L.A.con IV: Museums, Botanical Gardens and Historical Landmarks

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Contributors to this list include Eric Gerds, Lisa Murway, Lynn Boston Baden, Sherri Benoun, and the SCIFI Board of Directors.

Adamson Home and Malibu Lagoon Museum: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., P.O. Box 291, Malibu CA 90265; 310-456-8432; 1930 Spanish-Colonial Revival-style house. Chumash Indian artifacts and history of Malibu from 1542 to the present.; Wed-Sat 11 am-3 pm. (Last tour at 2pm.) Group tours by reservation.; Admission: $3 per person. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Albinger Archaeological Museum: 113 E. Main St., Ventura CA 93001; 805-648-5823; This site was once the home to five different cultures spanning 3,500 years of history. Learn about the Chumash Indians, Chinese immigrants and others who resided on the site, as well as the archaeological digs uncovered in 1974.; Summer hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and certain holidays.; Admission free, donations always accepted. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Anaheim Museum: 241 S Anaheim Blvd (at Broadway), Anaheim CA 92805; 714-778-3301, fax:714-778-6740; Exhibits detail the city's 140-year history, from its inception as a vineyard for Los Angeles wine makers in 1860. Historic landmarks, old store signs, steel stamps from cement makers, antique phone booths, manual typewriters, a Kelsey Printing Press, and various other artifacts and photographic exhibits. Also galleries of art by contemporary artists, and a children's gallery focusing largely on space exploration and technology. Housed in the old Anaheim Library building, built in 1908 with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation -- the only remaining Carnegie Library building in Orange County.; Art workshops on Fridays and Saturdays, see website or call Faith Laurence at the museum phone number.; Hours: Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 12pm-4pm. All other days appointment only.; Admission: suggested donation $2.00(?) [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Angels Attic: 516 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica CA 90401. At Colorado and 5th Street, three blocks west of Lincoln Blvd. Exit 5th Street off of I-10 and head north to Colorado.; 310-394-8331; Antique dollhouses, miniatures, dolls, and toys.; Open Thu-Sun 12:30-4:30 pm. Special tours by arrangement, Thu-Fri 11 am.; Admission: $6.50, children (under 12) $3.50, seniors (65+) $4.00. Metered street parking available. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum: 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave, Vista CA 92083; 760-941-1791, 800-587-2286; "The museum's collections focus on the period from 1849-1950 and extensively covers agriculture, construction and early industrial trades. Exhibits include blacksmith & wheelwright shops, country kitchen & parlor, steam & gas industrial power units, gristmill & sawmill and farm equipment from horse drawn through modern row crop equipment."; Open daily, 10 am-4 pm.; Admission: $3, children (under 12) $2. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
The Arboretum of Los Angeles County: 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia CA 91007. Just south of I-210, across from Santa Anita Race Track.; 626-821-3222; "The LA County Botanic Garden is a rich historical site that includes Native American, Rancho Period, and late 19th century treasures... since 1936 movie and television locations have embraced Baldwin Lake as a stand-in for swamps, lakes, rivers and even South Pacific lagoons." Used for Tarzan movies, Jungle Jim, Road to Singapore, Safari, Fantasy Island, Roots II and many others.; Summer hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6:30 pm, grounds close at 7pm. Sat-Sun 9am-4:30pm, ground close at 5pm. Closed Christmas Day.; Admission $6, students and seniors $4, children (5-12) $1.50, children under 5 free. Tram $2. (Tram available can vary, please call 626-821-3210 the day you visit to confirm.) Admission free on the third Tuesday of the month, which will include 15-Aug-2006 (no tram on these days). [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Autry Museum of Western Heritage: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles CA 90027-1462; 323-667-2000, fax:323-660-5721; Theater, education, and conservation center, research library, store, and Golden Spur cafe.; Open Tue-Sun 10 am-5 pm, Thursdays 10 am-8 pm.; Admission $7.50, seniors (60+) and students $5, children (2-12) $3. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
General Phineas Banning Residence Museum: 401 East M St., Wilmington CA 90744; 310-548-7777; Greek Revival-style house with Victorian furnishings. Hourly tours. For groups of 10 or more, call ahead.; Tue-Thu 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 pm; Sat-Sun 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm. Closed on national holidays.; Donation $3. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Bowers Museum: 2002 N Main St., Santa Ana CA 92706-2731; 714-567-3600; Pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Central and South America, Native American art and artifacts, and California paintings and art are the core of the permanent collection.; Regular Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-4pm, closed Mondays and holidays.; Admission: $10, children (5-18) $3, seniors/students $6, children under 5 free. Free admission to permanent exhibits on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, which will include 22-Aug-2006. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo courtesy AOCVCB.]
