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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.

Visitor Tips and News About International Banana Museum

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Banana Museum robot sign.

International Banana Museum

The International Banana Museum is currently only open from 1:00-2:00. Admission cost is $1.00.

[Laurie, 01/08/2019]

Banana items.

International Banana Museum

Whimsical and very kitschy, fun to meander through the museum of all things banana!

[Judi, 10/06/2018]

The kind of selfie we'll make an exception for...

International Banana Museum

Of all the wonderful roadside distractions I've seen so far, this place is without question the top banana. It's so fantastically surreal. There you are, driving along the derelict area adjacent to the Salton Sea, and attached to a liquor store is this little yellow shack, the International Banana Museum. You could pass by this gem without noticing (as we did!).

Stepping inside, out of the heat, you are greeted by an overwhelming scent of bananas, the best shakes, and an incredible assortment of banana stuff! (My personal favorite is the puzzle.) Fred Garbutt [the owner] is an awesome character and ya gotta try the chocolate-dipped banana bread on a stick. I've gone bananas -- now my favorite color is yellow! It's fitting that this museum is in Mecca, because it should be a pilgrimage site for all roadside weirdness connoisseurs!

[Tiptop, 03/15/2016]

International Banana Museum.

International Banana Museum

When thinking about the international headquarters of bananas, of course one thinks of a place next to the Salton Sea, in the middle of the desert! Good times always at this stop!

[Mike Larson, 07/06/2014]
International Banana Museum

Call before you go -- it was closed on a Friday afternoon. The cashier at the liquor store said that's typical.

[Camella, 06/14/2014]

International Banana Museum

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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