VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM
WHERE THE 818 LIGHTS UP

Depending where in Los Angeles you call home, the perception of the San Fernando Valley varies.  Some laugh it off as the porn capital of the U.S.; to others it’s suburbia away from the Big City; and to many it’s home to studios like Disney and Warner Bros. and is its own mini Hollywood.

For native Angelenos, there are countless of local landmarks throughout the 818.  Ventura Boulevard lights up at night.  And at the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys (Lake Balboa to be exact, see, who knew there was a Lake Balboa?), the Valley lights up and practically comes to life.

The purpose of the Valley Relics Museum is to collect, preserve, interpret, and present the history of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas in order to share with residents and visitors alike the stories of those who shaped the region and its role in the nation’s development.

A unique and family-friendly destination, the museum features neon signs, classic cars, rare documents, yearbooks, restaurant menus, art, western clothing, vintage BMX bikes, and a playable retro arcade (where the games are FREE) and much more.

I almost felt like a kid in a candy store when I walked in. The neon shined bright and memories of my youth came flooding back.  The Palomino sign reminded me of nights going over the hill to watch live music.  The Loves steakhouse sign reminded me of those commercials I constantly heard growing up (“When you’re in love, the whole world’s delicious”).  Pioneer Chicken.  Talk about sensory overload.  There’s even the actual VM van from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

A visit here is a just a fun getaway.  The museum is only open on Saturday and Sunday and admission is $15.  Kids 10 and under get in for free.  Space is limited and, currently, masks are mandatory.  All ticket purchases are tax deductible.  The museum is even available to rent out to hold your own event. 

So ‘bag your face’ and head over to the Valley Relics Museum.  It’s totally bitchin’.  It’s like totally radical.

The Valley Relics Museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd (enter on Stagg Street) at Hanger C3 and 4 in Van Nuys.  Open weekends from 11am to 4pm.  General Admission is $15.  Kids 10 and under are free.  Call 818-616-4083.

Photography Courtesy Of: Valley Relics Museum