The Hollywood Museum
1660 Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
Phone: +1 323-464-7776
The Hollywood Museum boasts the most significant collection of historic Hollywood movie memorabilia available to the public. Renowned as one of the Top Hollywood Attractions, it encompasses a vast array of artifacts representing the cinematic universe. While studio-specific exhibits can be found at various locations such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros, and Paramount Studios, the Hollywood Museum embraces an all-encompassing experience that highlights memorabilia across the industry.
The museum spans four floors, showcasing the evolution of the movie industry from its beginnings to contemporary blockbusters, often spotlighting specific personalities or films in temporary exhibits. Recently, the museum has increased its collection of television costumes, set pieces, and props, making it an exciting destination for fans of both film and television.
Hollywood Museum Details
Also Known As: The Hollywood History Museum
Address: 1660 N. Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 464-7776
Website: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Time Needed: Allow 2 hours or more, depending on your interests.
Admission: Fee required, including for kids in strollers.
Parking: Paid parking available across the street or in the small lot next to Mel’s Drive-In.
Note: The museum may not be suitable for very young children.
The Max Factor Building
The iconic pink and green Hollywood Regency Art Deco building located near the corner of Hollywood and Highland was once the Max Factor makeup factory and studio. This historic site served as the creative space where Max Factor himself developed beauty products and looks for Hollywood’s leading ladies, from foundation to lip color. Today, this impressive 35,000 square foot space is home to the Hollywood Museum.
The Max Factor Exhibit
As part of its exhibit, the Hollywood Museum has preserved Max Factor’s original makeup studios on the first floor. Each of the four rooms was specifically painted in colors that enhance the natural beauty of the actresses being transformed. Visitors will find photographs of the stars who were beautified in these historic spaces, alongside the products used during their makeovers.
The pale green room, known as “For Redheads Only,” is affectionately dubbed “The Lucy Room,” after Lucille Ball, whose hair was famously dyed red here. The blue room, “For Blonds Only,” hosted the stunning transformations of icons like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, and Jean Harlow. For actresses like Judy Garland and Elizabeth Taylor, the room “For Brownettes Only” provided a peach backdrop, whereas the pale pink room accentuated the looks of stars like Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell.
Visitors are encouraged to check their reflections in these uniquely colored spaces, which truly enhance the experience!
Exhibit Highlights
On the first floor, beyond the Max Factor exhibits, you can find a stunning collection that includes Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce, a spacecraft, and costumes from popular films like Planet of the Apes, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park.
This museum features the largest compilation of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia found anywhere, located on the second floor alongside elaborate garments from other Hollywood legends. Visitors can view a comprehensive history of Bob Hope’s career including one of his Emmy Awards, alongside memorable items belonging to other stars such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Angelina Jolie. Also on display are iconic costumes from films like Star Trek, Transformers, and Harry Potter, in addition to television classics such as I Love Lucy and The Sopranos.
A personal favorite within the museum is Roddy McDowall’s Powder Room, which has been meticulously restored to showcase its original design, adorned with the actor’s personal collection of photos featuring his celebrity friends.
A technology exhibit also chronicles the film industry’s progression from silent film era to the present digital age.
Horror film enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the Basement level, which is dedicated to chilling exhibits ranging from early horror classics featuring Boris Karloff to costume displays from Dexter and The Walking Dead. Additionally, there are notable tributes to films like Cleopatra, complete with costumes, wigs, and set pieces.
Information was accurate at the time of publication. Please check the official website for the latest updates.