California African-American Museum: 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles CA 90037; 213-744-7432; History, art and culture of African-Americans.; Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm.; Admission free. Some special programs may require a fee. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
California Heritage Museum (formerly known as Santa Monica Heritage Museum): 2612 Main St., Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-392-8537; Wed-Sat 11am-4pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
California Science Center (formerly known as the Museum of Science and Industry): 700 State Dr., Los Angeles CA 90037. In Exposition Park, at the corner of Figueroa and Exposition Blvd. Near I-110/Exposition Blvd.; 323-724-3623 (323-SCIENCE); Hands-on and user-friendly exhibits and attractions, including Hall of Health, Aerospace Museum, Mark Taper Hall of Economics and Finance, and Science and Industry Hall. Wheelchair accessible. Food services (incl. McDonalds, Taco Bell, and a cafeteria) on site.; Open 10am-5pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Air and Space Gallery is open Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, Sat/Sun/Holidays 11am-4pm.; Admission free to permanent exhibit galleries. (IMAX movies and special exhibitions cost extra, call or check website for prices.) Groups of 15 or more, consult website or call. Parking $6 per car, $10 for bus or oversize vehicles. Parking rates subject to change on Coliseum event days. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Centennial Heritage Museum (formerly known as the Discovery Museum of Orange County): 3101 W Harvard St, Santa Ana CA 92704; 714-540-0404; This is a natural and cultural history museum "dedicated to preserving, promoting and restoring the heritage of Orange County and the surrounding region." Buildings from the 1890s, working blacksmith shop, citrus groves, gardens, a Victorian gazebo, and a fountain. Home to the Victorian Tea Society, which meets monthly.; Hours: Wed-Fri 1pm-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. Closed Mon/Tue/Sat. Group tours available by appointment, Tue-Sun.; Admission: $5, discount for AAA members. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Chatsworth Museum: 10385 Shadow Oak Dr., Chatsworth CA 91311. In Chatsworth Park South at the west end of Devonshire Street.; 818-882-5614; Pioneer San Fernando Valley exhibits, Indian artifacts and agricultural displays. The only remaining homestead cottage in the San Fernando Valley.; Open first Sun of the month 1-4 pm and by appointment. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
County of Los Angeles Fire Museum: 1320 N Eastern Ave., PO Box 3325, Alhambra, Los Angeles CA 91803; Antique Fire Department apparatus and memorabilia. (One of five firefighting museums in Los Angeles County.); Check website for open house dates. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Descanso Gardens: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada CA 91011. Near the intersection of the I-210 and 2 freeways.; 818-949-4200; Lots of plants. Seven horticultural societies hold their meetings at Descanso Gardens. Various classes, lectures, walks, workshops and symposia are held throughout the year.; Open every day 9am-5pm (except Christmas); visitors are encouraged to arrive by 4:30.; Admission: $6, seniors and students $4, children (5-12) $1.50, children under 5 free. Tram $2. Enchanted Railroad $2 (Sat-Sun only). Free parking. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Discovery Science Center: 2500 N Main St, Santa Ana CA 92705; 714-542-2823; "Both children and adults will have fun interacting with nearly 100 hands-on exhibits, participating in live science shows, and experiencing a 3-D laser show."; Hours: 10am-5pm daily.; Admission: $11, seniors (55+) $8.50, children (3-17) $8.50, children 2 and under free. 3-D Laser Theater $1. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Drum Barracks Civil War Museum: 1052 Banning Blvd., Wilmington CA 90744; 310-548-7509; Historic landmark from the Civil War era. Restored Colonial building. The only Civil War-era U.S. Army building still standing in Southern California.; Tours Tue-Thu 10am/11am/12pm/1pm, Sat 11:30am/12:30pm/1:30pm/2:30pm, Sun 1:30pm/2:30pm. Call for special tours for groups of 8 or more.; Donation: $3. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Kenneth G. Fiske Musical Instrument Museum: 450 N College Way, Claremont CA 91711-4491; 909-621-8307; More than 750 European and ethnic brass, string, woodwind, percussion, mechanical, and folk instruments.; Tours by appointment.; Admission is free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Fort MacArthur Museum: Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey St., PO Box 268, San Pedro CA 90731; 310-548-2631, fax:310-241-0847; Photos, drawings, exhibits, and memorabilia of Ft. MacArthur and Los Angeles Harbor defenses from the 1920's to World War II. Living history program, first weekend of the month.; Open Tue/Thu/weekends/holidays, 12-5pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Fullerton Arboretum: 1900 Associated