There are two locations for the Museum of Death. The first location in California is San Diego and opened in 1995. JD Healy and Cathee Shultz opened the San Diego location to educate people in the United States about death and make educating others about death their mission. The museum has been shifted to another location in Hollywood, California. Another location opened in New Orleans, Louisiana following the success of the first location.
Tourists interested in delving into the dark side of death should visit one if not both locations. Both museums offer different exhibits for people to browse.
What Is The Museum Of Death?
The Museum of Death is a tour where visitors walk through at their leisure. The tour on average takes about an hour to finish. Those that can stomach the exhibits are welcome to stay if they would like to stay longer. There are so many items to view and range from serial killer artwork, mortician, and coroners’ instruments to crime scene photographs and so much more.
There isn’t a minimum age requirement, but it is strongly recommended for only mature audiences. Many of the exhibits are very graphic and not appropriate for children. It has been reported that there were cases of people fainting while viewing the exhibits so be prepared!
Items At The Museum
The museum isn’t large, but it is packed with plenty of items for visitors to view. These items center around death so these exhibits aren’t for people that have a weak stomach. There is a room where visitors can see items related to Charles Manson and the horror he inflicted. Another room has serial killer Henri Landru’s head on display. He was named the Bluebeard of Paris with eleven victims which included one child.
Unusual Donations
Visitors may wonder how the museum is able to acquire the artifacts that are displayed. Amazingly, they are given to the museum by the serial killers. Some of the artifacts are also from police auctions. Many times, police will donate the artifacts to the museum.
Hours Of Operation
The museum is open every day of the week with free parking. Admission to the museum is $15. There is a gift shop where visitors can purchase totes, sweatshirts, and magnets. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures or videos while visiting the displays in the museum.
The Museum of Death hosts a competition annually. The competition is the Black Dahlia look-alike - competitors dress up either as the alluring victim in the living form or as her less-alive form.
Best Time To Visit
The San Francisco area can be hot and sometimes foggy in the summer which may affect the ability to enjoy the sites through the fog. Therefore, it may be beneficial to avoid traveling to San Francisco in the summer. Fall and Spring are probably the two best times to visit. The fall season is a warm time to go especially if tourists are looking for a warm get-away from the cold. The spring season also has mild temperatures and less rain than in the summer.
Places To Explore In The Area
There are so many places to visit in Hollywood that there are almost too many to try to mention. Here are some places that should be on a tourist’s list besides the Museum of Death.
Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Blvd is known as Route 66 which goes straight through West Hollywood. There are a wide variety of amazing restaurants and shops. The LGBTQ scene is vibrant in the city and is known for its out-and-proud attitude.
The Design District
The West Hollywood Design District is defined by the intersections of Roberson and Beverly Boulevards and Melrose Avenue. It may be one of the best places to watch the people walking around the District. Tourists can see trendsetters, as well as art and fashion aficionados. Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, and Moschino are a few boutiques located in the District.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier juts out into the Pacific Ocean and is the heart of Santa Monica. It is one of the most photographed locations in the world. The Pier is home to local culture as well as the Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel. The pier contains an amusement park, concession stands, and areas for fishing.
Where To Stay
- Hotel Kabuki – 1625 Post St. San Francisco
- Hotel Majestic – 1500 Sutter St., San Francisco
- Kimpton Buchanan Hotel – 1800 Sutter St., San Francisco
- Queen Anne Hotel – 1590 Sutter St., San Francisco
Visiting the Museum of Death is not for everyone but if people are able to stomach the displays, it’s a very interesting museum to visit. Although there is no age limit, it is highly recommended that children aren’t taken to see the displays. The gruesome nature of the displays as well as the film are not for people with weak stomachs. Spend the day in the museum and view the fascinating items. Don’t wait to go see these horrors!