Valley Relics Museum is a treasure chest of memorabilia about the Valley
The Valley Relics Museum was created to preserve and showcase the history and culture of the San Fernando Valley, founded in 2013 by Tommy Gelinas, who started out as a hair and makeup artist. The museum reflects what he calls his passion for “collecting artifacts, memorabilia, and vintage items that reflect the unique story of the Valley, including its entertainment, industrial and cultural heritage.”
“Over 50 couples have been married in the museum,” Gelinas said. “I get a lot of anniversaries and birthday parties. Celebrating history with history.”
Vintage lunch boxes on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The cash register and counter from the first Licorice Pizza store on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Tommy Gelinas, creator of the Valley Relics Museum sits in the famed VW van from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” in Van Nuys, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Tommy Gelinas, creator of the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Classic BMX bicycles on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Items on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Vintage lunch boxes on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Items on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The White Horse Inn sign on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Items on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Original molds for the Plant of the Apes on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Items on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Tommy Gelinas, creator of the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High iteams on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Vintage lunch boxes on display at Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Among the most unique artifacts at the museum are the sign from country music venue Palomino Club that was a landmark in North Hollywood for decades, the original bus from the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and the first Licorice Pizza record store counter and cash register from 1969. The prominent street sign promoting the White Horse Inn was the first acquisition made by the museum, after the popular restaurant in Northridge closed in 1998.
Gelinas says the Valley Relics Museum features a diverse collection including photographs and historical items that tell the story of the Valley’s development, including its influence on entertainment, agriculture and community life.
After the original museum in Chatsworth outgrew the space, the community helped him find a new location in 2018. “The community was aware of our search, and with the assistance of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council, we were able to secure a fantastic new spot at the Van Nuys Airport. We are incredibly thankful for our two stunning, brand-new airplane hangars.”
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