Rd. (at Yorba Linda Blvd.), Fullerton CA; 714-278-3579; "26-acre botanical garden... four major collections: Cultivated, Woodlands, Mediterranean and Desert Collections. Highlights include Southern California native vegetation, Rare Fruit Grove, historic citrus and avocados, Channel Islands Garden, an extensive Cycad Collection, Palm Grove, Community Gardens, Children's Garden and more... Heritage House was built in 1894 as the home and office of Fullerton's pioneer physician, Dr. George C. Clark. The restored house now serves as a museum of family life and medical practice of the 1890s."; Hours: 8am-4:45 pm. Heritage Hour tours, Saturday 11am-1pm, Sunday 2pm-4pm, and by appointment one month in advance.; Admission charge during special events. Donation for Heritage House tours, $2.
Fullerton Museum Center: 301 N Pomona Ave (at Wilshire), Fullerton CA 92832; 714-738-6545; "dedicated to developing and presenting the best in multi-disciplinary exhibitions and educational programs in the areas of history, science and art."; Hours: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun noon-4pm, Thursday noon-8pm.; Admission: adults $4, seniors (65+) $3, students (13+ with ID) $3, children (6-12) $1, children 5 and under free. All admission is $1 on the first Thursday of every month, 4pm-8pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Gamble House: 4 Westmorland Place, Pasadena CA 91103-3593; 626-793-3334; Greene and Greene mansion built in Pasadena for the Gamble Family in 1908. This National Historic Landmark house is built with all-peg construction, and features exotic woodwork and original furniture.; Tours Thu-Sun 12pm-3pm (last tour begins at 3:00). Closed on national holidays. Groups of ten or more require reservations at least one month in advance, call Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Group hours/fees vary.; Admission $8, seniors (65+) $5, full-time students with ID $5, children under 12 free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Garden Grove Historical Society: 12174 Euclid St., P.O. Box 4297, Garden Grove CA 92842-4297.; 714-530-8871; Has the press that Stan Woolston used to publish the 1950 Fan Directory. Several of the city's oldest homes and commercial buildings dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s have been relocated here. The Walt Disney Studio Garage was relocated here in the 1980s.; Suggested donation: adults $2, children (under 12) $1.; Tours of the 2-acre Stanley Ranch Museum are at 1:30pm on the third Sunday of the month, which will include 20-Aug-2006. Group tours for 8 or more people available. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
The Getty Museum of Art: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1000, Los Angeles CA 90049-1687.; 310-440-7300, tty:310-440-7305; Art lovers, this place is for you. The permanent collection includes Greek and Roman antiquities, pre-20th century European paintings and sculpture, old master drawings, and more. "The mission of the J. Paul Getty Museum is to delight, inspire, and educate a diverse public through the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of works of art of the highest quality."; Addmission to the Getty Center is free. Parking is $5 per car.; Open Tue-Fri/Sun 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays and holidays. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Grier Musser Museum: 403 S. Bonnie Brae St., Los Angeles CA 90057. Near Red Line Subway Station.; 213-413-1814; Turn-of-the-century Queen Anne house with monthly holiday exhibits throughout the year.; Wed-Sat 12pm-4 pm.; Admission: $6, seniors/students $5, children $4. Free parking at rear of building. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Griffith Observatory: 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles CA 90027; 323-664-1181; Closed for renovation until late 2005. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Hancock Memorial Museum: USC, Hancock Hall, Trousdale Way at Child's Way CA 90089; 213-740-5144, fax:213-740-2343; Four rooms from the original Hancock mansion, built in 1909. Designed after the Villa de Medici. Original furnishings, including items from the Mexico City palace of Maxmilian and Carlotta.; Open by appointment only. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Heritage Square Museum Village: 3800 Home St., Highland Park. Off the Pasadena Freeway at Ave. 43.; 626-449-0193; Eight restored Los Angeles Victorians on 10 acres of parkland.; Fri-Sun and most holiday Mondays 12pm-5pm. Guided tours 12pm-3pm. (No admittance after 3pm.); Admission: $6, seniors $5, children (6-12) $3. Children under 6 free. Free parking. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Hollywood Heritage Museum (aka Hollywood Studio Museum): 2100 N Highland Ave., Hollywood CA 90078; 323-874-2276, 323-874-4005; Lasky-DeMille barn where first feature-length movie, The Squaw Man, was shot in 1913.; Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm.; Adults $3, seniors $1, children (3-12) $1. Free parking. