Visiting the Hollywood Museum

Hollywood beckons with its glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life characters. What better way to immerse yourself in that world than by exploring the Hollywood Museum? I’ve had the chance to visit this treasure trove of cinematic history.

Located in the historic Max Factor building which was built in 1914. During its use by Max Factor, makeup was manufactured on the upper floors and the ground floor was a grand salon. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 10,000 authentic showbiz artifacts. Before even stepping inside, you are transported through time. At the front of the entrance, you’re greeted by a statue of Marilyn Monroe in her iconic pose from the movie, The Seven Year Itch. The facade of the building is reminiscent of a vintage style movie theater with stone drapery and shadow boxes of artifacts for street goers to view.

Entering the lobby area, my vintage loving heart was already enthused to see more. The lobby is pink and gold and you are able to see vintage makeup products in display rooms. These rooms  were designed to cater to  four types of hair colors: brunette, blonde, red and brownettes. Each room boasts a color palette that is synonymous to one of the said hair colors as well as utilizing the principles of color theory in choosing the decor. Intermixed with the rooms are displays of vintage movie ads and costumes of legendary actresses from the golden age of cinema.

After exploring the lobby, venture to the upper floors which are surrounded by iconic costumes, props, displays, and photographs. Some of these highlights include: coffins from the show True Blood, Elvira’s vehicle, Mad Men TV show costumes, Rocky Balboa’s boxing robe, Pamela Anderson’s infamous red bikini from Baywatch, and so much more as these are just a few of the treats to see. The Hollywood Museum offers more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. There are many more exhibits dedicated to modern blockbusters and television shows, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for fans of all eras.

The best part of the museum is when you descend into the basement. At the top of the stairs from the lobby there is a sign that reads Monsters, Mummies & Mayhem. After reaching the bottom of the stairs, you are immersed in a horror lover’s dream of treasures to see. Hannibal Lecter’s prison cell, costumes from Sweeney Todd the movie, displays for House of 1000 Corpses, Nightmare on Elm Street, Universal Monsters, and countless more for horror aficionados to enjoy.

After spending a few hours at the museum, take advantage of the location. Since the museum sits amidst the hustle and bustle of Hollywood Blvd. There are several other fun places to visit. Mel’s Drive In shares a space with the Max Factor building. Mel’s is an iconic diner that is known for their shakes and burgers. Around the corner you can check out the Hollywood Wax Museum where you can cozy up with wax figures of celebrities and athletes. A guide of the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars is provided here. The Hollywood Wax museum boasts a “Horror Chamber” dedicated to the horror film genre. Several iconic theaters are also in the area which include the TCL Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre. Grab a drink at Musso and Frank Grill if you want to channel the golden age era.  This spot is one of Hollywood’s oldest eateries and has a unique ambience. The Funko Hollywood is a retail spot to visit if you are a collector of Funko Pops. The store not only sells pops but has Instagram worthy displays to check out. Another museum that may be of interest in Ripley’s Believe it Or Not. Lastly, top off the evening at Beetle House LA, a restaurant and bar dedicated to the works of Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, Edgar Allen Poe, Bram Stoker, and many more! Stay tuned as future blogs are in the works on several of these places.

Here are some tips for your Hollywood Museum visit:

• Plan your visit: Check the museum’s website for current exhibits and special events. As things that are on display can change. 
• Allow enough time: There’s so much to see! Aim to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all four floors.
• Bring your camera: You’ll want to capture all the amazing sights! (Just be sure to follow the museum’s photography guidelines). When I went there was no video allowed however photography with no flash was allowed.
• Explore nearby sites: Since you are in the heart of Hollywood. Keep in mind there may be other places you want to visit that are all in close proximity to the museum mentioned above. Always refer to their websites for details on time, events, and specific location.

Whether you’re a hardcore cinephile or simply enjoy a touch of Hollywood magic, the Hollywood Museum is a must-visit. It’s a place where movie memories come alive, and where you can truly step behind the silver screen and experience the wonder of Hollywood. As a horror fan, I appreciated the many displays sprinkled throughout the top floors to the genre and a basement completely dedicated to horror. It was definitely worth the visit to see these!

If you have visited the Hollywood Museum before, please feel free to share your experience below. If you have any questions, comment below. Thank you!