The Bunny Museum Vows to Return After Eaton Fire Devastation
Among the losses in the devastating Eaton fire was the Bunny Museum, husband-and-wife Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski’s grand ode to the world’s hoppiest animal, the rabbit. The Altadena museum, located on Lake Avenue, was one of L.A.’s quintessentially quirky institutions, a place that transported guests to a strange and magical world where the bunny permeates all aspects of life.
A Devastating Loss
The fire on Wednesday consumed most of the Bunny Museum, including stuffed bunnies, miniature porcelain bunnies, bunny T-shirt collection, bunny cookie jars, bunny movie posters, bunny song room, bunny costumes, bunny books, and bunny items from Rose Parade floats, among others. The couple lost their wedding albums, Frazee’s wedding dress, and 46,000 bunny objects. Despite their efforts to save some cherished items, the fire took its toll on the museum that held the Guinness World Record for the largest bunny collection in the world.
A Glimmer of Hope
Frazee, in an email from a motel, expressed her devastation over the loss but vowed to fans on social media that the Bunny Museum will rebuild, hopefully in the same space. The museum has yet to set up a GoFundMe, but they plan to do so. Frazee clarified that any current fundraising efforts floating around are not sanctioned by the Bunny Museum.
From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking
The Bunny Museum began its journey in 1998 when Frazee and Lubanski started collecting bunnies, eventually opening the first location in their Pasadena home. Over the years, the collection grew, leading to the expansion of the Bunny Museum to Altadena in 2017. The 7,000-square foot midcentury building became the new home for over 46,000 bunny objects, earning the museum the title of the world’s largest bunny collection.
The Bunny Museum’s dedication to preserving the whimsical world of bunnies has captured the hearts of many, making it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
It’s heartbreaking to see such a unique and cherished establishment suffer such a devastating loss. However, Frazee’s determination to rebuild and continue sharing their love for bunnies with the world is truly inspiring. The Bunny Museum’s story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Let’s support their rebuilding efforts and look forward to the day when the Bunny Museum can once again welcome visitors to the “hoppiest place on Earth.”