Los Angeles County Museum - Behind the Scenes Curator Tour

Item Description

EXCLUSIVE, behind the scenes at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History - the largest such institution on the West Coast! You will win a private 3 hour walkthrough with minerals and gems curator Dr. Aaron Celestian, through the vast exhibits of gems and minerals on display in the newest major American museum dedicated to Gems and Minerals. This museum is the repository for many important collections, and it is no surprise that it is particularly strong in old California Classics such as tourmaline, topaz, benitoite, and other gems. You will see numerous famous specimens long illustrated in Mineral Magazines and books, plus some of the finest USA treasures, among worldwide classics. Gold and native elements, as well as a superb collection of rare species and old classics, combine to make a display collection among the best in the USA. This is a serious mineral excursion, in that you will also get the secret and amazing history of some of the pieces, the collections, and the people behind the donations. There are famous pieces in this collection that have not been shown outside the museum since decades or more, that you will get to see and perhaps to hold. This trip is for 2-4 people, who will learn about the history of the new museum building and its secrets firsthand, while viewing some treasures from the collection behind the scenes. Focus more on minerals or gems as you wish (personal choice!). Donated by the museum with all proceeds to benefit symposium beneficiaries in full. NOTE: trip scheduling is subject to mutual agreement and availability from now until end of 2025. (Museum not responsible for travel costs - this is for a tour only)

This trip is part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card.