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Gordon R. Howard Museum Complex: 1015 W. Olive Ave, Burbank CA 91506. Olive Avenue Park at Olive and Lomita.; 818-841-6333; History of Lockheed exhibit, Warner Bros' original The Jazz Singer, Disney and NBC studios exhibits, camera college, antique cars, 1887 Victorian house and 19th century era rooms.; Open Sun 1-4pm, tours during the week for groups of 10 or more.; Free admission. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Huntington Library, Art Collections, And Botanical Gardens: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino CA 91108; 626-405-2100; The Botanical Gardens include Japanese gardens with a tea house, a Shakespeare garden, jungle and rose gardens, and a unique desert representation. The Art Collection includes works of British painters, French decorative arts, rare books and manuscripts, and furniture and decorative arts by Charles and Henry Greene.; Open Tue-Fri, 12 noon-4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 10:30 am-4:30 pm.; Admission: adults $12.50, students (12-18) $8.50, youth (5-11) $5, seniors (65+) $10. (Tea at the tea house costs extra.) Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
International Printing Museum: 315 E. Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA 90745; 714-529-1832, 310-515-7166; Printing presses from Chinese block printing through Gutenburg to today.; Hours: Sat 10am-4pm. Weekdays by appointment only.; Admission: $5 [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Japanese American National Museum: 369 East First St., Los Angeles CA 90012; 213-625-0414, fax:213-625-1770; Located in the first Japanese Buddhist temple built in Los Angeles. With displays on America's Concentration camps: Remembering the Japanese American Experience. Video and newsreel footage, photographs and artifacts commemorating the Japanese Americans who were held in concentration camps during WWII.; Open Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm. Closed Mondays; Admission: $6, seniors $5, students with ID and children (6-17) $3. Free every Thursday 5pm-8pm, and every third Thursday of the month (which includes 17-Aug-2006). [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Kidseum: 1802 N Main St., Santa Ana CA 92706; 714-480-1520; "The KIDSEUM, an 11,000 square foot children's museum, provides arts and cultural activities for thousands of children and their families. Creativity, stimulated by exposure to art, can be the basis for the development of ideas, problem solving and social understanding." Operated by Bowers Museum.; Summer hours: Tue-Fri 12 noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, closed Mondays and holidays.; Admission: $5, children under 3 free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Kidspace Museum: New location will be in Brookside Park, Pasadena CA.; 626-449-9144; Participatory exhibits.; Closed until Fall, 2004. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA): 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90036; 323-936-7141; Traditional and contemporary Korean art, ranging from Korea's dynastic to modern periods.; Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 10am-1 pm. Closed Sundays and Holidays (including Korean holidays such as Liberation Day, August 15).; Admission is free. Free parking at back of building, entrance on Dunsmuir Ave. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
La Habra Children's Museum: 301 S Euclid St, La Habra CA 90631; 562-905-9793, fax:562-905-9698; "The Mission of the Children's Museum at La Habra is to encourage enthusiasm about learning in a hands-on environment that opens the world to even the youngest child. 12,500 square feet of interactive exhibits cover educational themes from science, history, humanities and everyday life."; Hours: Monday 10am-1pm, Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm.; Admission: $5 (adults and children 2 and up) [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Lomita Railroad Museum: 2137 West 250th St. (at Woodward Ave.), PO Box 339, Lomita CA 90717; 310-326-6255; Vintage trains and architecture.; Wed-Sun 10am-5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.; Admission: $2 aults, children (under 12) $1. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90036.; On Wilshire Blvd.'s "Miracle Mile" between Fairfax Ave. and La Brea Ave., just east of Ogden Drive. LACMA West is 2 blocks west, at the NE corner of Fairfax and Wilshire.; 323-857-6000, tdd:323-857-0098; Admission $9, students (18+) and seniors (62+) $5, Children (17 and under) free. The second Tuesday of each month is free to all. Pay parking is available in the lots at Wilshire and Spaulding Ave., and at Wilshire and Ogden Drive. Parking is free after 7 pm.; Open Mon/Tue/Thu, 12 nooon-8 pm, Friday 12 noon-9 pm, Sat-Sun, 11 am-8 pm. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum: 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; 323-937-5544; "The unique Craft and Folk Art Museum of Los Angeles explores how craft, folk art and design are woven into everyone's life. Via exhibits and educational programs, the museum celebrates cultural expression through the objects people use in everyday living."; Open Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-9pm.; Admission $3.50. Seniors and students $2.50. Children under 12 free. First Wednesday of the month free to all. Parking on Stanley Ave. off Wilshire for $4 maximum. