The Nethercutt Collection is an absolute gem in the greater Los Angeles area.
It mainly features 250 American and European automobiles which are perfectly restored (in fact, they’re in drivable condition, although you personally won’t be able to get behind the wheel) and made to look absolutely beautiful in person and in photos. It also has a wide variety of rare musical instruments and really interesting antique furniture.
You’ll be able to get scheduled guided tours only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead. You’ll also have to schedule an appointment.
Location
So there are two locations technically, and very close by.
The Nethercutt Museum is at 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, CA 91342.
The Nethercutt Collection is at 15200 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, CA 91342.
Honestly, it’s probably a good idea to stop by the Museum first if you’re gonna check out the Collection anyways, but that’s just our opinion.
Also, before you go, you should probably call them first to make sure they are indeed open. You never know, right?
What is the difference between the Museum and Collection?
The Nethercutt Museum will feature the automobiles primarily and is open for self-guided tours. Admission is also totally free, and the museum is open from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M from Thursday to Saturday. Again, Thursday to Saturday only! Don’t show up the other days of the week, because it’ll definitely be closed.
The Nethercutt Collection features many of the antiques and musical items detailed below, and viewings are available only by scheduled guided tour appointments. The admission fee for this is also not free–it’s actually $10 per person. To schedule an appointment, you can call (818)-364-6464 or e-mail info@nethercuttcollection.org.
The Lower Salon
Let’s hear it straight from The Nethercutt Collection:
The Lower Salon is just a small part of the entire collection. There are about 25 automobiles from the early 1900’s to the 1940’s in addition to nickelodeons, music boxes, David Winter Cottages, Dolls, Coins, and crystal figurines.
The Grand Salon
The Grand Salon is iconic. Here you’ll find huge marble columns, fantastic crystal chandeliers, amazingly painted ceilings, and more as images of the 1910’s and 1920’s flood your brain.
30 cars from the 1910’s and 1920’s are in display–you’ll find Duesenbergs, Cadillacs, Isotta-Fraschini, Delahaye, Minvera, Renault, Maybach, and other European and American built automobiles.
Mezzanine
The third floor features the Mezzanine which has a ton of automobile hood ornaments, which you really have never been able to really compare a bunch at once, have you?
Joining these radiator hood ornaments, also known as “mascots”, are a bunch of Lalique Crystal Mascots in addition to 18th and 19th century French furniture.
Music Room
Not so much into cars and automobiles? Not a problem. In the Music Room, you’ll find a world-class collection of automated mechanical instruments. For example, you’ll see reproducing pianos, nickelodeons, cylinder and disc music boxes, orchestrions, and the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.
You’ll also see a very beautiful Louis XV Style Dining Room, phonographs, musical repeating striking watches, and more.
I mean, where else can you see this stuff?