Museum of Death

Museum of Death, New Orleans

Head of Henri Landru

Museum of Death is a museum with locations in Hollywood, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana. It is dedicated to the subject of death, featuring art, artifacts, and historical objects related to death, including funeral customs, the history of embalming, the study of anatomy, and the process of dying. The museum aims to educate the public about death through a broad collection of items that provide insight into the various aspects of human mortality.

History

The Museum of Death was originally founded in San Diego, California, in 1995 by J.D. Healy and Catherine Shultz with the intention of making people appreciate life more by exploring the art and science of death. It moved to its Hollywood location in 2000 to reach a larger audience and to accommodate its growing collection. The New Orleans branch was opened later, expanding the museum's reach and allowing it to showcase its exhibits to a wider demographic.

Exhibits

The Museum of Death's exhibits include a wide range of artifacts related to death and the processes associated with it. These include:

• Historical funeral artifacts, including coffins and mourning memorabilia.
• Information and artifacts related to famous serial killers.
• Embalming equipment and examples of the embalmer's art.
• Taxidermy specimens.
• Photographs of crime scenes, autopsies, and accidents.
• Skeletons and other anatomical models.
• Art made by prison inmates and serial killers.
• A collection of body bags and mortuary supplies.

Educational Purpose

The Museum of Death is not only a place of curiosity but also serves an educational purpose. It provides visitors with a detailed look into the practices surrounding death, including the historical and cultural variations in how societies deal with death. The museum's founders believe that by confronting death directly, people can gain a better understanding of it and, as a result, appreciate the value of life more deeply.

Reception

The Museum of Death has received a mixed reception from the public and critics alike. Some visitors appreciate the museum's candid approach to the subject of death and its educational value, while others find the exhibits disturbing or macabre. Despite the varied reactions, the museum has become a notable point of interest in both Hollywood and New Orleans, attracting those who have a fascination with the subject or are looking for an unconventional museum experience.

See Also

• Funerary art
• History of funeral practices
• Cultural aspects of death