Museum of Death is it worth the awe?
This past Saturday I got to experience something that I have been intrigued with since I found out about it. I wont let the suspense keep you any longer...
The Museum of Death, which is nestled in the bustling streets of Hollywood, CA has been a long time cult favorite of the city since 2000. According to Atlas Obscura, "The Museum of Death was originally founded in San Diego in 1995, however, in 2000 James Healy moved this location to sunny Hollywood, CA". I drove by this location when Alex took me on a date about a year in a half ago. I have attempted to actually get inside the museum like 10 times. All unsuccessful I might add.
Since the museum wants to keep their things safe and respected, you cannot take pictures within, you have to actually go inside to view the exhibits. This is my account of what I recall of the museum, however, everyone views things differently. What I see and admire is not necessarily something others would see or admire. The first thing you will need to note is the fact that the museum is not for the faint at heart. The museum features a range of objects and pathology from serial killers and their victims to taxidermy animals. The real kicker is the memorabilia that is collected in this museum. for instance in the first room you enter behind the velvet partitions, you will see an array of art work created by serial killers in their small cells. In this small room you are met with various clown drawings and letters. a majority of these drawings are from the famed serial killer John Wayne Gacy. If you cant recall his crimes, I'll refresh your memory. Between 1972 and 1978, Gacy assaulted, tortured, and murdered approximately 33 boys. His story is fascinating, and to many very gruesome.
Along with Gacy, there is various letters and art work from famed serial killers such as; Richard Ramirez, Jeffrey Dahmer, Dennis Rader and a slew of other killers. I have to mention that it doesn't glorify them, it sheds a different light on the humans they are, and why they did what they did.
Moving into the next room or this cozy museum, you make your way into different styles of death. in this regard, the styles of death are ways of execution. It showcases many forms of death recorded throughout times, and the particular ways of how different cultures executed their citizens. The exhibit had an array of tools and objects used to bring people to their ultimate death. Furthermore, they had quite a set up of photographs taken from past executions. As you wonder through this museum there is different cases such as the OJ Simpson and Black Dahlia murders, for more recent times, and times that I can remember I took a great interest in the OJ case as I can remember as a child watching live.
Along with human memorabilia they boast a large collection of taxidermy animals, along with skulls to show the size of each specimen. Being the softy I am for animals, I found this one very interesting but very hard to stomach. We quickly moved on to the next interesting space. As you walk through each corridor you will run into different areas of death under glass. From the unsolved mysteries of murders, to car accident photos reminding you to "buckle up" this museum offers so many unique, educational things that will intrigue even the most curious minds.
There is a small section dedicated strictly to Cannibalism. The taboo subject makes my heart race. However, reading correspondence between Dahmer and his pen pals brings a sense of insight on how his mind worked and how he viewed life. Dare I say that this was a treat in itself? this museum shed light on this touching subject eloquently.
Mouths open gaping at the wonders on the walls, you cant help but think "Am I the sick puppy that enjoys this"? I mean, yes, but also these things are so informative, and remind us that history has given us so many stories. The human body is full of so many things that tell each person's individual purpose.
Finally, as we come to the end of the museum we allow our minds to wonder staring at the photos shared with us. All of which have ended in someones death. You can't help but wonder what these people felt, or how they ended up here. These things allow your mind to imagine the final hours of each person, how does something so heart breaking , produce something so beautiful? You can admire the art, and information shared with us. For those of us with curious minds will be able to placate the need for the depth of the knowledge they have come to show us. And for those that share, we appreciate all your knowledge.
- Lyndsey
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| Outside Museum of Death. Only photo I could take. |
The Museum of Death, which is nestled in the bustling streets of Hollywood, CA has been a long time cult favorite of the city since 2000. According to Atlas Obscura, "The Museum of Death was originally founded in San Diego in 1995, however, in 2000 James Healy moved this location to sunny Hollywood, CA". I drove by this location when Alex took me on a date about a year in a half ago. I have attempted to actually get inside the museum like 10 times. All unsuccessful I might add.
 |
| I just loved the look of these buildings. |
Along with Gacy, there is various letters and art work from famed serial killers such as; Richard Ramirez, Jeffrey Dahmer, Dennis Rader and a slew of other killers. I have to mention that it doesn't glorify them, it sheds a different light on the humans they are, and why they did what they did.
Moving into the next room or this cozy museum, you make your way into different styles of death. in this regard, the styles of death are ways of execution. It showcases many forms of death recorded throughout times, and the particular ways of how different cultures executed their citizens. The exhibit had an array of tools and objects used to bring people to their ultimate death. Furthermore, they had quite a set up of photographs taken from past executions. As you wonder through this museum there is different cases such as the OJ Simpson and Black Dahlia murders, for more recent times, and times that I can remember I took a great interest in the OJ case as I can remember as a child watching live.
Along with human memorabilia they boast a large collection of taxidermy animals, along with skulls to show the size of each specimen. Being the softy I am for animals, I found this one very interesting but very hard to stomach. We quickly moved on to the next interesting space. As you walk through each corridor you will run into different areas of death under glass. From the unsolved mysteries of murders, to car accident photos reminding you to "buckle up" this museum offers so many unique, educational things that will intrigue even the most curious minds.There is a small section dedicated strictly to Cannibalism. The taboo subject makes my heart race. However, reading correspondence between Dahmer and his pen pals brings a sense of insight on how his mind worked and how he viewed life. Dare I say that this was a treat in itself? this museum shed light on this touching subject eloquently.
Mouths open gaping at the wonders on the walls, you cant help but think "Am I the sick puppy that enjoys this"? I mean, yes, but also these things are so informative, and remind us that history has given us so many stories. The human body is full of so many things that tell each person's individual purpose.
 |
| Alex and I after leaving the Museum of Death |
Finally, as we come to the end of the museum we allow our minds to wonder staring at the photos shared with us. All of which have ended in someones death. You can't help but wonder what these people felt, or how they ended up here. These things allow your mind to imagine the final hours of each person, how does something so heart breaking , produce something so beautiful? You can admire the art, and information shared with us. For those of us with curious minds will be able to placate the need for the depth of the knowledge they have come to show us. And for those that share, we appreciate all your knowledge.
- Lyndsey
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