Welcome to jAdis, a unique blend of a home goods store, museum, and prop house located in the bustling city of Santa Monica, California. This establishment, founded by Parke Meek and Susan Lieberman in the mid-1970s, offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era characterized by innovation and curiosity.
The story of jAdis begins with Parke Meek, an inventive collector inspired by the whimsical world of Mel Brooks’ film, ‘Young Frankenstein.’ Alongside Susan Lieberman, they transformed their passion for oddities and cinematic props into a captivating space that combines the allure of a museum with the practicality of a retail store.
At jAdis, you might find yourself surrounded by an eclectic mix of steampunk-esque gadgets, intricate model airships, and a variety of curiosities that seem to come straight out of a mad scientist’s laboratory. This collection isn’t just for show; many of these items have appeared in Hollywood productions, lending authenticity and intrigue to films like ‘The Prestige’ and ‘Batman and Robin.’
One of the unique aspects of jAdis is its unpredictable accessibility. Susan Lieberman believes in the charm of rarity, often keeping the shop closed to increase its allure. This approach has turned jAdis into a hidden gem for those lucky enough to catch it open.
The collection at jAdis includes both genuine artifacts and creatively fabricated pieces. For instance, the hemodimagnometer, a relic of the 1930s radionics era, sits alongside fictional inventions like the ‘radio table,’ a prop designed solely for its visual appeal.
Through the years, jAdis has evolved from a mere collection of curiosities to a beloved institution where history, art, and imagination collide. It’s a place where the past is not just preserved but celebrated through the stories each object tells, making it a point of interest for both locals and tourists alike.
