I first saw people posting about the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum on Instagram and knew I had to check it out. It is a temporary pop-up installation created by artist Thierry Guetta who goes by the moniker, Mr. Brainwash.
Watch my tour of this exhibit on Instagram
The experience is similar to Dadaism which was a movement during WWI that was satirical and anti-art. Unlike Dada, which was a reflection of the horrors of war, Mr. Brainwash Art Museum offers a hopeful outlook on life with an edgy sense of humor that will make you chuckle as you traverse through it.
This art pop-up is located in the heart of the Beverly Hills shopping district within walking distance of Rodeo Drive. The building was formerly the Paley Center for Media before it was acquired by Guetta. The collection is a wild, colorful, and hilarious mish-mash of everything from paint cans to old televisions as well as classical art that has been altered to reflect modern times.
Visitors wander through the three-story building all the way up to the roof. Each room will make you feel as if you are having a psychedelic experience. It will be available for another six months or so but I suggest you go immediately as it is a must-see.
There are photo opportunities at every turn including a sunflower maze with mirrors where you hear Nessun Dorma playing in the background.
Some walls are filled with graffiti and others mock, in a humorous way, artists such as Van Gogh and Edward Hopper. One of my favorites is the Degas Tiny Dancer with a paintbrush in hand adding her interpretation to another Degas masterpiece.
There is even a nod to Star Wars with a spacey exhibit of aliens and space toys.
Robots, painted pianos, colorful large creatures, familiar cartoon characters, rotary telephones, and a plastic box full of Hot Wheels are just some of the quirky art you will find there.
Inspirational quotes are engraved in the staircase and on walls reminding us of our hidden talents.
The exterior of the building as well as the roof display graffiti-strewn sports cars.
It’s an overall fun place to feel good about life.
You can reserve timed tickets here.
Look for public parking lots in the area, which aren’t cheap but convenient, or take a Uber or Lyft. You can have lunch at Nate & Al’s or go shopping on Rodeo Drive afterward.
Mr. Brainwash Art Museum
Open Wed-Sun
465 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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