Nestled within downtown Los Angeles is the natural wonder, the La Brea Tar Pits. For tens of thousands of years, tar has been seeping up in the ground here claiming the lives of poor, unknowing creatures and preserving them in wonderful condition for us to “enjoy” today. These remains were discovered in the early 1900s when the area was mined for asphalt. Oddly enough, “La Brea” actually means “the pitch (or tar)” in Spanish so The La Brea Tar Pits translates into the the tar tar pits.
The George C. Paige Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits
The George C. Paige Museum, La Brea discoveries, was put up around the tar pits to exhibit the finest specimens collected from this pit over the years. Full-size dioramas offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the those who fell into the pits including mammoths, condors, saber-toothed cats, horses, and a giant ground sloth. My personal favorite part is the beautifully illuminated wall of dire wolf skulls. The sheer number of dire wolves found was awe-inspiring.
Oh, the Drama!
I love dramatic representations and find them so fun. So I was intrigued by the display set up outside the museum in existing tar pits. A juvenile mammoth watches helplessly as its adult gets swallowed by a tar pit. The anguish on the poor mammoth’s face that is trying to get out brings to life the severity of its fate.
Ongoing Excavations
Not only does the museum offer curated displays, but invites visitors to watch the scientists as they work. Inside the museum there is a glass-enclosed lab so you can watch the scientists in action cleaning and studying the excavated remains.
Excavations within the tar pits are ongoing as well. Outside of the museum, viewing stations allow visitors to look down and watch as scientists continue their excavations of the tar pits.
Pleistocene Garden
Visitors are also invited to walk through the beautiful Pleistocene Garden. Scientists have recreated the original vegetative landscape of the Los Angeles area as it was when many of these poor animals met their fate. The fauna and flora assortment dates to between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago. This was the most pleasant and relaxing way to end our visit here.
Where is it Located?
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard in the city of Los Angeles, California. It is in the Miracle Mile district right next to Hancock Park and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Map
A map of the museum and grounds can be found at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum website.