with hideous results. The Hanging Cages and the Heretic Fork make the guillotine look humane. A stif drink is in order aterwards. torturemuseum.nl
THE GREEN VAULT, DRESDEN