The Magic of Imagination Modern-day museums are all about incorporating technology, screens and innovative new ways to educate. But at the Museum of Make Believe in Laguna Beach, founders and artists Amy and Geoff Mitchell strive for a throwback vibe, relying solely on storytelling and imagination. The experience starts from the moment you arrive, when a sign on the door encourages guests to knock three times before entering.
For an introduction to what the space is about, visit the inaugural exhibit, “Ghost Stories & Fairy Tales.” It’s set in a 1,000-square-foot enchanted forest that offers miniature dioramas, paintings, sculptures and audio components, all dreamt up by the couple. “The interaction … come[s] from the guests themselves: reading the stories, marveling at the old wizened trees, peering through the glass into a room of miniatures, stepping back in time in our circus tent — all designed so that people can interact with art in a unique way,” Amy says.
Though the project may sound like it’s aimed at children, those of all ages can enjoy this inspiring venue, where it’s easy to relive childhood and embrace the freedom of youth. General admission offers a self-guided experience or you can upgrade to packages that include a treasure hunt, complete with a prize, or an illustrated storybook that retells all of the original narratives found within the museum’s exhibit. Amy and Geoff plan to keep incorporating new pieces as they are created, including a life-size dragon that will soon make its debut. But the ultimate goal is to fundraise enough money to open a bigger space and continue sharing the magic of imagination with dreamers big and small. museumofmakebelieve.org | IG: @museumofmakebelieve —A.R.
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