Mecca, California: International Banana Museum (Closed)
Fruit collecting guy went bananas, then Fred Garbutt bought the collection and became its worthy successor. He opened the museum next to his family's liquor store in November 2012. Over 25,000 banana-theme items. Banana Robot outside served as photo-op and sign.
- Directions:
- Nine miles south of Mecca, on the southbound side of Hwy 111. Look for the old-style Skip's Liquor sign; the museum is in the building next to it.
- Hours:
- 2020-2022: Closed during pandemic, future TBD.
- Status:
- Closed
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International Banana Museum:
When you take over a banana museum, you'd better be ready to wear the banana suit.
[01/10/2013] Complete Story...Banana Museum:
The next time that someone tells you that newspapers are irrelevant in the Digital Age, tell them that a newspaper just saved The Banana Museum.
[04/08/2010] Complete Story...Visitor Tips and News About International Banana Museum
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The Banana Museum looks like it's been closed for a while. The sign is gone, and the building is boarded up.
[Amy Hyde, 11/23/2021]Not open until mid-October. So sad. But admission is only $1.00. Support these local treasures.
[Vic Davis, 08/24/2021]
Delightful surprise! Surreal. We stopped for water at the store after visiting the rather stunning and depressing Salton Sea and Bombay Beach. Couldn't resist poking our heads into the museum. Owner Fred's wife was just plain... bananas, and totally charming.
[Linda W., 02/21/2019]Page of 3 [Next 5 items]
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The museum closed "temporarily" at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Its 25,000 banana relics may still be inside, awaiting a banana-safe epoch.