Definitely quirky but the uniqueness alone is reason enough to visit. Another reviewer compared it to Jurassic Museum but I disagree, it has the same reverse world Wes Anderson type of feeling but I could stay 2 hours in Jurassic whereas the Panorama is limited to an hour plus after about 45mins I was ready to head out. It was formally located on Hollywood Blvd but was relocated to the current site. Their first panorama was the history of LA over the last 400 years. Next they did an Arctic scene at night and currently it’s China from 1910-1930 as their main exhibit. Basically a panorama was what people did instead of going out to stage theater prior to movie theaters being invented. They used to be very popular but now the only ones that remain in the US are in Gettysburg Virginia, Atlanta, and this one in Los Angeles. To enter you walk up spiral stairs and come to another floor. There you’ll see the panorama which is basically a 360° painting on the wall. You’re allowed to walk around it to see the piece. In between you and the painting are a lot of figurines and small sculptures to add to the 3D feeling of the scene. They also keep the lights very low and play scene sounds (traffic in this case) and wind to enhance the experience. I would’ve stayed longer but there was a group in there with me commenting on it. The 2nd exhibit is an Arctic trading post. Very trippy to see as I was not even aware it was there prior to going but possibly my favorite part of the self guided tour. You’re allowed to enter and walk around the cabin. After this you can walk past a stage theater to get to the garden outside. It’s small but nice to walk around (brief walk) and see the plants. They have seats all over and a gazebo for you to sit and relax. I was the only one back there so I spent the majority of my time out there albeit a warmer day. I’m giving it 4/5 due to the limited exhibits but the uniqueness alone is worth a visit. I’ve been to all the bigger and even medium museums so if you’re looking for a unique experience or want to check out another fork in the road of wknd planning this is worth a visit. Very polite and pleasant staff too. $7 for an hour.

one of my favorite places in LA. a little spot that’s perfect to have a relaxing sit and take in the unique art form of a panorama. the garden and arctic trading post replica really complete the experience, what a lovely space

Step into a past where entertainment required less gizmos. I took the kids here hoping they weren’t too dependent on computer special effects and would enjoy. Happy to say, they had a great time. It’s a small place, but every corner feels like magic lives here.

A beautiful old theater set up for different types of presentations remains with movie style seating. Behind the theater is a lovely garden filled with lights, a gazebo, and lots of secret nooks and crannies. The real reason to come is up a corkscrew staircase. A circular panoramic painting of an arctic scene with some diorama elements awaits. Over the course of 35 minutes, very subtle automated light effects illuminated different parts of the panorama. A well crafted piece of sound art accompanies the scene. The overall effect is mesmerizing and meditative. An amazing place!

Awesome architecture! Got to see a great hut exhibit, the Chinese garden! Can’t wait to come back for an exhibit or film showing.

The most whimsical, unexpected little spot! Absolutely beautiful hidden garden in the back, truly panoramic painting up those winding stairs (will likely never see something like that again), and then, of course, a trading post, because why not!? Just go see it.

One of the most unique and special places in LA. Find your way to a historic neighborhood in the heart of a great city where an antique art form becomes a portal that allows you to travel through time and visit an exotic locale. A lovely work of art that explores the ephemeral and impermanent nature of our lives and creations and civilizations.

The panorama is beautiful and hypnotic, the building is completely charming, the garden is peaceful. We spent nearly two hours here, letting go of time and letting wonder in.

Beautiful building with so much history and art. This was my favorite place to pass by as a kid riding my bike back in the days. Great to see the building still standing amid tough times!

Wow! Such a beautiful place and piece of history. There is a really beautiful and detailed panorama installation with great sound design definitely worth checking out if you're not already there for an event in their gorgeous, haunting, and historic theater.

Lovely little place that I never knew existed! Must get myself on their mailing list — too dark out to get a proper look at the gardens this trip.

We spent a marvelous 40 minutes in this experience far removed from LA city life. . .a (mostly) analogue proto-cinema that is an intelligent replication of a 19th century panorama. If you live in LA, go see it. If you visit LA, go see it. Small, yes. . .but it sparkles.

Unique and interesting! 😎

A unique museum. Not a lot to see and it can use so maintenance in the garden area in particular. worth a visit if you have the time.

One of the coolest places on earth!