There is this cute little neighborhood in Burbank on a span of Magnolia Blvd roughly between Cahuenga and N Buena Vista. Many alternative shops, including some vintage clothing, comic book stores, cafes etc. In amongst the other stores is the Mystic Museum. This was my 4th trip to the Bearded Ladies Vintage Oddities to visit the Mystic Museum, but was foiled again. Every time they have been changing over the Mystic Museum exhibit. Coming to save the day is a new installation a few blocks down the road -The Lost Toys, but more on that later.
Mystic Museum is housed in what is a fun, funky, esoteric shop. An engaging and unusual immersive experience that is more than a traditional store. There are 3 three unique chambers that have interesting displays and décor that is meticulously curated for each of the niches. Interspersed throughout the spaces are small trinkets, clothing, home décor, art, antiques and some esoteric supplies for sale. So even though am disappointed with exhibit being closed, it is still worth a slow exploration of the shop, taking in all the nooks and crannies.
First room is Wiccan and Gothic inspired with a selection of Tarot card decks. I take a few moments to peruse, but I have plenty of decks I love and no need for a gimmicky deck. Wiccan books, home décor, creepy candles and clothing are scattered about on gothic furnishings and a few black coffin shelving units. Cut, creepy squishmallow (I think that is what they are called) Kreeptures by Killstar, a red witchy candle and a vintage style black cat pillow stand out, but overall great collection of goods.
The middle store has dim mood lighting and feels like a creepy old haunted house. Filled with vintage medical equipment, skeletons, taxidermy, herbs and crystals, etc. All merchandise is thoughtfully laid out on heavy dark wooden tables or hidden in ornate carved vintage sideboards and cabinets. Of particular interest to me on this trip were the phrenology head busts, the ornate child’s coffin hidden away under a table. Of course I always stop by and visit the little doll house with a taxidermy mouse tidying up the place.
Last shop is Camp Horror. It is an homage to my least favorite horror genre, the 70’s/80’s slasher flicks. I know I am in the minority amongst horror fans, but these films make me laugh. The most famous of course is set in a camp, but to me it’s overly campy. You do feel as if you have walked into a cabin in the forest with wood walls, fireplace, mounted deer head and heavy log benches. A few nightmare inducing mannequins are lurking in the back of the store. There are a few small trees to give the outdoorsy feel and an ominous sign hanging from the wooden beam ceiling which warns you that “it was the woods themselves”.
Didn’t leave empty handed, picked up Mystic Museum Ritual Bath Salts,, checked out at a vintage cash register façade and now on to the Lost Toys exhibit. It is in walking distance, across the street and down 2 blocks (past HalloweenTown), but not in the pouring rain, so decided to drive over. Plenty of parking right in front, so wasn’t soaked by the time I entered. Incredibly friendly staff greet you as you enter. Pay your fee, receive your ticket, a postcard and a game voucher- there is a interactive game throughout the exibit, scan QR codes, answer questions and plop your filled out voucher for a chance to win a undefined prize. It isn’t a giant place, think the size of a small strip mall storefront, but is jam packed with gack. The space is divided into a few segments.
One of the rooms was a colorful, psychedelic kids room. A giant blue stuffed knock off of the Wild Things Monster overtakes the room. It is filled with essential 80’s ephemera – Goosebumps, Gremlins, Cabbage Patch Kids, Alf phone, cassette tapes, bean bag and an old television playing silly commercials.
The second immersive space has a vintage feel with low lighting. This space is brimming with vintage Ouija, spirit and talking boards. Tucked away in one of the cabinets is a collection of classic ceramic devil figures and vintage devil graphics. The room features a dark bronze Baphomet statue, a symbolic goat god adopted by esoteric societies. He is overseeing the activities of the room alongside his confidante, with a creepy old Halloween mask, white and horned with an evil grin. The atmosphere gives off a spooky vibe. I can envision a spiritualist group huddled around the table at the center of the room, communing with the spirits. High class women in their exaggerated puffed sleeved jackets and ankle grazing skirts with a bump at the butt and men all buttoned up in their 3 pieces suits and bowties. A dark room with candle light gently glowing in recesses and alcoves. The flamboyant medium takes center stage as she dramatically calls out to the spirits…. tables start turning or levitating, specters materialize as she channels a departed soul. After the spectacle, there is a chance for the believers to commune with the spirits, their fingers resting gently on the possessed planchette moving slowly on the spirit board.
In addition to the 2 immersive rooms there are cabinets, shelves, floors, walls filled with random toys, collectibles, advertisements, posters and just random knickknacks and bric-a-brac. Exiting I spy a collection of Monster and Halloween Pez dispensers and a few hidden movie posters of classic old B films like Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Overall fun experience. Hopefully one day I can actually visit the Mystic Museum!
For location of the Mystic Museum, see below. Click here for more information on the Mystic Museum.