If you’ve ever found yourself oddly fascinated by the darker corners of history—true crime tales, Victorian mourning rituals, mummified oddities—then buckle up. Hidden among the star-studded chaos of Hollywood lies a place that leans full-tilt into the macabre: the Museum of Death. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is a surprisingly illuminating stop for curious minds who can stomach a little darkness with their sightseeing.
Tucked away on Selma Avenue, just a few blocks off the Walk of Fame, this isn’t your typical velvet-rope museum. Here, death isn’t sanitized or sugarcoated—it’s laid bare in all its strange, sobering, and sometimes straight-up surreal glory. Think of it as a true crime time capsule meets outsider art gallery, with a side of “did I really just see that?” And yes, you probably did.
What We Love
The True Crime Vaults
From handwritten letters by serial killers to courtroom sketches and tabloid clippings, the museum’s collection is a trove of real-life crime artifacts. It’s an intense but fascinating journey through humanity’s darker impulses—and a reminder of how the media shapes what we fear.
Día de los Muertos Meets Punk Rock
You’ll walk past colorful altars one moment and edgy art installations the next. This eclectic blend of cultural reverence and rebellious expression gives the museum its signature edge. It’s reverent, irreverent, and somehow both at the same time.
The Taxidermy Hall
Whether you’re into antique funeral memorabilia or just curious about how people preserved the dearly departed pre-mortuary science, this exhibit is both eerie and oddly beautiful. Victorian mourning wreaths made from human hair? Oh yes. And you won’t forget them.
The Video Room (If You Dare)
There’s a small screening room playing real crime scene footage and autopsy films—definitely not for everyone. But if you’re the type who watches every forensic documentary Netflix offers, this might be your Super Bowl.
The Humor in the Horrific
What keeps the whole experience from getting too heavy is the museum’s wink-and-nudge tone. Yes, it’s educational—but there’s also a gift shop selling toe tag keychains and “death is inevitable” mugs. You’ll leave feeling oddly uplifted for a place so steeped in the end.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Museum of Death feels like a cabinet of curiosities exploded inside a punk zine. The building itself is unassuming, but step inside and you’re met with red walls, low lighting, and a heavy dose of eerie ambiance. There’s no guided tour—you’re free to explore at your own pace, winding past glass cases filled with morbid ephemera and handwritten notes. There’s the quiet hum of a documentary playing in the background, maybe the faint creak of a display case door, and a steady buzz of “whoa, look at this!” from fellow patrons. It’s intimate, intense, and totally absorbing.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
At around $15 per person (cash only, by the way), it’s one of the more affordable offbeat experiences in L.A.—especially given you can spend an hour or two exploring at your own speed. It’s not a place for young kids or the easily rattled, but it’s perfect for adults looking for something a little left-of-center. True crime fans, history buffs, alternative art lovers, and the “curious but cautious” crowd will all find something that pulls them in.
Other Considerations
The museum is open daily, typically from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but it’s smart to check online or call ahead—hours can vary. Parking in this part of Hollywood can be a beast, so allow time for a search or opt for a rideshare. Inside, the space is small but mostly wheelchair accessible. No photography is allowed, and trust us—you’ll want to be present. This isn’t a “snap a pic and move on” kind of place. It’s more of a slow stroll, take-it-in, shake-your-head-and-keep-walking kind of vibe.
Whether you’re a lifelong goth or just a curious traveler ready to embrace the unusual, the Museum of Death delivers a raw, real, and bizarrely unforgettable peek into the ultimate human experience. It’s the kind of place you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left—and maybe even dreaming about (for better or worse).
Museum of Death
📍 6363 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028