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Los Angeles Maritime Museum: Berth 84, Foot of 6th St., San Pedro CA 90731. Next to Ports O'Call.; 310-548-7618, fax:310-832-6537; Vessels, exhibits, models, paintings, and memorabilia of maritime life from other eras to the present. Museum has a 54 ft. Angleman Yawl and a 27 ft. Monterey Fishing Boat plus a library of ship registers, logs, and other maritime records. Tours, lectures, special events (e.g., Maritime Festival), and participatory exhibits. Tours in English and Spanish available by appointment. Museum is ADA accessible.; Tue-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Closed Mondays.; Donation: $1 per person. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Lummis House - El Alisal: 200 E. Avenue 43, Los Angeles CA 90031; 323-222-0546; Built 1898-1910 of stones from Arroyo Seco as home of Charles Fletcher Lummis, founder of the Southwest Museum and ethnographer. Features drought-resistant, low-maintenance garden. Now headquarters for Historical Society of Southern California.; Visting hours Fri-Sun 12 noon to 4 pm.; Admission free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
March Field Museum: Van Buren Blvd. offramp on I-215, PO Box 6463, March Air Reserve Base CA 92518; 909-697-6600; Aircraft, flying memorabilia and vintage planes such as a Flying Banana, a Flying Boxcar, and a Blackbird.; Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, weekends noon-4 pm.; "Nominal sugestion donation." Free parking. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Marconi Automotive Museum: 1302 Industrial Dr, Tustin CA 92780; 714-258-3001 , fax:714-258-9117; Historical, exotic, and classic cars.; Hours: by appointment, Mon-Fri 9am-4:30 pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Mexican American Museum of Art: 1850 E 17th St # 112, Santa Ana, CA 92705; 714-541-3070 [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Military Vehicle Museum: 1918 N. Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte CA 91733; 626-442-1776, fax:626-443-1776; American and foreign Jeeps, trucks, tanks, and cannons.; Fri-Sun 10am-4:30pm, weather permitting.; Adults $4, Seniors and veterans $3, juniors $2, kids $.50. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Mission San Juan Capistrano: Corner of Ortega Hwy and Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano CA 92693. Same location as Amtrak station.; 949-234-1300, fax:949-240-8091; Spanish mission, over 200 years old.; Open daily 8:30am-5pm. Closed Thanksgivin, Christmas, and Good Friday.; Admission: $6, sensiors (60+) $5, children (3-11) $4. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): California Plaza, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA 90012; Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles CA 90013; Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood CA 90069. (Three locations, although note that some may be closed between exhibitions.); 213-626-6222, 213-621-1741, fax:213-620-8674; "...home to one of the country's finest collections of American and European art created since 1940. MOCA currently holds approximately 5,000 objects in all visual media, ranging from masterpieces of abstract expressionism and pop art to recent works by young and emerging artists."; Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm, Thursday 11am-8pm. Closed Mondays and holidays.; Admission $8, students and seniors (65+) $5, children (under 12) free. Free every Thursday, 11am-8pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Museum of Flying: The new museum location is slated to open in 2004 in a large hangar on the north side of the Santa Monica Airport.; 310-392-8822; Helicopter tours of Los Angeles area, Sundays, flight-ready World War II aircraft and historical exhibits including 1924 Douglas World Cruiser New Orleans.; Temporarily closed. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Museum of Neon Art (MONA): 510 W. Olympic (at Hope), Los Angeles CA 90015; 213-489-9918; Historic neon signs and devices and contemporary fine art in electric media. Informal tours available for groups.; Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Sunday 12 noon-5 pm. Second Thursday of every month: 11am-8pm. Closed Mon/Tue/holidays.; Admission: $5, students (13-22 with ID) $3.50, seniors (65+) $3.50, children (under 12) free. Free on the second Thursday of eery month 5pm-8pm. Group rate (ten or more) $3.50, must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the office during museum hours. