Museum of Death
HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, USA
“Where else will you see a penis bone of a raccoon, a quilt sewn by the Manson family and the mummified head of a serial killer … ”
The darkest attraction in Los Angeles
Looking for the most bizarre, spine-chilling and downright unforgettable museum in Los Angeles? The Museum of Death in Hollywood isn’t your typical attraction.
Where else can you find the penis bone of a raccoon, a quilt sewn by the Manson family and the mummified head of a serial killer — all under one roof?
Located in the heart of Hollywood, this iconic museum is just a stone’s throw from other major LA landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and movie studios. Whether you're planning a full day of sightseeing or just looking to dive into something truly offbeat, its central location makes it the perfect addition to your itinerary.
If you’re drawn to the macabre, obsessed with true crime, or curious about the darker side of human history, this cult-favourite destination is a must-see for fans of dark tourism, horror history and the weird and wonderful.
Prepare to be fascinated, disturbed and maybe even a little enlightened.
A short and strange history of the Museum of Death
The Museum of Death was founded in San Diego in 1995 by J.D. Healy and Catherine Shultz, born from a deep fascination with mortality, crime, and the bizarre. What began as a series of private exhibits showcasing art by serial killers quickly evolved into a full-blown museum with a singular mission: “to make people happy to be alive.”
Housed originally in San Diego’s first mortuary — a building once owned by Wyatt Earp—the museum initially operated under the controversial “Rita Dean Gallery.”
The couple’s growing collection of macabre curiosities, combined with public interest, quickly garnered national attention.
In 1999, Healy and Shultz made headlines after attempting to acquire items from the Heaven’s Gate cult suicide scene. Their efforts drew enormous media coverage, and following an eviction from their original location, the Museum of Death relocated to Los Angeles. A second location has since opened in New Orleans, Louisiana, offering a completely different experience, as no exhibits are duplicated between the two museums.
Inside the Museum: What you’ll see
The museum has since relocated to a larger space at 6363 Selma Ave, offering even more room to explore the weird and unsettling. While photography inside the museum is prohibited, the imagery on display will stay with you long after your visit.
Here are just a few of the jaw-dropping exhibits:
Heaven’s Gate Suicide Scene: A partial recreation featuring original beds and a real suicide note from March 1997.
James Dean Crash Photos: Shocking images from the actor’s fatal car accident.
Jayne Mansfield Memorabilia: Including post-crash photos and her taxidermied Chihuahua which also died in the crash which claimed Mansfield’s life.
Charles Manson Craftwork: Hand-made prison toys constructed from threads and underwear elastic.
John Wayne Gacy's Clown Shoes: The original shoes worn by the killer when performing as Pogo the Clown.
Nazi SS Execution Photos: Historical images from the post-Nuremberg Trials era.
Cannibalism & Execution Rooms: Featuring an electric chair, body bags, autopsy photos and even a section dedicated to cannibalistic crimes.
Skulls, Brains & Shrunken Heads: Plus a taxidermied pig named Chaos and the mummified head of French serial killer Henri Désiré Landru.
A museum of morbid curiosity — for those brave enough
When I first visited back in 2018 (then located on Hollywood Boulevard), it was overwhelming — in the best way. Now with a larger venue and expanded exhibits, the Museum of Death is more intense and immersive than ever. Be warned: this is not for the faint of heart. You will encounter things that are deeply uncomfortable, emotionally confronting, and possibly triggering.
For me, the most bizarre exhibits were the personalised and signed photos from celebrity visitors – from Tom Jones to Miley Cyrus. It seems even the most unlikely has a morbid curiosity about death – the state that will one day make us all equal.
Every visit is a self-guided tour, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour, though guests who can handle the full experience are welcome to stay as long as they like. With hundreds of authentic items on display, there's more than enough to captivate (and confront) the morbidly curious.
To ensure you get the full experience, it's recommended to arrive at least one hour before closing time.
Why the museum is a must visit
Whether you’re a dark tourist, true crime fan, or just morbidly curious (you know you are!), the Museum of Death offers one of the most unique and unsettling museum experiences in the world. With its confronting but educational displays, it challenges visitors to confront mortality, criminal psychology, and the often uncomfortable truths of human nature.
Add it to your Los Angeles itinerary — if you dare.
Plan your visit
📍 Address: 6363 Selma Ave, Hollywood, CA
⏰ Check website for current opening hours and ticket prices
🔞 While there is no official age restriction at the Museum of Death, they strongly recommend entry for mature audiences only. The exhibits contain graphic, explicit and emotionally intense content that may not be suitable for children.
Over the years, the museum has even witnessed its share of “falling down ovations” — yes, some visitors have fainted.
So please mentally prepare yourself before your visit. If you’re sensitive to disturbing imagery or intense subject matter, proceed with caution.