LA state of mind: Museum of Jurassic Technology

LA is a place of hidden secrets. Magic exists, but you have to know where to look.  The weird and the wonderful are right at home together here.  The ironic and the innocent, the big dreams and the broken dreams, all co-exist.  

My favorite magical place in LA is the Museum of Jurassic Technology, where my sister-in-law artist Nana Tchitchoua is the hostess at the Tula Tea Room there.  

She delights all who visit with tea served from a samovar.  

The museum's new courtyard garden aviary is stunning.  Inspired by Moorish art, the courtyard seems ancient yet timeless.

The finches frolic, while the doves’ coo echoes, urging tranquility and a departure from thought.

Nana is one of the creative forces behind the museum, which was founded and is curated by David Wilson as a large and beautiful cabinet of curiosities.  Don’t try too hard to understand their meaning.  It might make your head hurt.  It should make you laugh.  Photography of the exhibits is strictly prohibited, so I am unable to feature it here.  Suffice it to say, you should go.  I can describe the exhibits of curiosities as follows: cerebral, esoteric, strange, mysterious and delightful.