http://www.mjt.org

Museum of Jurassic Technology

Often in conversation, someone will say, “Have you been to the Museum of Jurassic Technology?”  The responses usually go something like, “No–but I've heard about it.”  People who have been tell others “You really must go–there is nothing quite like it.”

This little museum in Culver City is often referred to as a work of conceptual art, but in fact is a repository of “relics and artifacts from the Lower Jurassic, with an emphasis on those that demonstrate unusual or curious technological qualities.”  The museum was founded by David Wilson and Diana Wilson in 1989, and is housed in a rather nondescript building on Venice Blvd. But once you enter....

Modeled after 18th century cabinets of curiosities, which were around before natural history museums became popular, the museum as well as its website sparks the imagination; mysteriously dark in tone with scientifically presented exhibits and facts that may or may not be true (that is the beauty of it).  Some visitors respond with laughter and curiosity while others seem only puzzled.

Some of the permanent exhibits include:

• A collection of stereographic X-ray flower photographs.
• A collection dedicated to trailer park culture (Garden of Eden on Wheels).
• Microscopic collages made entirely from butterfly wing scales.

Just as wonderful and strange as the museum is their website.  On it, the visitor can read about the museum, see a list of past exhibits, get membership information, and buy from their museum store.  Of special note is their page called, “Sympathetic Institutions,” a list of other unusual places of interest.

Do I hear Field Trip anyone?

The Museum of Jurassic Technology
9341 Venice Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Reviewed by Library Staff Member - Cynthia Aaron

How Luxury Lost Its Luster

Dana Thomas, the author of Deluxe How Luxury Lost Its Luster, is the cultural and fashion writer for Newsweek.  Thomas also lives in Paris, and in this capacity was able to gain unprecedented access to some of the most prestigious luxury houses in the world.  Chanel, Hermes, Prada all fall under the scrutiny of this experienced journalist and what we are left with is perhaps the most comprehensive look at the world of luxury retailing and manufacturing.  Probably the most fascinating section of this book details the history and meteoric rise of Louis Vuitton, which is the world's largest luxury goods company.  From the days 150 years ago when Louis Vuitton started making trunks in the Paris suburbs of Asnieres-sur-Seine to the major conglomerate of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) which is now owned by Bernard Arnault.  Thomas goes on to describe the creation of the iconic LV logo and how Louis Vuitton came to be sold in Japan.

Thomas conducted an insightful interview with legendary fashion designer Miuccia Prada and her husband and business partner Patrizio Bertelli.  Prada took over the family business and created a legend with the Prada Nylon backpack.  That backpack launched her secondary line Miu Miu and Prada Sport while creating an empire all based out of Milan.  Prada took the company to unprecedented heights.  Other areas of note include how fragrance is big business in the luxury market and how Hermes is the pinnacle of luxury handbags with their Birkin and Kelly styles.  Deluxe is the most in-depth and hard hitting look at the world of luxury retail to date.  A must-read.

Reviewed by Library Staff Member - Monika Earle