Over the weekend some of my friends and I went to the Hollywood Museum to see the recently opened Batman ’66 exhibit. We also took time to explore the rest of the museum, which is housed in the famous former Max Factor building, a stunning Art Deco masterpiece. So, needless to say, this is a pretty picture heavy post, as it features my outfit, pictures of the Batman exhibit, as well as parts of the rest of the museum.

Being the huge 60s Batman fan that I am, I had to do some sort of themed outfit! Which included late night crafting to make an utterly ridiculous headpiece to wear. I was inspired by my favorite scene in Batman: The Movie where Batman is attempting to get rid of a bomb. The whole scene is comedic genius, and Adam West’s deadpan delivery of “Some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb!” gets me every time. Not familiar with the scene? Watch it here!

The Batman ’66 exhibit is made up of toys from the era, a combination of screen-used items, and scree-accurate recreations, as many of the original costumes and props did not survive, and more.

Like many of Hollywood’s tourist museums, the Hollywood Museum is made up of a combination of real pieces, and…well…stuff you yourself could by at a Halloween store, and sometimes it is hard to tell what is real and what isn’t…

The most unique thing about the Hollywood Museum is its location, the former Max Factor building. The museum embraces this old Hollywood make-up history and includes tons of original pieces of Max Factor make-up, and other unique things used by Max Factor, including the tortuous looking “Beauty Calibration Machine.” The first room is utterly stunning, and I wouldn’t mind living in it. Like really…

The two pairs of platform shoes above belonged to Mae West, and they are insanely tall! I would love to have that black and gold pair! Also I was totally in love with the switch plate above. The Ruby Slippers in their collection were one of the pairs used on the Yellow Brick Road, as they feature yellow felt on the sole to aid in reducing the sound the shoes made.

While I’ve never been the biggest Marilyn Monroe fan, there is no denying her style, and the USO dress is a classic. I also totally freaked out when I saw the above outfit worn by Elizabeth Taylor for the film Giant, which she starred in with James Dean.

One of my favorite areas in the museum was also one of the strangest, Roddy McDowell’s powder room.

Roddy McDowell was known for having parties, and he loved collecting signatures from fellow actors to display in his bathroom. And speaking of Roddy McDowell, the museum also featured make-up from the Planet of the Apes movies.

The basement of the museum housed a collection of horror themed costumes, props, and other items, including what I believe, based on its condition, and the fact it was in a display case (unlike other items) is one of Vampira’s original costumes!

The Batman ’66 exhibit is at the Hollywood Museum through March 17. The Hollywood Museum is located in the heart of Hollywood, just one block from the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and kitty-corner from the Dolby (aka the home of the Oscars), so you can get a lot of Hollywood history in a small area. You can learn more about the Hollywood Museum by visiting their website.

What’s Nearby?

Crossroads of the World

Gower Gulch

Hollywood Heritage Museum

Various Hollywood Boulevard Attractions

Outfit
Headpiece: Made by me
T-Shirt: Estate sale
Skirt: Dolly & Dotty
Shoes: Re-Mix
Purse: Lux de Ville
Batman Charm Bracelet: Ebay