332948844_717009983459769_3273606339382047885_n_edited.jpg

Curio_Club_La_BasicLogo_edited_edited_ed

Are you a curious person? Are you interested in meeting fascinating people & discovering something new? Do you enjoy learning through exploration? If so, you're in the right place!

Learn More

Upcoming Events

What is Curio Club LA?

We are here to showcase interesting places and people. As a club that fosters creativity and curiosity, we aim to introduce diverse individuals to unique experiences, peculiar places, and captivating ideas. Stay tuned & always stay curious!

Explore Places

18839694_10209512913762383_5306468282324

The first, of hopefully many more, PROCESS events at 818 Community Darkroom on Fri was a huge success!! @teresa_k_morrison taught us all how to make chemograms, @frankmoschetto performed some of his amazing tunes, and there was tea and lovely people aplenty! What great community; feeling the love! ❤️ #process, #film, #analog, #chemograms, #818communitydarkroom, #frankmoschetto, #community, #darkroom, #curioclub, #la, #losangeles, #vannuys, #818, #poetry, #art

Led a free (CCLA/818 Community Darkroom) hike ⛰️ & shoot 📷 to cave of the munits this afternoon and it was just perfect!! Thanks to all of you who came out! It was awesome meeting you all and I look forward to sharing/having future adventures with y’all!!

Take note, we have two free events coming up!! First up, we are doing a hike to the Cave of the Munits, which I highlighted in an earlier post… it’s a pretty incredible, unique site. The hike is easy-moderate and full of great photo opps! The second free event will be an artist open-studio walk (slide 2). There will be various artists/vendors showcasing and selling their work, some opportunities to get involved and be creative and more! More details coming soon. If you’re interested in potentially being a vendor please message me and I’ll connect you w/ the right person. Both events are completely FREE and will be a blast. Come hike & then come hang and meet a buncha rad people and learn about rad businesses/places!! #caveofthemunits, #cave, #hike, #artists, #artiststudio, #artwalk, #creative, #photography, #shootpictures, #shootpicturesnotguns, #adventure, #free, #event, #curioclubla, #nature, #la, #losangeles, #sanfernandovalley, #818communitydarkroom

Our 5th event will take place on Sunday, October 27th at MotoArt in Torrance. This is when you don’t wanna miss. Moto art takes decommissioned airplanes and turns them into fabulous works of art and furniture! We will get a full tour of the manufacturing facility in showroom by the owner, Dave Hall & Everyone will go home with a customer, laser etched airplane fuselage luggage tag. Click on the link in the bio for details and tickets. @motoartstudios #motoartstudios, #curioclubla, #curiosity, #airplanes, #furniture, #art, #la, #torrance, # curiosity, #uniquebusinesses

Some video footage of some of machines & mechanisms turned on at our event at jAdis on Sunday (9/29). #curioclubla, #jadisprops

MotoArt is one of those truly fascinating places you stumble upon by happenstance, or at least I did. It must’ve been 10 years ago or so, I was riding my bike through El Segundo (kinda near Old Town Music Hall, another CCLA fav) and I noticed what looked like airplane wings & missiles or rockets standing upright and I thought what on earth is that place. I was able to sweet talk my way into their warehouse and experience them turning decommissioned airplane parts in to high-end furniture and sculptures. I met the owner Dave, a superb guy, and did a handful of tours with them during the time I created events for Atlas Obscura. What a gem! Check them out if you’re ever in the El Segundo area, but be sure to call/email ahead to make sure they’re open (and you can stop by). Looking forward to doing tours once again with them in the very near future… stay tuned. @motoartstudios #motoart, #decomissionedaircraft, #planes, #airplanes, #furniture, #art, #sculptures, #curioclubla, #staycurious, #goforthandseekadventure

Some shots from our last event - Cold War Heat: The Stories & Secrets of The Wende Museum. The museum’s chief curator, Joes, led us through the collection and filled us to the brim with Cold War knowledge and stories. We got to step inside the archival film room and then of course the art collection in storage. The event concluded in the outdoor sculpture garden. And everyone left with a “Soviet snack sack.” What an event!!! Thanks again to everyone who came out and to @wendemuseum for having us!! #wende, #wendemuseum, #coldwar, #easternbloc, #berlinwall, #museum, #art, #politics, #history, #tour, #event, #la, #losangeles, #culvercity, #curioclubla, #staycurious, #goforthandseekadventure

