There have been some memorable Doctor Who exhibitions over the years. Fans of a certain vintage will remember the long-running BBC displays at Blackpool and Longleat. Even those who never got to visit in person would have been aware of them, thanks to the frequent mentions after airings of the show on BBC1 in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, the success of the 2005 revival gave rise to Cardiff’s Doctor Who Experience, still much missed since its closure in 2017.

But there are some special people who, rather than wait for an exhibition to come to them, set up one of their own. Allen Machielson of Fort Wayne, Indiana has created a remarkable ‘Whoseum’ of all things Who-related to showcase an extensive collection of replica props, merchandise and other ephemera.

Allen explains that, when he moved in 2007, he searched for somewhere with enough room to fit everything in:

“We found a house that had an old horse barn that we converted into my personal collection space.”

In four decades of collecting, he’s accumulated more than 5,000 items. Highlights include three full size console replicas, a complete Doctor Who chess set, and more TARDIS models than a Gallifreyan repair shop. A unique prototype Eighth Doctor TARDIS playset (complete with a suitably flamboyant Eric Roberts as the Master figure) also features, as does a set of holographic effect TARDISes, each with a different Doctor inside.

“This little obscure British sci-fi show captured my attention and my imagination,” says Allen of his first experiences watching Doctor Who in the 1980s. “I was enthralled with a hero that didn’t use weapons but rather intellect and wit to best his opponents.”

If you’re anywhere near Fort Wayne, the Whoseum looks well worth a visit — indeed, we’ll have a tour around the place for DWC readers very soon!

(Featured image by Rick Lundeen. Thanks Rick!)