The Museum of Jurassic Technology

"Founded by husband and wife, David and Diana Wilson in 1988, this "museum" is more cabinet of curiosities, housing collections that span the arts, anthropology, science, philosophy, ethnography and history, presented in a dimly lit labyrinthine manner that speaks to the natural history museums of yore. There's miniature collections, old films, a Russian-style tea room, and numerous works you wont find in any traditional museum. Whether tongue-in-cheek or completely sincere, this place is fascinating enough to warrant two hours of your time and $8 from your wallet." - Rapt Studio

"You may be aware when you enter the museum that the appearance of anything that could be considered technology didn’t occur until about 150 million years after the Jurassic period. You may also note that artifacts of the Jurassic period, of natural history, or of technology are not in abundance in the museum. Rather than explain itself, the museum ignores the discrepancy. “In its original sense,” reads a Museum brochure, “The term museum meant a spot dedicated to the muses – a place where man’s mind could attain a mood of aloofness above everyday affairs.” This museum certainly is that spot. The displays evoke an 18th century cabinet of curiosities, ranging from micro-sculptures in the needle of an eye to “Garden of Eden on Wheels,” a collection devoted to trailer park culture. Many exhibits are confusing, nonsensical, or simply made up, but don’t expect to get answers. Just enjoy the sense of wonder. Don’t miss the life and works of Athanasius Kircher, a 17th century Jesuit scholar and “man of a hundred talents,” or the oddly moving portrait gallery of Soviet space dogs, all female, including Laika (barker), “the first ever earth-born creature to leave our planet and enter into the cosmic vacuum.”" - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"You know of LACMA and The Getty, and you’ve taken pictures inside the Infinity Room at The Broad. But you might not know about the Museum of Jurassic Technology, its bizarre exhibitions like “Dogs of The Soviet Space Program,” and its rooftop patio. After you learn about Russian dogs in space, reflect on the whole experience with a cup of tea on the roof. Complete with gigantic ferns and a fountain, this patio feels like you’re hanging out in a riad in Marrakech, not across the street from a Ross in Culver City." - brant cox

"The Museum of Jurassic Technology, Culver City. Founded by husband and wife,David and Diana Wilson in 1988, this "museum" is more cabinet of curiosities, housing collections that span the arts, anthropology, science, philosophy, ethnography and history,presented in a dimly litlabyrinthine manner that speaks to the natural history museums of yore. There's miniature collections, old films, a Russian-style tea room, and numerous works you wont find in any traditional museum. Whethertongue-in-cheek or completelysincere, this place is fascinating enough to warrant two hours of your time and $8 from your wallet."

"What’s this place all about? The vibe of The Museum of Jurassic Technology hits you the moment you pass through the ticket room: a labyrinth of dark and cramped exhibits where you may even have to turn your body as someone squeezes by you to get to the next one. Exhibits begin and end without warning, and they’re sometimes confusing as to what they’re even about. This place is legendary for in-the-know Angelenos and tourists alike who love off-the-beaten-path quirk. How was the permanent collection? There are curious and fascinating exhibits; for instance, “Rotten Luck: The Decaying Dice of Ricky Jay,” featuring the late magician Ricky Jay’s collected old dice that had, because they were made of celluloid, suddenly (and with great metaphorical significance) decomposed at some point. Or "Tell the Bees: Belief, Knowledge and Hypersymbolic Cognition: An Exhibit of Pre-Scientific Cures and Remedies," with vitrines filled with representations of folk remedies from around the world. Upstairs, there’s a room dedicated to the string game of Cat’s Cradle, and a gallery of paintings featuring dog cosmonauts from the Soviet Space Program. On the roof, above a Georgian-style tea room, you might even meet the museum’s founder David Hildebrand Wilson—he's been known to sit among the doves in the “secret” rooftop garden. What did you make of the crowd? Each exhibit takes a bit of time, so you'll be among folks keen to pay attention. Although kids are allowed, adults will probably enjoy this more. How were the facilities? Though the museum is technically wheelchair accessible, the cramped hallways, low lights, and stairs make the space not-always-friendly to those with limited mobility. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The gift shop is well done, with books relating to the exhibits and knickknacks. Given the museum’s insider-y feel, a T-shirt has instant cool-cred. Is the café worth a stop? It’s hard to describe the Tula Tea Room as a museum café, but it’s the closest thing they’ve got to one. Located on the second floor, the tearoom is a Georgian-style sitting area where Georgian black tea and sweet biscuits are served—for free. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? This museum is small, with only about a dozen fully-fleshed out exhibits, so it’s possible to see everything in an hour. Some of the exhibits require full attention for an extended period. For those who just want some quick hits, check out “Tell the Bees,” about global folk remedies; “Garden of Eden on Wheels: Collections from Los Angeles Area Mobile Home Parks,” where miniature dioramas of mobile homes in weird places are built into the walls; and “The Eye of the Needle: The Unique World of Microminiatures of Hagop Sandaldjian,” featuring sculptures viewable only through microscopes." - Maxwell Williams