OUR WEBSITE IS NOW UP AND RUNNING!!! Go check it out! Also, our third event at the @printmuseum is now published and tickets are on sale!!! Grab your tickets now!! LINK FOR SITE AND EVENT IN THE BIO! #curioclubla, #events, #tours, #la, #losangeles, #curiosity, #goforthandseekadventure, #offthebeatenpath, #undertheradar

Woolly Mammoth is an absolutely fascinating curiosity shop in Chicago, filled to the brim with taxidermy, rustic relics, esoteric ephemera, strange specimens, and all sorts of antiquities. And the owner Adam is often there and he’s a superb guy; I was recently in there and we chatted about all kinds of weird n wacky stuff! If you find yourself in Chi you must stop in here! Just don’t feed any of the creatures lurking inside, except Adam… I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a treat! For more info check out their IG page @woollymammothchicago OR visit them online - https://www.woollymammothchicago.com. #woollymammothchicago, #chicago, #curiocabinet,#curiosityshop, #curiosity, #strange, #weird, #odd, #taxidermy, #specimen, #antiques, #ephemera, #esoteric, #death, #cult, #curioclunla, #goforthandseekadventure, #staycurious

“The Gamble House, also known as the David B. Gamble House, is an iconic American Craftsman home in Pasadena, California, designed by the architectural firm Greene and Greene. Constructed in 1908–1909 as a home for David B. Gamble, son of the Procter & Gamble founder James Gamble, it is today a National Historic Landmark, a California Historical Landmark, and open to the public for tours and events.” - Wikipedia page for Gamble house. Located on what’s known as millionaires row in Pasadena, the Gamble house is a true work of art(chitecture)! One of only a couple homes still standing on millionaires row, the GH is open for tours & avail for special events. This place is absolutely worth seeing in person. Check their website and/or IG account for more info/details @gamblehouse #gamblehouse, #proctorandgamble, #pasadena, #la, #losangeles, #greeneandgreene, #americancraftsman, #craftsman, #architecture, #house, #home, #mansion, #gamble, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

Step inside The Wende Museum art collection with us on Sunday, July 28th!! This is an exclusive opportunity to view several incredible pieces that are behind locked doors and hidden from the general public. The event will also include a full walkthrough of the permanent collection and current exhibitions, led by the chief curator, and Soviet snacks in their gorgeous garden at the end! YOU DON’T WANNA MISS THIS ONE! Tix in the bio link. @wendemuseum #thewendemuseum, #wendemuseum, #soviet, #coldwar, #easternbloc, #art, #politics, #history, #museum, #tour, #event, #culvercity, #la, #losangeles, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

Mt. Wilson Observatory - “In 1904, the Mount Wilson Observatory was founded by George Ellery Hale under the auspices of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. In that year, Hale brought the Snow Solar Telescope from Yerkes Observatory in southern Wisconsin to the sunnier and steadier skies of Mount Wilson to continue his studies of the Sun. With a small cadre of Yerkes scientists and engineers accompanying him, Hale started what would become the world’s foremost astronomical research facility. Hale put such importance on studying the Sun, that it was called the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory for the first decade and a half. In 1919, soon after the largest telescope in the world, the 100-inch, went into service photographing the stars and nebulae, the word “Solar” was dropped. Hubble used the 100-inch to make his great discoveries–that we are just one of many galaxies in an ever expanding Universe. This telescope lead directly to our current understanding of our origins, the Big Bang model.” - taken from the Mt Wilson website. I used to help run events up there with AO and I can attest to the magnificence and magnification of both the 60inch and 100inch scopes. Mt Wilson is out of this world, yet only an hours drive from LA. 1000% worth experiencing in person. All the photos I took are of the 60inch scope. The observatory is open daily from 10-5p. They offer tours, various events and even host live concerts. They also have a great little cafe @cosmic_cafe_mtwilson . Check the website for more info. @mtwilsonobservatory #mtwilson, #mtwilsonobservatory, #observatory, #astronony, #nightsky, #darkskies, #hale, #hubble, #cosmos, #galaxy, #milkyway, #universe, #planets, #yerkesobservatory, #la, #losangeles, #lacanada, #pasadena, #60inchtelescope, #100inchtelescope, #telescope, #space, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

