#239: FIDM Museum

Game of Thrones Costumes

photo from Huffington Post

 "Do you want to check out the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum this weekend?" I asked Brad. I think he just heard the word "fashion" and replied with a half-hearted "Eh". This is a man who owns five identical plain grey t-shirts and still says he needs to get more, so perhaps fashion isn't a big draw for him.

"The current exhibit has the costumes from Emmy nominated costume designers."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, like Game of Thrones."

I said the magic words. Brad has read five of the novels (no small feat, since they are enormous!), and is hooked on the TV series. We were soon out the door with our little adventurer in tow.

 Boardwalk Empire Costumes

photo from Huffington Post

The FIDM museum is located on the corner of Grand and 9th in Downtown L.A.. After grabbing a quick bite to eat at Bottega Louie two blocks away, we met up with a couple of friends to check out the museum.

The exhibit is in a large room and features costumes from Boardwalk Empire, The New Girl, Pan Am, Once Upon a Time, Smash, Pretty Little Liars, Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story and more.

Downtown Abbey Costumes

photo from Huffington Post

There is a mini exhibit in an attached room that showcases women's hats from the 1820's to the 1920's, and a fragrance archive which features cosmetics and perfumes from the house of Lucien Lelong. (Unfortunately, we didn't realize there was a fragrance archive until after we left. Be sure to ask someone who works there to show you the way.) There's also a museum shop which sells everything from PanAm bags to the latest Game Of Thrones book.

The current exhibit runs until October 20th. There is no photography or cell phone use allowed in the museum.  When we went on a Saturday afternoon, the underground parking was free (normally it's paid parking, but there was no attendant when we went). The museum admission is free as well and they even had some candy and pink lemonade in the lobby for visitors.



There's a beautiful park adjacent to the museum. Pack a picnic and you're all set for a fun adventure!

dog statues

Have you been to the FIDM museum? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum

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#238: Beverly Gardens Park

For the residents of Beverly Hills, "Bigger is Better" applies to their homes, their jewelry, and even their parks. While most parks take up just one or two city blocks, Beverly Hill's Beverly Gardens Park takes up an astounding 22 blocks along Santa Monica Blvd!  This oddly shaped long, narrow park includes a cactus garden, rose garden, modern art, the iconic Beverly Hills sign, and a fountain made famous in the "I love Josh" scene in Clueless.

A line of tourists waiting to take pictures at the Beverly Hills sign

Beverly Gardens Park was the ideal place to take our little adventurer on a stroller walk because the path was completely smooth which made for an enjoyable bump-less ride for her. We went on a weekend afternoon as the sun was starting to set, and we passed joggers, tourists, and people just out for a nice walk.

 Hymn of Life: Tulips by Yayoi Kusama 

Beverly Gardens Park was built in 1911 and is 1.9 miles long. With all of the modern sculptures decorating the paths, the park is the perfect setting for the semiannual Beverly Hills Art Show in May and October.

Erratic by Roxy Paine 

The park is right across the street from all the shopping and eating areas of Beverly Hills. Sprinkles, Harajuku Crepe, and Barney's are just a couple of blocks away!

There are two minor problems with the park; there is the sound of traffic from busy Santa Monica Blvd, and you have to cross the streets every time you go from block to block. The good news, though, is the crosswalk signs change really quickly and there is ample parking in outdoor lots all along Santa Monica opposite the park. If you go after 6 pm, the parking is free. 

Cactus Garden

Have you been to the Beverly Gardens Park? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

Beverly Gardens Park