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Museum of Television & Radio: 465 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills CA 90210. There is also a sister museum in New York City.; 310-786-1025, 310-786-1000; Two screening rooms and two main theaters, five preprogrammed listening series in the listening room, live and taped radio broadcasts throughout the year, and access to the museum's entire library of programs. (You must make a reservation to use the Library at the lobby front desk when you arrive.) When you find a program you want, you reserve it and then go to a console room, where you watch or listen to the program at a monitor with headphones.; Open Wed-Sun 12pm-5pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and certain holidays.; Admission is free, and you can get up to two hours of viewing programs of your choice from the library (see above). Parking is available, first two hours free with validation, one dollar each additional half hour. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Museum of Tolerance: 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90035; 310-553-8403; Exhibits include the Holocaust, L.A. Riots, and Civil Rights Sections. "The Museum of Tolerance is a high tech, hands-on experiential museum that focuses on two central themes through unique interactive exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust - the ultimate example of man's inhumanity to man. The Museum, the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, was founded to challenge visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts."; Summer hours: Mon-Thu, 11:30 am-6:30 pm (last entry at 4pm), Fri 11:30am-5pm (last entry at 3pm), Sunday 11am-7:30 pm (last entry at 5pm). Closed Saturdays.; Pre-paid advance reservations are recommended to ensure admittance to the museum. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: 900 Exposition Bl., Los Angeles CA 90007.; 213-763-DINO (763-3466); "...dioramas of African and American mammals, rare dinosaurs and fossils, marine animals, Native American and Pre-Columbian cultures, and historical artifacts from California and Southwest history, as well as early Hollywood memorabilia. The exquisite Gem & Mineral Hall features the largest collection of gold in the United States. The kid-friendly Discovery Center welcomes children and families with hands-on, interactive education. Children can make fossil rubbings, dig for fossils, observe live animals such as snakes, fish and lizards and touch animal pelts. The accompanying Insect Zoo, the largest in the West, presents live insects from around the world."; Hours Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pmn, Sat/Sun/Holidays 10am-5pm.; Admission: $9, seniors (62+) $6.50, students (18+) with ID $6.50, children (13-17) $6.50, children (5-12) $2. Children (0-4) free. Free first Tuesday of each month. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace: 18001 Yorba Linda Bl., Yorba Linda CA 92886; 714-993-3393, fax:714-528-0544; Nine-acre grounds include main gallery and original birthplace home.; Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.; Admission: $5.95, children (8-11) $2, seniors (62+) and students with ID $3.95, AAA members and active military $4.95. Children 7 and under free. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Norton Simon Museum of Art: 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91105-1825; 626-449-6840; Renaissance to mid-20th century art. The wonderful permanent collection includes paintings by Matisse, Rembrandt, Renoir, van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso and Raphael; sculpture by Rodin, and bronzes by Degas.; Open Mon/Wed-Sun, 12 pm-6 pm. Closed Tuesdays.; Admission $6, seniors (62+) $3, children under 18 free, students with ID free. Audio tour: $3. Admission is free for all visitors the first Friday evening of every month 6pm-9pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Olivas Adobe: 4200 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura CA 93003; 805-644-4346, 805-658-4728; Two-story Monterey-style adobe, rancho era exhibits, rose garden. 6 1/2 acres.; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. No tours will be started after 3:15 pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Ontario Museum of History and Art: 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario CA 91762; 909-983-3198; Exhibits on agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation.; Wed-Sun noon-4 pm.; Admission is free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Orange County Natural History Museum: 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel CA 92677; 949-831-3287; Exhibits, lectures and programs on paleontology, geology, botany, micro-paleontology, ornithology, herpetology and other natural sciences.; Hours: Wed-Sun 11 am-5 pm.; Admission: adults $2, seniors/disabled $1, children under 12 $1, families of four or more $5. Parking $2. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Orange Empire Railway Museum, Perris: 2201 S. "A" St., PO Box 548, Perris CA 92572-0548; info:909-657-2605, office:909-943-3020; Restored trolleys and trains operate. You can ride red cars here at the Orange Empire Railway Museum.; Hours: Streetcars and trains operate every weekend and most major holidays, 11 am-5 pm. Museum store and grounds open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), 9am-5pm.; All-day ride pass: $8, children (5-11) $6, except during special events. Kids under 5 free. See website for dates and prices of OERM special events. Parking is always free. [Info as of Sep. 2003. Photo by Chaz.]