Here’s a great spot to check out on a hot day, the museum of neon art (aka MONA) in Glendale, Ca. “MONA was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit art museum in 1981, by artists Lili Lakich and Richard Jenkins in downtown Los Angeles. Their intent was to create an awareness for historic neon sign preservation and to showcase this electrifying contemporary art form. After several relocations, (Universal CityWalk, Grand Hope Park and the Historic Core), the museum successfully negotiated a permanent home in the city of Glendale, where it anchors the southern end of the Arts and Entertainment Corridor. Throughout its 30+ year history, MONA has fostered an awareness of historic neon signage through its LUMENS project with the City of L.A. and its popular bus tour, the Neon Cruise™. MONA has witnessed the rise and fall of neon used by the sign industry and the current resurgence of neon used by creative artists and commercial designers today. The MONA facility in Glendale has a classroom on the premises where visitors can watch skilled neon craftspeople fabricating and processing the neon tube and take hands-on classes to learn this fascinating art form.“ - from the website. This place is an amazing, small but mighty museum showcasing an art form that merges science and design. It is absolutely worth checking out. Find out more >> @museumofneonart #museumofneonart, #la, #losangeles, #glendale, #ca, #neon, #neonart, #neonsigns, #museum, #science, #art, #design, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure, #noblegases, #radon, #xenon, #krypton, #argon, #helium

House on the Rock is by far one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been!! I realize this is not a Los Angeles location, but growing up in the Midwest this place was such a huge inspiration for me as a kid and a reminder to always keep exploring. The History: “In 1960, Alex Jordan opened his dream house built atop a chimney of rock to the public. Over the years, Alex expanded his vision beyond the House and collected and built on a massive scale. What began as a lofty retreat with an awe-inspiring view has become a spectacular attraction known as The House on the Rock.” Located in Spring Green Wisconsin, the house is a true testament to one man’s/persons vision. It is a labyrinth of halls and rooms, each area filled with odd instruments, antique collections, old streets and storefronts recreated, and pieces from around the world… even a large cathedral-like room that showcases a huge (possibly even life-size) model/sculpture of a giant squid and a whale battling. But perhaps the most awe-inspiring space is towards the end of the maze-like tour where there’s “a dazzling one-of-a-kind carousel with 269 animals, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers.” Quotes taken from the website. If you ever find yourself anywhere near the site, definitely do yourself a favor and go exploring!! J For more - @the_house_on_the_rock #thehouseontherock, #houseontherock, #springgreenwi, #wisconsin, #curiosity, #architecture, #museum, #strange, #oddity, #weird, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

jAdis is a treasure trove of curiosity! “It is both a room and an idea; it is the reflection of one couple’s appreciation of the way things worked, before the world was digitized.

jAdis is an appreciation of thinking and doing.
On our shelves are touches of mankind’s genius;
perhaps manifested in a 19th century microscope,
perhaps present as a WWII Army Air Corps Sextant…
You just never know, at jAdis.

In truth, the place defies definition.
Part museum, part curiosity shop – jAdis represents a lifelong interest in technologies and their evolution in the pre-computer era.

Collections of early optics, photographica, electrical and scientific advancements, live beside aviation and planetary models, steampunk widgets and gears -
accumulations which serve both as illustrations of history and to amuse.” - taken from the jAdis website. jAdis is the creation of Parke Meek & Susan Lieberman, who together opened the shop in 1976; they met while on the design team for the famed Eames company. Since Meek’s passing in 2010, Lieberman has run the shop. I had the pleasure of running an event with Susan a number of years ago and she’s absolutely lovely. Props from jAdis have appeared in many movies and shows, including the X-Files. If you’re in the Santa Monica area definitely check this place out… it’s packed with curious contraptions and gadgets galore!! @jadisprops #jadisprops, #jadis, #propshop, #curiositycabinet, #santamonica, #la, #losangeles, #props, #gadgets, #contraptions, #steampunk, #scifi, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

“The Cave of Munits is a chimney cave in West Hills, Los Angeles, California that is thought to be the home of a mythical Chumash shaman or chief named Munits. According to local lore, Munits died near the cave after killing the son of a Chumash chief. The cave’s name comes from this legend, which is full of revenge, death, and dismemberment. The cave is located in El Escorpion Canyon Park, and the entrance is on Vanowen Street, about a tenth of a mile west of Valley Circle Boulevard. Some say the first part of the cave can be slippery and scary to climb, but the cave formations are beautiful and the high ceilings give it a cathedral-like feel. The cave has also been featured in the films Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927) and The Canyon of Missing Men (1930).” - AI overview. This site is amazing! I’ve hiked here several times and it still fascinates me every time with its large, open chamber. Def worth taking a drive/hike to see. Please be respectful of the land and leave no trace! #caveofthemunits, #westhills, #la, #losangeles, #hike, #cave, #cavern, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

