The Museum Of Jurassic Technology can be found on 9341 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232.
Before you spend hours upon hours watching all the Jurassic Park movies to prepare for your visit, as I did, know one thing: this museum is not about dinosaurs. You will not find a single life-size skeleton or exhibit on evolution. Despite my disappointment at not seeing a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Museum of Jurassic Technology does provide guests with an unusual take on the early Jurassic period.
When entering this hole-in-the-wall museum, one becomes lost in mazes of dim lighting, suitable for a haunted house and eclectic show pieces that leave guests wondering exactly what they have encountered. Most exhibits center on art, science and history pieces that alter perceptions and create abstract understandings.
Exhibits include astounding sculptures made of butterfly wings (below) and pin heads – that can only be seen through a microscope – to rituals and superstitions about bumblebees and their relationships with humans.
One of the more popular features in the museum is the showcase on Soviet space dogs. The exhibit displays framed portraits of these courageous canines to honor their interstellar missions. They now stand as significant figures in history, being the first “earth-born” creatures to explore outer space, contrary to popular belief that monkeys were the first space travelers. The success of this Soviet space program can be truly regarded as one small step for man, one giant leap for canine.
At the end of the self-guided tour, the museum staff serve delicious cookies and tea in their Russian tea room, modeled after the study room of historic Tsar Nicolas II. The tea room leads out to a stunning garden area where guests can relax and enjoy a variety of treats. The serene garden is accompanied by classic architecture, pebbled floors and a light breeze blowing in from the open roof top. Guests can take a second to enjoy the artistry of the garden and take as many pictures as they please. In this tranquil atmosphere, visitors can reflect on the overall obscurity of what they have just experienced.
Each exhibit displays its own unique characteristics, highlighting the poetic aspects of all subject matter. Each display is uniquely pointless, yet undeniably thought provoking. Artists combine aspects of idiosyncratic logic and innovative fantasies to test the viewer’s notion of what is and is not credible.
Artists attempt to challenge the traditions of the average museum and center the Museum of Jurassic Technology around a basis of originality. Unlike usual museums, informational plaques about the displays are not always provided. Visitors are encouraged to come up with their own interpretations of the art. When asked about the museum’s purpose, staff will nonchalantly advise you to “decide for yourself.”
Whether one enjoys the Museum of Jurassic Technology or not, the overall goal of the institution is simply to offer guests a chance to appreciate the abnormalities of the world. Ultimately, an open-mind, a sense of humor and a donation of $5, is all one needs to indulge in this oddball museum. •
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