The Museum of Death

A larger than life skull, pink flowers and the words “Museum of Death,” greet you from the building located on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, Ca.

            If you haven’t worked it out by now, I am talking about the original strange landmark opened in 1995 that focuses on all thing’s death.

            I do want to mention early on that the museum is being relocated somewhere in Hollywood, though at this time I was unable to find out where but will update this post when that information becomes available.

            Now, back to the museum of the macabre. I have been fortunate enough to visit both locations as they have another in New Orleans. I will speak more about that location when I start the week of New Orleans posts.

            A dimly lit reception filled with all kinds of brochures and souvenirs are what first greets you in addition to a desk attendant. All three times I have been it has always been younger men in average clothing so don’t expect elaborate costumes.         

            Admission for the museum is $17.00, pretty standard for most museums around Los Angeles and as of now the hours are unavailable due to the relocation.

            Once you purchase a ticket the attendant will give you some ground rules such as be respectful to the dead, don’t touch the exhibits, no photos and videos, and if you feel the need to run just look for the nearest exit sign.

            Naturally, a question most would ask after receiving that information is, why? Over the years, according to the information given to me by the attendant, many people don’t make it all the way through and feel the need to leave.

            The Hollywood Blvd location is one I would describe as small but mighty as I am still astonished they can fit the overwhelming amount of exhibits in such a compact winding space.

            Everywhere you look from floor to ceiling are exhibits on everything from early embalming kits to crime scene photos from the infamous “Black Dahlia.”

            I would like to offer a disclaimer the photos and exhibits are graphic in nature, hence why most feel it necessary to leave, and probably best you did not bring the kids to this one though they are allowed with a parent.

            I find that each time I have visited I see something I may have missed on other visits or they may have added new items.

            If serial killer artwork, crime scene photos, antique mortician equipment and more sound like your cup of tea then I highly recommend a day trip to the museum once the relocate and reopen. You can find the website link here.