"A collector by the name of Allen Woodall, who operates the Lunch Box Museum in Georgia, has achieved the task of acquiring all 450 metal lunch boxes, as well as a handful of copies. He began collecting lunchboxes in the 1990s after he inherited a small collection from a deceased friend. He continued to collect lunch boxes and, after a promise he made to the widow of his deceased friend, started the museum," the Atlas Obscura says.

"Today, Woodall’s museum is stuffed with some 3,500 metal lunch boxes and their matching thermoses. His collection grows as he continues to trade his duplicates for rarer pails, some of which are valued over $2,500. As children once traded food from their lunch boxes in the cafeteria, Woodall continues to trade his vast collection of metal lunch boxes."

"Columbus, Georgia native, Allen Woodall purchased his first lunch boxes from The Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta in 1985; The Green Hornet and Dick Tracy lunch boxes were the first in his collection. He found the lunch boxes to be one of the greatest forms of pop art, and it was the art that would keep Woodall on the hunt to accumulate more, and more boxes to add to his growing gallery," the official website says.

"After a few years of compiling these miniature masterpieces, Woodall decided to write a book. He hoped his book would inspire others and promote the hobby of collecting metal lunch boxes. You can check out the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Metal Lunch Boxes here!

"The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Metal Lunch Boxes was published in 1990 and re-released in 2000. The book was Woodall’s way of sharing information about lunch box manufacturers, care, and cleaning instructions, carry-alls, and even advertising and original art. Today, there are over 5,000 pieces in The World-Famous Lunch Box Museum, where people come from all over the world to take a walk down memory lane.

"Here is your chance to experience six unique museums located within Rivermarket Antiques," the Explore Georgia says:

• The Lunchbox Museum houses the largest and most assorted collection of metal and plastic lunchboxes in the world. The museum is filled with over 3,500 lunch boxes and their matching thermoses. From Hopalong Cassidy, Charlie’s Angels, The Wizard of Oz, The Beatles, to a very rare E.T lunchbox, this museum will bring about memories and nostalgia of picking out just the right design for going back to school!
• The Royal Crown Museum contains a large collection of Chero Cola, Royal Crown Cola and RC Cola memorabilia.
• Georgia Radio and Music Hall of Fame and Museum is filled with tube-style radios by classic manufacturers like Philco, Crosely, Silvertone and more. These iconic, vintage radios were once the centerpiece of every American home, and the Georgia Radio Museum works to preserve that moment in history.

"There are thousands and thousands of museums and galleries around the world, so to be recognized in any fashion is indeed quite an honor. A Columbus-based museum, the Lunchbox Museum, was just named by ListVerse.com as “One of the 10 Most Unique Museums in the World.” Only three museums in the US were highlighted on this list, with all of the others dotted across the globe," the Visit Columbus, GA says.

"The Lunchbox Museum, located in RiverMarket Antiques (1004 33rd Street, Columbus, GA), certainly qualifies for this for this recognition, as they house the largest and most assorted collection of metal and plastic lunchboxes in the world. The museum is filled with over 3,500 lunch boxes and their matching thermoses.

"Owner/Collector Allen Woodall’s collection continues to grow as he discovers new treasures. From Hopalong Cassidy, Charlie’s Angels, The Wizard of Oz, The Beatles, to a very rare E.T lunchbox, this museum will bring about nostalgia and memories of picking out just the right design for going back to school."

"Fans interested in a larger collection may want to consider a road trip to the Lunchbox Museum in Columbus, Georgia. Museum owner Allen Woodall Jr. claims it’s the largest collection of school lunchboxes in the world, with some 2,000 pieces on display. (Ironically, Woodall, 78, never carried a lunchbox to school as a child. He kept his lunch in a brown bag.)," the CNN reports.



"The museum is a labor of love for Woodall, who opened it in 1990. The retired radio executive said his desire to share his passion with others led him to create the museum in his hometown. “Lunchboxes have so much character. To me they are time capsules,” he said. “They really bring back a lot of great memories to a lot of people.”

"Collectors of lunchboxes will spend from $50 into the thousands of dollars for a box, depending on the condition, Woodall said. “There is definitely an American fascination with lunchboxes, and I’m glad to be a huge part of it.”

"If you like eclectic kitschy things, this is the place for you. It's full of things you may have forgotten about. Great fun for an hour or so."

"It is one of the most unique collections of nostalgic items that should interest anyone who ever owned a lunch box or drank RC Cola. The staff there were simply so friendly and made our trip enjoyable. I definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area since it is much more than a lunchbox museum."

"The curator greeted us at the door and gave us the whole history of his 7 museums, which included the Lunch Box Museum. We spend over an hour going through everything. It was fantastic. And the people who run the place are supper friendly. Highly Recommended if you are in the area looking for a couple of hours to kill."

"I thought, lunch boxes…. Big woop. Until I went in there and all those box after box after box….. awesome memories and I had at least 10 of them growing up so it was fun for me and my kids!!!!!"

"The 'museums' are obviously not The Louvre. If you like lunchboxes or had one or more as a child, you'll likely find multiple items of interest here. I was able to find one that (I think) I used in my preschool years. There is a staggeringly large display (~ 5000) of lunchboxes. There were a number of them that surprised me - obscure shows that somehow merited their own box..."

"My daughters and I had a blast, they loved it all!!! It brought back a lot of memories for myself, with all the lunchboxes Mr. Woodall has accumulated. We loved all 7 museums he has and we will be back to bring the rest of our kids to check it out. If you ever get bored, cause Phenix City has nothing to do, go check out The Lunch Box Museum you will have a great time, with a lot to reminisce about!!! Thanks Mr. Woodall for being an Awesome Curator!!!"