Kater Crafts Bookbinders was a small family-run business that for many years kept alive the art of fixing/refurbishing books… they were masters of their craft since 1948. Unfortunately, they closed shop in late 2023 after 75 years in the business! Nonetheless I felt compelled to post about them, because I ran several tours with them back in the day while working with Atlas Obscura, and they were an important part of the ever-growing/ever-shrinking craft world of LA. RIP #katercraftsbookbinders, #craft, #bookbinders, #bookbinding, #picorivera, #la, #losangeles, #books, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

“Sunken City is the site of a natural landslide that occurred in the Point Fermin area of the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, beginning in 1929. A slump caused several beachside homes to slide into the ocean” - wikepedia. “Because the land was unstable for a time, and the remaining parts so steep, the area was fenced off and prohibited from public use. This rule is still in place today, though many visitors still come to see the other worldly scene that is now the Sunken City” - California Beaches. I’ve explored this sunken landscape several times and it never ceases to amaze me what landslides/seismic activity can do. This is absolutely worth checking out, but please be careful and do it at your own judgment/discretion. #sunkencity, #sanpedro, #landslide, #seismic, #coast, #pointfermin, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure, #abandoned, #ruins, #foundations, #streets, #shiftingofthesands, #southbay, #southbayla

Another absolute gem just outside of LA is Rubel Castle in Glendora, Ca. Rubel Castle is a monumental folk architecture site nestled in the foothills of Glendora. It was entirely built by hand by Michael Rubel and his “pharmhands” over several decades. Its stone masonry was handcrafted of river rock, recycled materials and an assemblage of the relics and artifacts of Glendora’s early agricultural and industrial eras. Michael’s innovative use of both natural and cultural materials makes Rubel Castle an exceptionally important masterwork within the context of folk art environments in California. It also serves as a rare resource and physical reminder of the citrus industry, which played a significant role in the development of the area in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. This info was taken from the Glendora historical society page online. Learn more there or by visiting @rubelcastle. You can book tours online through the historical society. I went many years ago and at the time a friend had an artists residency in the train car that’s on the property (pictured above). I think it’s about time I returned. Def check this place out if you haven’t already… it’s quite unique and filled with great stories and curiosity galore. #rubelcastle, #glendorahistoricalsociety, #glendora, #rubel, #castle, #folkart, #foundart, #art, #sgv, #curioclubla, #goforthandseekadventure

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

@curio_club_la

Experience the Elegance
of Fancy Pigeons:
An Ornithological Occasion

This video clip is from our very first event on 6/2/24, which was about "fancy pigeons;" This is the dove release at the end of the event.

Keep your eyes & ears open as we will be doing this one again down the road.

Learn More

A sneak peek
at our events

Our Next Event
The Art of Noble Gases: Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon, oh my!

Join us Dec 8th for a Curio Club LA exclusive tour of local, San Fernando Valley, Neon artist Michael Flechtner's studio. During this event, Michael will give us a full tour of his private studio where he creates all his Neon works of art. He will then give us a live demo, in which he will create a fully functional piece of neon before our very eyes. Attendees will have the opportunity to bend their own piece of neon glass tubing, which they will get to take home as a souvenir.

Learn More

jAdis: A Repository of
Intrigue & Wonder

IMG_8605+copy_edited_edited_edited_edite

Somewhere between Science and Science Fiction in the heart of Santa Monica.

Join us on September 29th, as we explore jAdis, a “cabinet of curiosities, repository of the pre-digital, and mad scientist prop house in pursuit of magic, imagination & wonder since 1976.”

Learn More

What people are saying about us...

Curio Club has filled a large void in Los Angeles for tours of the weird and wonderful. Visiting the occult places in LA is one of my favorite past times, and Curio Club has found places I hadn’t even dreamed of but now go out of my way to tell anyone who will listen about them. I’m so thankful this group not only exists, but encourages us to go outside of our comfort zones and experience something new. Ben is a fantastic tour guide, he’s informative and entertaining but leaves time for participants to experience these wonderful worlds for themselves. 10/10 would recommend! - Alyssa K

What is Curio Club LA?

​

Experience the Elegance of Fancy Pigeons: An Ornithological Occasion

A sneak peek at our events

Our Next Event The Art of Noble Gases: Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon, oh my!

jAdis: A Repository of Intrigue & Wonder

What people are saying about us...

CONTACT US

Experience the Elegance
of Fancy Pigeons:
An Ornithological Occasion

A sneak peek
at our events

Our Next Event
The Art of Noble Gases: Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon, oh my!

jAdis: A Repository of
Intrigue & Wonder