What to Expect at the Bunny Museum

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does a museum entirely dedicated to bunnies exist?”, the answer is a resounding YES. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Pasadena, California, lies the Bunny Museum. This shrine to all things floppy-eared is a testament to one couple’s love of rabbits and their ability to amass the world’s largest collection of bunny-related… well… everything.

Stepping foot into the Bunny Museum is like tumbling down the rabbit hole into a wonderland of all things bunny-related. This is a celebration of fluffy tails, big ears, and twitchy noses that gleefully mixes high-brow and delightfully kitschy. One minute you’re admiring a Renaissance-era oil painting featuring a noblewoman and her pet rabbit, the next you’re chuckling at a collection of salt and pepper shakers shaped like bunnies in every imaginable pose. The Bunny Museum doesn’t apologize for its playful eclecticism – and that’s part of its charm.

Bunnies, as it turns out, aren’t just cute fluffballs. The museum reveals the deep historical and cultural significance of rabbits. Discover the role bunnies played in the myths of ancient Egypt, the symbolism of rabbits in Eastern traditions, and even learn how certain breeds of rabbits became the preferred companions of European kings and queens. The Bunny Museum reminds us that even the most seemingly simple creatures can hold a surprising place in the grand tapestry of human history.

Naturally, pop culture hasn’t ignored our fascination with rabbits. Get ready to encounter Bugs Bunny collectibles galore, revisit the world of Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, and even find vintage advertisements featuring that unstoppable Energizer Bunny. The museum offers a fluffy and nostalgic peek at how bunnies have become embedded in our shared cultural consciousness.

The Bunny Museum was born in 1993 from the boundless love founders Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski have for bunnies. It began with simple gifts between the couple and slowly snowballed into the delightful hodgepodge it is today. While it began in their home and is run on a donation basis, the Bunny Museum gained official museum status in 1998.

The Bunny Museum isn’t just about the exhibits; it’s about the infectious joy they spark. Visitors are encouraged to dress up with bunny ears provided by the museum and strike a pose in the photo-op areas. A guest book chronicles messages from bunny enthusiasts worldwide, adding to the sense of being part of a global community of people who unapologetically adore rabbits.

“The Bunny Museum isn’t about taking itself too seriously,” notes the museum’s curator. “It’s about celebrating something that gives people pure joy – and we could all use a bit more of that.”

The Bunny Museum is undoubtedly a niche attraction. But if you have a soft spot for rabbits, a penchant for the quirky, or are simply looking for a smile-inducing experience, it delivers. It’s more than just staring at objects; it’s a reminder of the power of obsessive passions and the delightful surprises that can happen when you fully embrace them.

Tips for Your Visit

• Check Before You Hop: The Bunny Museum is open by appointment only, so check their website for the latest hours and to schedule your visit.
• Donations Appreciated: The museum runs on donations, so if you enjoy your visit, consider supporting this whimsical endeavor.
• Embrace the Fun: Leave any art snobbery at the door. This is about playful exploration and celebrating bunnies in all their fluffy glory.
• Bunny Overload Likely: With thousands of bunny-themed items on display, be prepared for a sensory overload of cuteness (in the best possible way).