Pacific Asia Museum: 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena; 626-449-2742 (current exhibition: ext 10); "... permanent collection contains more than 14,000 rare and representative examples of art and artifacts from Asia and the Pacific Islands, spanning a period of five thousand years."; Open Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm.; Admission $7, students/seniors $5. Free parking in the museum lot at Los Robles and Union. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Pasadena Museum of History (formerly known as Pasadena Historical Society): 470 W Walnut St., Pasadena CA 91103-3594; 626-577-1660, fax:626-577-1662; Fenyes Mansion, Pasadena History Museum, and Finnish Folk Art Museum. "two-acre campus features period buildings by noted architects Robert Farquhar, Sylvanus Marston andd Freederick Roherig..."; Wed-Sun, noon-5pm. (Tours 1:30 and 3:00 pm.); Admission: $5 for exhibits, $3 for Fenyes Mansion tours, $7 for both; $1 off for seniors/students, children under 12 are always free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Page Museum/La Brea Tar Pits: 5801 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles CA 90036; (Southeast corner of Hancock Park); 323-934-7243 (934-PAGE); "...the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world. Visitors can learn about Los Angeles as it was between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, when animals such as saber-toothed cats and mammoths roamed the Los Angeles Basin. Through windows at the Page Museum Laboratory, visitors can watch bones being cleaned and repaired. Outside the Museum, in Hancock Park, life-size replicas of several extinct mammals are featured."; Open Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat/Sun/Holidays 10 am-5 pm. (Closed on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.); Admission: $7, children (5-12) $2, sensiors (62+) and students with ID $4.50, children under 5 free. Parking $6 with validation in lot behind museum, $8 w/o validation. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Petersen Automotive Museum: 6060 Wilshire Bl. (at Fairfax), Los Angeles CA 90036; 323-930-CARS (930-2277); Museum presents vintage cars and exhibits exploring the impact of the autobile on american life and culture. This is where the cars from the Natural History Museum went.); Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.; Admission $10, seniors and students with ID $5, children (5-12) $3. Children under $5 free. Parking $6. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Red Car Museum: Heritage Park, corner of Main and Electric Sts., Seal Beach CA 90470-0152; 562-683-1874; Renovated Pacific Electric Red Car, housed in a maintenance yard of the old P.E. Home of the Seal Beach Historical and Cultural Society.; 2nd and 4th Sat of the month (which includes 26-Aug-2006), noon-4pm.; Admission free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Buena Park: 7850 Beach Blvd., Buena Park CA 90620; 714-522-1152; "10,000 square feet of strange and unusual artifacts and activities... hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, some of which are unavailable anywhere else in the world"; Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Call for special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's schedules.; Admission: $8.95, children (4-11) $5.25, seniors (55+) $6.95. See website for web coupon. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Riverside Municipal Museum (No website for the museum, but there is a Riverside County Museums website.): 3720 Orange St., Riverside CA; 909-782-5273; Natural and local history, botany gallery, dioramas of wildlife, Indian artifacts, and early tools. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
San Bernardino County Museum: 2024 Orange Tree Ln., Redlands CA 92374-4560; 909-307-2669, fax:909-307-0539; History of the development of Inland Southern California; paleontology; anthropology; art exhibits; various animal exhibits; various outdoor artifacts, citrus groves and a cactus garden.; Open Tue-Sun 9am-5 pm and most holiday Mondays. Closed most other Mondays, Thanksgiving, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1.; Admission: $6, seniors (60+)/students with id $5, children (5-12) $4 [Info as of Sep. 2003, fees as of Jul. 2003]
