Museum of Valley Relics

The Valley Relics Museum is a one-of-a-kind establishment, showcasing an array of pop culture artifacts, historical items, and other relics from the San Fernando Valley. Situated in Lake Balboa, California, the museum occupies two former airplane hangars within an industrial park adjacent to the Van Nuys Airport. Guided and group tours are available, and the museum can also be rented for private events. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to purchase memorabilia, T-shirts, and souvenirs from the museum’s gift shop.

In November 2018, the Valley Relics Museum relocated to its current location from a warehouse on Chatsworth Boulevard, allowing for an expansion of its collection. The new, larger building now houses an extensive assortment of historical artifacts. Among the highlights are antique neon signs from iconic Southern California establishments like Mel’s Diner, Pioneer Chicken, Mustang Liquor, and the Palomino Club. These luminous signs are just a fraction of the impressive collection, which boasts over 25,000 items.

The museum’s collections extend to Westerns, movies, and entertainment industry artifacts. Visitors can explore memorabilia from beloved television shows such as The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, and Gunsmoke, along with signed scripts, baseballs, and telegrams. Movie enthusiasts will find a dedicated exhibit featuring items from the 1976 film, Bad News Bears.

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Valley Relics Museum is the brainchild of Tommy Gelinas, a San Fernando Valley local with a deep passion for collecting and preserving history. Starting with vintage postcards, telephone booths, and BMX bikes from the 1960s, Gelinas gradually built his collection over the years. His passion eventually led him to open the museum in 2013 at the former Chatsworth warehouse, which soon became insufficient to accommodate his ever-growing collection. In 2018, he relocated the museum to its current site near the Van Nuys Airport.

Though relatively young, the Valley Relics Museum holds a remarkable history. Founded by a native of the San Fernando Valley, Gelinas grew up in a household where his family operated a hot dog stand on La Cienega Boulevard. His personal connection to the region inspired him to collect a wide array of memorabilia and artifacts associated with the Valley’s heritage.

The museum’s exhibits are eclectic, encompassing everything from historical items and documents to artwork and neon signs. Notably, one of the oldest pieces in the collection is a letter from Issac Newton Van Nuys, the prominent figure who owned a significant portion of the San Fernando Valley and was dubbed the “godfather” of the area by the LA Times. Many items within the museum hold deep historical significance, providing a glimpse into important events and eras.

Beyond the fascinating displays, the Valley Relics Museum features a pinball arcade and a retro gift shop, enhancing the visitor experience. Private and group tours are available, and the museum’s space can be rented for parties, private events, and lectures. Whether seeking an educational journey or a fun-filled outing, the Valley Relics Museum promises a captivating destination for all.

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