The Velaslavasay Panorama

I’d reread “At the Mountains of Madness” by H.P. Lovecraft after having listened to the H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast episodes. (On an aside, Chris Lackey and Chad Fifer know how to do a podcast and if you have not listened, try them out and subscribe.) Living in Southern California affords access to a lot of different ecosystems, the Antarctic is not one of them. But, I thought it would be interesting to find something close. And by close I mean cold and snowy, so the Arctic would do just as well. I know … opposite sides of the globe, and as my wife (a scientist) pointed out vastly different. But, I was looking for atmosphere. I wanted a cold wasteland experience.

To the internet!

I came across articles regarding the Velaslavasay Panorama and the Effluence of the North. The Panorama is located in the old Union Theater.

This seemed perfect. Retro entertainment, old part of Los Angeles, Arctic display … I was getting goosebumps. In fact, I decided to make it a family “old fashion” entertainment history lesson day, by combining the visit to the Panorama with a visit the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Wifey looked at me and shook her head, but as a good trooper came along. I in turn got the kiddos jazzed up about panorama and marionette puppets.

So, on a Saturday afternoon we headed down to see the Effluence of the North. The atmosphere was fantastic. Pitch dark, a beautiful panorama, and a 35 minute light and sound show enhances the mood.