Have you ever wondered what happens to old toilet seats when they are no longer needed? Do they end up in landfills, or are they recycled, or do they have a more creative fate? Well, if you are curious about the artistic potential of toilet seats, you might want to visit The Toilet Seat Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas.
The Toilet Seat Art Museum is a unique and quirky attraction that showcases over 1,300 decorated toilet seats, each with its own theme and story. The museum is the creation of Barney Smith, a retired plumber and master plumber who started collecting and painting toilet seats in 1968. He turned his garage into a gallery and opened it to the public for free.
Barney Smith is not only the artist, but also the curator and tour guide of the museum. He loves to share his passion and enthusiasm with visitors, and he can tell you the history and inspiration behind every toilet seat. Some of his creations are made from toilet seats he found or received as donations, while others are custom-made to fit his vision. He uses a variety of materials and techniques to decorate his toilet seats, such as wood carving, mosaic, collage, painting, and even embedding objects like coins, keys, badges, and shells.
Some of the themes of his toilet seats include Texas history, sports, celebrities, holidays, animals, hobbies, and professions. He also has toilet seats dedicated to specific events or people, such as the 9/11 attacks, the space shuttle Columbia disaster, Elvis Presley, Barack Obama, and Pope Francis. He even has a toilet seat that features a piece of the Berlin Wall. No matter what your interests are, you are bound to find a toilet seat that appeals to you.
The Toilet Seat Art Museum is a hidden gem that celebrates creativity, humor, and individuality. It is a testament to Barney Smith’s dedication and imagination, as well as his generosity and hospitality. He welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and he hopes to inspire them to pursue their own artistic dreams. He once said, “I’m not trying to make a statement. I’m just having fun.”
If you are looking for a fun and unusual way to spend an afternoon in San Antonio, you should definitely check out The Toilet Seat Art Museum. It is open by appointment only, so make sure to call ahead and reserve your spot. You will be amazed by what you see, and you will never look at toilet seats the same way again.
