Los Angeles is home to a treasure trove of lesser-known museums that are just waiting to be explored. In his newly released book, “Also on View: Unique and Unexpected Museums of Greater Los Angeles,” Todd Lerew shines a spotlight on 64 hidden gems that most Angelenos probably don’t know about. This fascinating volume, which emerged from years of immersion in the local museum scene, invites a fresh take on the cultural landscape of the City of Angels.
Lerew scoured the Greater Los Angeles area, inspecting hundreds of institutions to curate his collection. Everymuseum.la, an additional online resource he created, showcases over 780 museums and collections in the region. Lerew is known for his relentless curiosity, which drives him to compile various lists and embark on unique quests. For instance, he has visited an impressive 248 public libraries across Los Angeles County and explored 401 of California’s 483 municipalities. His fascination extends to less conventional groups too, as he’s a member of numerous societies, collecting membership cards much like he collects experiences.
This drive culminates in his current project that celebrates the intriguing narratives behind museums that often go unnoticed — from the quirky Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City to the lesser-known Finnish Folk Art Museum in Pasadena. Lerew’s passion is palpable, and he views these endeavors not merely as hobbies but as vital contributions to understanding the area’s diverse history.
One particularly noteworthy stop is the Outer Limits Tattoo and Museum in Long Beach, which dates back to 1927 and holds the title of the oldest operating tattoo shop in America. Here, Lerew met with founder Kari Barba, a trailblazing tattoo artist. Barba recounted her motivation for preserving the historical significance of the building and the art form itself, revealing fascinating store setups adorned with antique equipment and storied artifacts from the past.
Lerew’s fascination with distinctive museums stems from his childhood adventures across rural South Dakota, fueling a lifelong appreciation for the extraordinary and the obscure. His academic journey eventually led him to Southern California, where his career as program manager for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles has allowed him to merge his passion for collecting with professional pursuits.
The notion of what constitutes a museum is fluid in Lerew’s eyes, extending beyond traditional definitions and nonprofit statuses to encompass a range of spaces that serve educational or archival purposes. His enthusiasm excludes flashy pop-up exhibitions, as he seeks a deeper narrative regarding representation and inclusivity within the museum experience.
In collaboration with various local artists, Lerew has broadened his scope to include personal collections that play essential roles in cultural storytelling. His connection with Karen Collins, who crafts intricate dioramas that highlight pivotal moments in Black history, exemplifies how passion projects can create community impact. Collins has utilized her work to inspire young people, often bringing her miniatures to schools and events. Her hope for a more permanent display is a sentiment echoed by many who contribute to Los Angeles’ rich tapestry of lesser-known museums.
As Lerew continues to expand his horizons, he maintains an ever-growing list of museums and collections he dreams of visiting — currently totaling more than 3,200 worldwide. This commitment reflects a dedication not only to uncovering unique experiences but also to challenging narratives in the cultural sector.
In sum, Lerew’s “Also on View” is more than just a guidebook; it’s an invitation to explore the hidden corners of Los Angeles, unveiling stories that give voice to the complexities of the city’s past and present. Each museum he profiles is a chapter in the larger discourse of cultural identity, and they hold the potential to fascinate even the most seasoned Angelenos.