Hollywood Heritage Museum

The Building Itself

Before you take in a single photograph or prop, the barn itself is the thing worth pausing on. The Lasky-DeMille Barn, built in 1901 as a stable and converted for filmmaking in 1913, is the oldest surviving motion picture production building in Hollywood. Not a recreation. The actual structure. Hollywood Heritage acquired it in 1983, moved it to its current spot across from the Hollywood Bowl, and spent the next two years restoring it with donated labor and materials before opening it as a museum in 1985. In 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, alongside its earlier designation as California State Historic Landmark No. 554.

The exterior is modest, weathered wood frame. Inside, the low ceiling and raw construction make the history feel unusually close.

What You’ll See

The permanent collection centers on the silent era and the earliest years of sound film. Archival photographs line the walls, many pulled from fan magazines and personal collections. Vintage postcards show what Hollywood’s streets looked like in the 1910s and 1920s, before the industry took over. There are movie props, historic documents, and early studio materials throughout.

The draw most visitors mention is Cecil B. DeMille’s original office, preserved with his personal belongings still in place. Seeing the actual desk, furniture, and objects from his working years in this building lands differently than a labeled display case would.

Rotating exhibitions bring in additional material. Past shows have pulled in significant collections, including over 20 costumes and personal items from MGM’s centennial exhibition, with pieces worn by Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Carole Lombard, and others. Repeat visitors frequently find something new.

The Atmosphere

The museum runs largely on volunteers, and most visitors consider this a genuine advantage. Staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the collection in a way that feels earned. Guided tours are included with admission, and a guide will walk you through the history in a way that labels alone don’t convey. The pace is relaxed, and you won’t be moved along.

The limited hours reflect the volunteer-run model honestly: Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm, plus the first Thursday of each month at the same hours. You cannot wander in on a weekday. Plan accordingly.

The small gift shop carries licensed merchandise, including note cards featuring silent-era stars, themed coffee blends honoring figures like Mary Pickford and Bette Davis, and 40th anniversary keepsakes. For genuine fans of the period, a few items are worth a look.

Getting There

The museum is in Hollywood Bowl Lot D, off Highland Avenue. Free parking is available in front of the museum until 3pm. If a Bowl event is scheduled the same day, tell the lot attendants you’re visiting the museum. Coming by transit, the Hollywood-Highland Metro stop is about a 12-minute walk north on Highland.