Los Angeles is known for its film stars, beaches, and palm trees. Yet, underneath its glamorous facade, this city hides some of the most unusual and unique museums that will leave visitors intrigued, entertained, and sometimes bewildered. Whether you’re an art lover or a seeker of the weird, Los Angeles has something special for you.
1. World of Illusions
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the World of Illusions isn’t just a museum, it’s an immersive journey into the realm of the extraordinary. With four captivating exhibits, this attraction stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations.
The Museum of Illusions offers a playground for the mind with its 3D illusions painted right on the walls. From fantastical scenes to weird and wonderful creatures, every corner of this attraction invites you to become a part of the art itself.
Venture into the Upside Down House, and you’ll find yourself in a topsy-turvy world with seven rooms that defy gravity. Walking on the ceiling and watching the world from a new perspective, you’ll leave this exhibit feeling both amused and amazed.
The Giant’s House takes you into a world where everyday objects tower over you. It’s a unique opportunity to feel small in a city as vast as Los Angeles.
Finally, let off some steam in Smash It! Release your inner child (or inner vandal) by hurling plates against the wall and embracing the cathartic joy of destruction.
2. Museum of Death
For those with a morbid curiosity, the Museum of Death in Hollywood delves into the eerie world of the macabre. With everything from antique funeral equipment to the art of infamous serial killers, it’s a weird yet fascinating exploration of life’s inevitable end.
3. The Bunny Museum
One of the most unique attractions in the greater Los Angeles metro area, The Bunny Museum, located in Altadena, boasts a Guinness World Record for housing the largest collection of bunny memorabilia. It’s charming, it’s quirky, it’s unusual, and, most importantly, it’s full of rabbits!
4. Time Travel Mart
This unusual storefront in Echo Park is part novelty shop, part museum, and all parts weird. Whether you’re looking for Barbarian repellent from the past or robot milk from the future, the Time Travel Mart is the ultimate destination for temporal tourists.
5. Velveteria
Delving into the eclectic world of velvet painting, this unusual downtown LA exhibit showcases over 3,000 pieces of velvet art. From celebrity portraits to psychedelic scenes, Velveteria celebrates a unique art form that many have forgotten.
6. The International Banana Museum
Nestled in Mecca, not far from LA, the International Banana Museum is an unusual celebration of the beloved fruit. Housing over 20,000 unique banana-themed items, visitors can admire everything from banana-shaped staplers to banana-themed salt shakers. A light-hearted and delightfully unusual pit stop, it’s an endearing testament to the quirky side of museum culture.
7. The Wende Museum
Located in Culver City, the Wende Museum provides a startling and insightful glimpse into the Cold War era. Boasting a wide array of artifacts, documents, and art, it acts as a time capsule of the East-West divide. Visitors often find themselves engrossed in the narrative, blending personal stories with political events.
8. Valley Relics Museum
This tribute to the San Fernando Valley’s unique past holds an assortment of neon signs, vintage advertisements, and other captivating relics from old LA. Apart from nostalgia, it provides a historical narrative, depicting the changes and progressions of Los Angeles over the years. A visit here is both enlightening and entertaining, offering an unusual peek into bygone eras.
9. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Arguably one of LA’s most unusual and perplexing exhibits, it’s a fusion of the bizarre and the educational. Exhibits range from modern myths to ancient history, all housed under one roof. Visitors often leave both puzzled and inspired, questioning the intersection of weird fact and fiction.
10. Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
Situated in the heart of Hollywood, this weird Scientology-inspired museum throws light on the controversial side of psychiatry. With a series of hard-hitting exhibits, it portrays the darker facets of mental health treatments. It’s not just a museum; it’s a thought-provoking experience.
. 11. The Hollywood Heritage Museum
Dedicated to the luminous early days of cinema, this unique space is rich in history. Located in the very barn where Cecil B. DeMille shot Hollywood’s first feature film, the museum is a treasure trove for most movie buffs. Artifacts, old equipment, and captivating stories make this a must-visit.
12. Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum
A testament to Los Angeles’s skateboarding culture, this museum in Simi Valley chronicles the sport’s thrilling journey. From rare, vintage boards to memorabilia from skateboarding legends, it celebrates the passion and innovation of skaters. Engaging exhibits and interactive sections make it a hit among all age groups.
13. The Los Angeles Police Museum
In Highland Park, this museum delves into the complex history of the LAPD. Offering a mix of old uniforms, crime scene photos, and interactive displays, it provides an unparalleled perspective on the city’s law enforcement history. For those intrigued by true crime and police narratives, this is a gold mine of information.
14. Museum of Broken Relationships
With roots in Croatia, this poignant exhibit in LA revolves around love, loss, and memory. Each exhibit, ranging from personal objects to heartfelt letters, tells a unique tale of heartbreak. The universal theme of love resonates deeply with visitors, making it an emotional journey worth undertaking.
15. The Neon Museum
Located in Glendale, this unusual outdoor exhibit is a visual treat, lighting up the city with historic neon signs. It stands as a radiant testament to LA’s vibrant nightlife and business history. As you walk through, each glowing sign, with its distinct design and hues, narrates a chapter from Los Angeles’ radiant past.
16. The Museum of Motherhood
Dedicated to the complex and multifaceted role of motherhood, this museum in LA delves into the history, challenges, joys, and societal perceptions surrounding mothers. Through interactive displays, art pieces, and historical records, visitors get a deeper understanding of the pivotal role mothers play across cultures. A poignant and touching tribute, this museum celebrates the often unsung heroes of our lives.
17. The Esotouric Bus Adventures
Not your typical brick-and-mortar gallery, Esotouric offers curated bus tours exploring LA’s lesser-known histories. From unsolved mysteries to tales of old Hollywood, each tour provides a deep dive into unique, oft-forgotten narratives. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’re ensured an unusual adventure across LA’s streets, discovering secrets that even locals might be unaware of. It’s a mobile museum experience that promises intrigue at every turn.
18. The Idle Hour
This isn’t just a bar—it’s a piece of LA’s architectural history. Built in the shape of a giant barrel, The Idle Hour in North Hollywood stands as one of the last thematic structures of its kind in Los Angeles. Inside, visitors can enjoy a drink while exploring photographs, artifacts, and stories from the city’s architectural past.
19. The Travel Town Museum
Located in Griffith Park, this museum is a treat for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It showcases a collection of vintage trains, offering insight into the golden era of rail travel. Visitors can explore the interiors of many locomotives, understanding the engineering marvels of yesteryear.
20. The Barbershop Museum
An ode to the age-old profession, The Barbershop Museum in Highland Park captures the evolution of barbering over the centuries. Authentic chairs from the 19th century, vintage equipment, and a collection of razors make it a unique attraction. They also offer actual barber services, allowing visitors to get a feel of the past while getting groomed.
FAQs
What are some unusual museums near me in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, there are several unusual museums to explore. A standout is the World of Illusions, which boasts four distinct and captivating exhibits. Many visitors are also intrigued by the International Banana Museum and the Museum of Jurassic Technology.
Is the World of Illusions different from other art museums in LA?
Absolutely! While Los Angeles hosts a myriad of art museums, the World of Illusions offers a unique experience with its 3D illusions, upside-down rooms, and other interactive sections. It’s one of the most unusual and engaging attractions near you in LA.
How do I discover more weird museums near me in Los Angeles?
This article provides a comprehensive list of some of the most unique and weird museums in LA. From the Museum of Broken Relationships to the Neon Museum, Los Angeles is a treasure trove of unusual experiences waiting to be explored.