San Buenaventura Mission: 221 E. Main St., Ventura CA 93001-2622; 805-643-4318, fax:805-643-7831; The ninth and last California mission founded by Junipero Serra, in 1782. Still in use as an active Catholic parish.; Visitors welcome daily from sunrise till sunset. Musem and Gift Shop open Mon_Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, except major holidays. (See website for information on events and regular services.) Self-guided tours.; Donation: $1, children 50 cents. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
San Diego Museum of Man: 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego; 619-239-2001, fax:619-239-2749; Anthopological museum. Artifacts, folk art, archaelogical finds.; Daily 10 am-4:30 pm.; Admission $6, seniors $5, children (6-17) $3. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd., Santa Barbara CA; 805-682-4711?; Condor exhibit and assembled skeleton of 72-foot blue whale.; Open 10 am-5 pm daily. Closed holidays.; Admission: $6, seniors (65+) $5, youth (13-17) $5, children (2-12) $4. The last Sunday of every month (except September) is free, which will include 27-Aug-2006. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Southwest Museum: 234 Museum Dr., Highland Park, Los Angeles 90065; 323-221-2164; World-famous collection of artifacts, crafts, and arts representing native cultures from Alaska to South America. Oldest museum in Los Angeles, founded in 1907.; Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays.; Admission $6; students/seniors $4; youth (7-18) $3. Children under 6 free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
S.S. Lane Victory Memorial Museum: Berth 94, San Pedro CA 90733-0629; 310-519-9545; A National Historic Landmark, which is also a fully operational World War II Victory Ship.; Daily 9am-4 pm. Check web site or call for cruise dates and prices. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Stagecoach Inn Museum: 51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park CA 91320; 805-498-9441; Reconstructed 19th Century Monterey Style hotel.; Museum is open Wed-Sun 1pm-4pm, docent-led museum tours available. Entire complex is open for tours Sun 1-4 pm.; Addmission: $3, seniors (62+) $2, children (5-12) $1. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Travel Town Transportation Museum: 5200 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles CA 90027; At Griffith Park, near jct. of Ventura and Golden State freeways.; 323-662-5874; Outdoor transportation museum with focus on Western U.S. rail history.; Admission free. Parking is available on the grounds.; Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm; weekends and holidays 10 am-5 pm. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
UCLA Armand Hammer Museum: 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (at Westwood Blvd.), Westwood 90024; 310-443-7000, tty:310-443-7094; From the outside it looks like an office building, but inside the permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, van Gogh, Cassatt, Monet and da Vinci. Also the largest collection in the U.S. of Honore Daumier.; Open Tue 12-7pm, Wed-Fri 12-9pm, Sat-Sun 12-7pm. Closed Mondays and certain holidays.; Admission $5, seniors (65+) $3. Students free, children 17 and under accompanied by an adult are free. Free for all visitors on Thursdays. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Victorian Bridal Museum: 307 E. Chapman, Suite #304, Orange CA 92866; 714-997-1893; "The main exhibit area is home to several gowns, including an 1885 gown worn by a Jewish woman who emigrated from Germany to Texas." The museum collection goes on tour from time to time, check their website.; Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, Sundays by appointment only. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Western Hotel Museum: 557 W Lancaster Bl., Lancaster CA 93534; 661-723-6250, 661-723-6260; Tours of Lancaster's oldest surviving building, constructed circa 1888.; Fri-Sat, 12pm-4pm.; Admission is free. [Info as of Sep. 2003]
Whittier Museum: 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier CA 90601; 562-945-3871, fax:562-945-9106; Exhibits of life in early Whittier, California.; Tours Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm. Advance notice required for all tour groups. [Info as of Sep. 2003]

Uncredited photos are from the museums' websites. Photos credited to "Chaz" are courtesy of Chaz Boston Baden and his website Hazel's Picture Gallery.

Getting to Anaheim

Museums, Botanical Gardens and Historical Landmarks

Rev. 29-Dec-2005