City Museum is arguably one of the most offbeat attractions in St. Louis, Missouri. But inside this mecca of the weird and wacky you’ll find another unusual oddity: the World’s Largest Underwear.
This unusual attraction was created in 1997 by St. Louis artists Pat Eby and Ann Paidrick. With a 16-foot waistband, the underwear measure about seven feet wide and six feet tall when laid out. The fictional brand of the World’s Largest Underwear is “Big Galloot” and, according to the label on the inner waistband, the pair is Size MCXLVII.
Over the years, the unusual garment has lived up to its legacy as a part of the Museum of Mirth, Mystery and Mayhem. Twice in its almost 20-year history, the World’s Largest Underwear has mysteriously gone missing.
The first time was in July 2011 when the underpants were allegedly stolen by a fan. They were reportedly returned shortly after, cleaned and folded. In 2020, the giant underwear disappeared again. That time it was rumored that the underwear were on tour somewhere in New Mexico. Eventually, they were given back to the museum in exchange for a miniature Ferris wheel.
Fast Facts: World’s Largest Underwear
Plan Your Visit to the World’s Largest Underwear
Part of the beauty of City Museum is its labyrinth-like layout. That said, it can make it difficult to find specific landmarks within the floors of creative chaos.
Once inside City Museum, head to the third floor to Beatnik Bob’s Broken Record Cafe. Here you’ll find the Museum of Mirth, Mystery and Mayhem, which also features the gigantic undergarment. There’s a lot going on in a small space here so you’ll need a sharp eye. The World’s Largest Underwear currently hang behind the cafe stage and make for a great photo op.
World’s Largest Underwear, City Museum, 750 N. 16th Street in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is home to a number of other big roadside attractions including the World’s Largest Chess Piece, World’s Largest Amoco Sign and more.
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