The Museum of Jurrasic Technology

I have probably driven by the Museum of Jurrasic Technology at 9341 Venice Blvd 200 times.

The building is understated and the museum often looks closed, so it is easy to miss. From the first time I spotted it, the name perplexed me. "Jurrasic" obviously implies something to do with the Jurassic period or dinosaurs. "Technology" obviously does not. As it turns out, the museum has nothing to do with either. We spent about an hour there on Sunday and I can't honestly say what it is about. If you are going expecting to see a Rembrandt, you will be disappointed. If, however, you are interested in seeing an LED display of the world showing the distribution of trailer parks globally in 1938, this place is for you! The museum seems to house random oddities from a howling fox head in a glass case to a minuature figureen of Goofie on the head of a pin. There are also a number of bizzare videos about obscure historical figures that I honestly cannot say are real or imagined.

Mainly, the museum is quirky and fun. And, very well done. Creator David Wilson was even given a MacArthur Grant for achievements in portraying "life in the Jurrasic" My favorite exhibit was a series of portraits of the dogs that the Soviet space program sent into orbit never to return in the early days of space flight. The portrait of Laika was the feature of the exhibit. I learned that Laika actually became the first animal to orbit the earth (and the first animal to die in orbit) in 1957.

At only a recommended donation of $5 ($3 for seniors), the museum is a bargain. Don't miss the upstairs lounge complete with complimentary cookies and tea. If you go around the corner and up from where the tea is served, there is a lovely rooftop zen garden complete with live doves and seating. When we were there, it looked like people were enjoying this area just to do some Sunday reading.

One note: The Museum of Jurrasic Technology is not actually in Culver City, but directly across the street. Additionally, there is an excellent New York Times article about the museum that is worth a read.