This is one of the most imaginative places I've found in Washington. It's whimsical, mechanical, surreal, funny and occasionally completely baffling. Give yourself time to wander and look closely. Admission is free, but bring some cash for the donation hat—I'd really love to see this little museum survive.Hidden upstairs on Main Street in Walla Walla, the Museum of Un-Natural History was created by artist and actor Gerald "Gerry" Matthews.Matthews had a long career in entertainment, appearing on Broadway and television and spending decades as the voice of Sugar Bear. His wife, actress Pat Stanley, had an impressive Broadway career of her own, winning the 1959 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Goldilocks.The couple retired to Walla Walla in 1989, where Matthews began creating assemblages and mechanical works from old wood, machine parts and found objects. Eventually, he had enough work to need somewhere to put it. In 2001, the Museum of Un-Natural History opened.Influenced by Dada, surrealism, satire and absurdity, Matthews wanted visitors to do more than simply look at art. His work was intended to make people think, laugh, question—and occasionally become a little annoyed.Gerry died in 2025 at age 94, but his wonderfully strange little museum remains. Family and local volunteers have worked to keep it open, and admission is still free.Hours are very limited: currently Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Check current hours before making a special trip.And bring cash if you'd like to help. The wonderfully low-tech donation system is a hat marked “ALMS,” a tradition that goes back to Gerry himself.