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Event #2



Going to the Museum of Jurassic Technology was nothing like I expected it to be. Leaving the museum after a little confused and frustrated, I went home to research more about it. After doing so I found a quote from the owner of the museum that helped relieve me a little, “Somewhere between downtown L.A. and the ocean, between art and science, between a waking and a dream state, the Museum of Jurassic Technology attempts to answer all or none of these questions” (Jones 2015). He explains how he wants the museum to give some general sense of understanding while dodging complete transparency. The low lighting in this space greatly aided in the attempt of transporting the visitors to another place.

(Photos not allowed inside, but I snuck this one)
After going through the whole museum and learning a bunch of interesting random facts, I was struggling to find a concrete thing that I wanted to relate back to this class. There were many scientific advancements and ideas showcased throughout the many different areas of the museum, but one part that really stuck with me was the description of theater mechanics that I read about in a hallway. When I saw the different drawings depicting the theaters and the sign that described the importance of the architecture, it really got me thinking about how important the design of theaters are for those to go to watch performances. After reading I realized how the backdrop, scenery, acoustics, and seating are all vital pieces for the enjoyment of the show. The exhibit in the Museum of Jurassic Technology only talked about the theater mechanics of old theaters, but I also started thinking about newer theaters and how much technology contributes to the experience. The lighting, special effects, and moving platforms all contribute to telling the story.


Theaters have completely transformed what it means to go see a production, and since the time of the Greeks, the basic structure of theaters has remained the same, but the technology that coincides with it has advanced tremendously. Even back when the Coliseum was being used, they would use elevators, trap doors, and the same basic set up of stadium seating to utilize the space and resources available. Around 1415, Filippo Brunelleschi uncovers the secret of linear perspective: a mathematical formula that makes the illusion of space and distance while on a 2D exterior (Wild 2002). Since these so much progress has been made in terms of computer-generated technology to improve the experience for the viewers.

In an interview about his museum, director David Wilson says, “We are half the equation, at best. People’s minds are the other half. What they do with it is forever surprising and amazing, which is how it should be” (Blitz 2015). I believe this quote relates well with my blog post, because even though this was only a tiny piece of the museum, my mind is what took the piece of it and wanted to learn more, so David Wilson did exactly what he intended by sparking curiosity in me through his exhibits at the Museum of Jurassic Technology.


Blitz, Matt. “Inside Los Angeles's Strangest Museum.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 31 Mar. 2015, www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/inside-las-strangest-museum-180954803/.

Jones, Oliver. “An Afternoon in The Museum of Jurassic Technology: The 'Strangest Museum in America'.” The Daily Beast, The Daily Beast Company, 4 Aug. 2015, www.thedailybeast.com/an-afternoon-in-the-museum-of-jurassic-technology-the-strangest-museum-in-america?ref=scroll.

Wild, Larry. “A Brief History of Theatrical Scenery.” Northern State University, 18 Feb. 2002, www3.northern.edu/wild/ScDes/sdhist.htm.

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