05/30/08

The Grand Central Station of television and radio.

by Contributor

The Scene
Formerly known as the Museum of Television and Radio, this Beverly Hills outpost of the sister museum in NYC was designed by Richard Meier and has very few physical objects on display. Most of the action happens in the screening rooms and library with its banks of monitor screens. Nostalgia buffs and video collectors will appreciate the gift shop, featuring items such as reproductions of vintage lunch boxes.

The Goods
The museum collects and preserves television and radio programs, making the archives available to the public. Choose from more than 100,000 shows, including "I Love Lucy" episodes and Orson Welles broadcasts. Exhibitions, screenings and listening services are organized around themes in the collection. Workshops encourage participation for younger students and critical thinking for veteran guests. Also, writers, producers, directors and actors host panel discussions tied to screenings of their work. These events are akin to town hall meetings for both media insiders and insider wanna-bes.

05/22/02

Average

by erin

I went to the Museum of Television and Radio expecting to see all kinds of interesting gadgets from the past. Instead, I found only a screening room where you can watch and listen to old radio and tv shows. If that's all you want to do, then go for it. But if you're looking for a history lesson, forget it.

• Pros: quiet, inexpensive
• Cons: not much to see