“Among the charred remains of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Southern California, a sense of loss and nostalgia has been etched into the hearts of many. The Bunny Museum, a beloved institution in Altadena, California, has gone up in flames, leaving behind only a smoldering reminder of the fragility of our treasured landmarks. For over three decades, the Bunny Museum has been a whimsical oasis, a place where the boundaries of reality were pushed and the imagination knew no bounds. With its sprawling collection of over 7,500 bunny-themed artifacts, the museum had become a magnet for visitors from far and wide, each one drawn in by the infectious magic of its founder, Terri Lee.
As the sun sets on this once-vibrant institution, we take a moment to reflect on the Bunny Museum’s storied past, its impact on the community, and the irreparable loss that its destruction has left in its wake. In this article, we’ll delve into the history
The Tragic Loss of the Bunny Museum
A beloved staple of Altadena for nearly three decades was burned to the ground on Wednesday as the devastating Eaton Fire continues to ravage the area. The Bunny Museum, which touted nearly 50,000 bunny-related items and was marketed as “the world’s only museum about everything bunny,” was one of many buildings destroyed by the massive blaze that has consumed more than 10,000 acres and killed at least five people since igniting on Tuesday evening.
“All of the Old Town, the iconic Altadena Old Town, is gone,” said Steve Lubanski, the co-owner of the museum. “Our museum is gone. That’ll hit me in a while.”
Steve Lubanski, the co-owner of the museum, said that though he was able to save their pets and a few select items, the building and most of their collection were completely consumed by the flames.
“It was, it took my wife and I almost 40 years to put it together, but the way it is … it will still go on,” Lubanski said.
The Devastating Fire
The Eaton Fire: A Devastating Blazing Inferno
The Eaton Fire, a massive and destructive wildfire, has consumed more than 10,000 acres and destroyed numerous buildings, including the Bunny Museum, in Altadena, California.
The Bunny Museum’s Location: A Brief History
The Bunny Museum was located in the heart of Altadena’s Old Town, a historic area that was once home to numerous shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
The Fire’s Impact: A Look at the Destruction
The fire’s impact was devastating, with numerous buildings destroyed, including the Bunny Museum, Altadena Hardware, and the Altadena Senior Center.
The Museum’s Legacy
The World’s Only Museum About Everything Bunny
The Bunny Museum was a unique and quirky museum that housed nearly 50,000 bunny-related items, making it the world’s only museum dedicated to everything bunny.
The Collection: A Treasure Trove of Bunny-Related Items
The museum’s collection included rabbit antiques, cookie jars, and even bunnies from Rose Parade floats, making it a treasure trove of bunny-related items.
The Guinness World Record: A Testimony to the Museum’s Unique Collection
The Bunny Museum held the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of rabbit-related items, a testament to the museum’s unique and extensive collection.
The Aftermath
The Owners’ Reaction: A Glimpse into Their Emotions
Steve Lubanski, the co-owner of the museum, expressed his devastation and sadness at the loss of the museum and its collection, stating that it would take time to come to terms with the loss.
The Museum’s Future: Will It Rise from the Ashes?
The future of the Bunny Museum is uncertain, with the owners stating that they will rebuild and restore the museum, but it will take time and effort to recover from the devastating loss.
The Impact on the Community: A Look at the Losses Beyond the Museum
The impact of the fire extends beyond the museum, with numerous buildings and landmarks destroyed, and the community left to pick up the pieces and rebuild.
What About Historic Sites?
Will Rogers’ former ranch house has been destroyed, among numerous landmarks lost in the devastating fires this week.
How you can help: With developments happening so quickly, it can be hard to keep track of what’s gone. That’s why we need your help. Let us know about places you’ve seen lost in the fires that mattered to you through this short form.
What’s Gone So Far?
- Altadena Hardware
- The Bunny Museum
- Malibu’s Reel Inn
- Altadena’s Al Taqwa mosque and the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
Altadena Community Church
The progressive church is another staple that’s been around for more than eight decades. LAist producer Libby Rainey went to see it and said the building is destroyed.
The Altadena Community Church steeple has just crumbled to the ground. What’s worse is the Chevron station next door can’t shut off its pumps with 15,000 gallons of fuel in the tanks.
The Altadena Senior Center
Fires engulfed the senior center, “burning it to the ground” according to our partners at CBS Los Angeles.
The center opened in 1982 to care for older people in Altadena, La Crescenta, and East Pasadena unincorporated areas.
Fox’s The Altadena Restaurant
Fox’s, a local favorite known for serving what it called “just good food,” like fish and chips and meatloaf, had its building burn down.
It opened in 1955.
Masjid Al Taqwa
Masjid Al Taqwa in Altadena has burned down:
Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall
B Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar is now under an “evacuation warning” because of the Hurst fire, according to probation officials, but authorities have not yet moved the nearly 100 juveniles who remain locked up inside one of L.A. County’s most troubled jail facilities.
Conclusion
As the flames that ravaged the Bunny Museum in Altadena finally died down, the community is left to mourn the loss of a beloved institution. The iconic museum, which had been a staple of the area for over 30 years, was reduced to ashes in the devastating wildfires that swept through the region. The museum’s collection of over 10,000 bunny-themed artifacts, including vintage toys, figurines, and artwork, is gone, leaving behind only memories and a sense of loss.
The significance of the Bunny Museum’s destruction cannot be overstated. Not only was it a unique and quirky attraction that brought joy to countless visitors, but it was also a symbol of the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The museum’s loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of our cultural institutions and the importance of taking steps to protect them from disaster. As we move forward, it is crucial that we work to preserve and promote our cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from the past.
As we reflect on the Bunny Museum’s demise, we are left with a profound sense of loss and a renewed commitment to preserving our cultural institutions. The Bunny Museum may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who visited and were touched by its whimsical charm. As we look to the future, we must ensure that we learn from this tragedy and work to protect our cultural heritage for generations to come. The Bunny Museum may be no more, but its memory will continue to inspire and delight, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural legacy.