Museums of the San Fernando Valley
Hidden gems of the 818 (Part 1) Written By: Stefanie Garcia
The San Fernando Valley is an amazing place with no shortage of fun things to do or interesting places to visit. While many may know the SFV as “home to the world's major movie studios” and a place for diverse and delicious cuisine, you may not know that the San Fernando Valley has a plentiful amount of interesting and beautiful historical sites and museums! From the west end to the east, and from the northern most reaches of the valley to the most southern, if you are looking to soak up some local culture, the San Fernando Valley has got you covered!
1. Leonis Adobe Museum Est. 1966
Located at: 23537 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas, CA 91302
The Leonis Adobe was the home of Miguel Leonis, locally known as the “King of Calabasas.” The museum features, his authentically furnished two-story Monterey-style adobe with original buildings and artifacts, wagons, farm equipment, period livestock to see and feed, gardens, and a vineyard. The original portion of the adobe dates to 1844! If you haven’t been here, you’ve got to see this beautiful piece of history!
Open: Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 1pm-4pm
Admission: donation (suggested $5) well worth it!
Phone: (818) 222-6511
http://www.leonisadobemuseum.org
2. De La Ossa Museum
Located at: 16756 Moorpark St. Encino, CA 91436
Built in 1849 by the cattle rancher Vicente De La Ossa, this nine room structure located on the grounds of the Los Encino State Historic Park, is restored as a museum offering guided (by appointment) and self-guided tours. Adding to the beauty of the grounds is the warm water spring which flows into a guitar shaped pond and is enjoyed daily by the various waterfowl that call this place home. A working blacksmith shop and food storage building are also on the property. Very important side note; this land was originally inhabited by the Tongva/Gabrielino natives, and definitely an important part of the history of the San Fernando Valley.
Open: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm
Admission: Free!
Phone: (818) 784-4849
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=619
3. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Located at: 18904 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91324
The museum began in 2005 out of a historic bungalow at the L.A. Valley College. During the pandemic, The Museum of San Fernando Valley moved to the historic Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge on the SW corner of Nordhoff St. and Wilbur Ave. The museum has an indoor exhibit area as well as an enormous outdoor area where you can enjoy unique exhibits, special events and cultural activities. They manage to pack a lot of interesting and quirky items into the 860 sq. ft. exhibit hall that are educational, and thought provoking as well as fun. A must see!
Open: Tuesday: 1pm-5pm, Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm
Admission: Free!
4. Nethercutt Museum
Located at: 15151 Bledsoe St. Sylmar, CA 91342
Opened to the public in 1971, features beautifully restored vintage vehicles, many of which have been featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade. There are over 120 antique, vintage, black iron and classic automobiles. They also have a 1937 Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson Locomotive! There are paid, guided tours available however, admission to the main showroom is free. The collection is remarkable, you will not be disappointed!
Open: Thursday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Free for the main showroom. To make a reservation for a guided tour call
(818) 364-6464, tickets for the guided tour are $10 per person. Well worth it!
https://nethercuttcollection.org
5. Campo de Cahuenga
Located at: 3919 Lankershim Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604
Campo de Cahuenga is considered the birthplace of California. On January 13th, 1847 the signing of the treaty of Cahuenga took place. This document was instrumental in ending the conflict over the southwest territory between the United States and Mexico. Each year in January, the re-enactment of this historic event takes place, a definite must see! The museum has a collection of artifacts as well as the Treaty of Cahuenga.
Open: Thursday-Friday 10am-2pm Saturday 10am-2pm
Phone: (818) 763-7651