The Museum of Broken Relationships

Maybe it was hyped up so much that when I saw it, I felt a bit let down! It is beautifully exhibited and a lot of the exhibits and stories were interesting, some very moving, but I was a little saddened by the bitterness I felt was present in a lot of the stories. Yes, it is sad when relationships end, and we have all had bad experiences, but the bitterness and "glad-to-be-rid-of-him/her" attitude was much too strongly represented. I left the exhibition feeling sadness at human nature, rather than filled with those bittersweet emotions that past loves incur.

I am tempted to donate by book on verbal abuse which I was reading towards the end of the relationship in an attempt to learn about it, understand him, defuse things and stand up for myself. We must remember that domestic violence includes verbal abuse too. It just kills the spirit as you walk round on eggshells. I am still reading the book as it takes time to recover. Fortunately he is managing his anger better and doesn't always blame me all the time!

I thought this was a hugely overrated exhibition. The quality of the display lent itself more to a student show. The premise is good but I wasn't moved at all and I'm not a hard person. Just the way it was executed and the stories were either 'this object broke, as did my relationship' 'or this 'object lasted longer tha my relationship'. I expected a lot more from the combination of object and text. Maybe best for those who've recently gone through a break up. Best thing is realising how much we invest our emotions in inanimate objects.

I was wondering if anyone can help me donate. I recently lost my eyesight due to an assault by my partner's ex-girlfriend. I now have a prosthetic eye, but I want to donate a pair of kitchen tongs which she used to attack me. If this helps me slowly get over what has happened then it would be great to share our story.

I loved it. The stories that we all live through all over the world. I actually found it really uplifting and beautiful and reassuring, not remotely depressing. Here's a review of it if you're interested: http://www.toaboutique.com/theweekly_25Aug-museum_of_broken_relationships_by_ccj.html

I was moved by the whole exhibition, had a lump in my throat. I think every item touched me deeply. It is sad how many relationships just don't work all the time after people are being together for such a long time. Imagine all the memories they have had, and all cast aside. There were a lot of women there, which maybe telling,

Brilliant exhibition. At time sad, at times hysterical and at times bitter. It will really inspire you if you've recently been through a break up, but it will entertain you greatly even if you are blissfully happy. I decided I would donate a song penned about me... fromdisctilldawn.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/museum-of-broken-relationships-my-song/

Found this really moving after a recent split myself and happened to go an hour after my ex texted me to say when are you picking up your stuff! Has everyone who visited tyhis museum recently split up with someone?!! Lots of "inner tears," lots of "good on you girl," lots of "if onlys." There was this life-size model of a guy who was leaning forward, completed broken into pieces - that resonated a bit too deeply!

I took the person who dumped me to see this exhibition (what a joy that was!). He came out a bit watery eyed. I wrote a message 'Goodbye' and 'I'm getting the first train home" on the blackboard there so he could see it. And he wrote a message 'Don't!'. I felt a little better after seeing the exhibition, (and his reaction) and thought, well, perhaps it is better off being alone after all, without all the hassle they give you. I ended up being friends with him (despite what he had done) but things are more 'on my own terms' and he can't be abusive to me anymore. And he felt a bit guilty too.

Excellent exhibition, well worth a visit. Certainly not worth taking children. Thanks to all the publicity it was quite crowded and queues were forming outside as we left.

It is split over two sites, so if one is crowded try the other as they are close.

Interesting! I like the idea that tickets are valid for repeat visits within 7 days: generous and I'm sure this is something to experience, go away and reflect, return again.

I wonder what will happen to all the pieces at the end of the exhibition? I would love to see a big bonfire / celebration / party on the lines of releasing any lingering energies of those past relationships and maybe create a seed of something about forming new relationships and communities now..? The very celebration and witnessing would be community and relationships now..

Maybe it would be interesting to ask visitors to the exhibition what they'd suggest?

Anyway, I am far from London these days and won't be there, but wish you well with this!