J A Cooley Museum

4233 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, USA

Address:	4233 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Phone:	+1 619-296-3112
Site:	gothere.com
Rating:	5
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 12–4PM

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Daniel Eakin

Mr Cooleys museum is one-of-a-kind. Private collections this impressive are rare: antique automobiles (the kind Jay Leno would love to own), toy trains, phonographs, lamps, telephones, spitoons, clocks, and you name it! The best part is, a visit costs only $5 per person, and the museum is lovingly attended daily by Mr Cooley himself and his wife, who will both regale you with stories about each item and how they acquired it. The highlight for me was an Edison prototype wax cylinder player, or maybe even the phonograph that once belonged to JP Morgan himself. But for many, the highlight will be the 1885 Benz Patent Motor Car, which the owner brags is original. Its what might simply be called the first ever automobile, and its hiding in plain sight right here at an unassuming strip mall in San Diego. Go for the history, and stay for the cool stories. A great place for kids to learn, but make sure they look and dont touch. Theres lots of "fragile" on display. If youre nice, Mr Cooley will probably play one of the phonographs for you. Do remember to bring quarters to feed the meters out front for parking.

Alejandro Valencia

People drive by it and may have glanced but never bothered to go inside. I am guilty of that. There are some really interesting vintage cars. There is even one that is made of paper mache. There are a lot of vintage phonographs, typewriters and telephones including a phone that looks like a model train. Check it out if you can and see Frank The Trainman store within the same space.

Lynne Shapiro

A must go place for the history of all things technical before TV and computers when visiting San Diego. Near many great restaurants in Hillcrest and Balboa Park, too. Dont miss this gem of a museum!

HOLLY SANDY

A Unique Museum that gives you History! An undiscovered Gem!

Al Marino

Visiting San Diego? YOU GOTTA SEE THIS PLACE!

Bryan Gideon

Must see