4. Jiangsu National Security Education Museum
Okay, so a billion people can check out the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum, but the catch is you have to be a Chinese citizen. No foreigners are allowed to view the nation’s spy gadgets and displays that showcase Chinese espionage through the years. From pistolas in the shape of lipstick to recording devices that look like calculators, the tricks and tools are said to be the stuff of a James Bond movie. Of course, you’ll just have to take China’s word on that.
5. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is open to only a handful of scientists, but is easily one of the coolest places in the world that you won’t get to see in person. The vault, located 800 miles from the North Pole, houses 4,000 different species of plant seeds from around the world. If a major global disaster occurs and threatens to kill off plant species, this vault can be tapped for its bounty of seeds.
6. Lascaux Caves, France
Although it used to be open to tourism, the French have closed the Lascaux Caves and barred the public from witnessing the ancient artwork in them. This is due to a fungal outbreak caused by CO2 exhaled from visiting tourists. There are many books that contain images of the cave art, thought to be some of the earliest artwork on the planet, but it sure would be thrilling to see the images in person.
