Know Before You Descend
The Private Collection is an immersive museum experience featuring the macabre, the mysterious, and the unexplained.
To protect our guests, preserve the collection, and maintain the atmosphere of the experience, we ask that all visitors review the following information before purchasing tickets and entering the exhibit.
Rules, Policies & Visitor Information
BEFORE YOU DESCEND
-
All guests are required to complete a visitor waiver before entering The Private Collection.
The Private Collection is located within the basement of a historic building and includes stairs, low-light areas, antique objects, authentic artifacts, human remains, interactive exhibits, and paranormal investigation equipment.
The waiver acknowledges the nature of the experience and the potential risks associated with entering and participating in the exhibit.
Guests under the age of 18 must have the required waiver completed or authorized by a parent or legal guardian.
Entry into The Private Collection will not be permitted without a completed waiver.
-
The Private Collection is located in the basement of a historic Coronado building and is accessed by a staircase.
Due to the historic nature and physical layout of the building, accessibility may be limited.
Guests with mobility concerns or questions regarding access are strongly encouraged to contact The Downtown Oddity Parlor before purchasing tickets so we can provide additional information about the space and determine whether the experience will be accessible to you.
-
The Private Collection explores subjects that some visitors may find unusual, unsettling, or disturbing.
The collection may include authentic human remains, animal remains, medical specimens, funeral and mortuary artifacts, true-crime material, occult objects, paranormal artifacts, historical photographs, and discussions of death and mortality.
These materials are presented for historical, educational, cultural, and interpretive purposes and are displayed with respect for their history and origins.
Please consider your personal comfort level before purchasing admission.
-
The Private Collection is intentionally presented in a dark, atmospheric, and immersive environment.
Guests should expect low lighting, unusual imagery, enclosed basement spaces, paranormal-themed elements, and other atmospheric features designed to complement the collection.
Please use caution while moving throughout the exhibit and follow all posted signs and staff instructions.
-
To help ensure all guests have an enjoyable experience, our exhibit is recommended for ages 13 and older.
The exhibit contains themes, artifacts, stories, and immersive elements related to the paranormal, true crime, death culture, funeral history, occult traditions, human remains, and other unusual subjects that some younger visitors may find disturbing.
Guests under the age of 18 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their discretion when determining whether the exhibit is appropriate for their child.
If you have questions about the exhibit's content before your visit, please feel free to contact us.
WHILE INSIDE THE COLLECTION
-
To help preserve the atmosphere and privacy of the exhibit, photography and video recording are not permitted inside The Private Collection.
Guests wishing to capture a souvenir of their visit may purchase our Polaroid Go Photo Experience for an additional $15. This add-on includes the use of a Polaroid Go camera and an 8-pack of instant film to use during designated photo opportunities within the exhibit.
The Polaroid Go Photo Experience may be added during online ticket purchase or purchased in person, subject to availability.
-
The Private Collection is designed to be experienced without the distraction of cell phones.
Cell phone use is not permitted inside the exhibit. This includes photography, video recording, audio recording, phone calls, texting, and social media use.
Guests may bring their phones with them, but devices must remain secured and unused while inside The Private Collection.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us protect the collection, respect the privacy of other guests, and preserve the immersive nature of the experience.
-
Many objects within The Private Collection are authentic, antique, fragile, rare, or irreplaceable.
Unless an exhibit is specifically identified as interactive, please do not touch, handle, move, lean on, or interfere with any artifacts, display cases, props, barriers, or exhibit materials.
Certain areas of The Private Collection are intentionally interactive and will be clearly identified.
When in doubt, please ask before touching.
-
Food and beverages are not permitted inside The Private Collection.
This policy helps protect our artifacts, specimens, displays, and historic space from accidental damage.
Please finish or safely store all food and beverages before entering the exhibit.
-
Please keep personal belongings secure and under control while visiting The Private Collection.
Large bags, backpacks, or other items that could accidentally contact displays may need to remain outside the exhibit or be stored before entry.
The Downtown Oddity Parlor and The Private Collection are not responsible for lost, stolen, forgotten, or damaged personal belongings.
-
We want The Private Collection to remain an enjoyable experience for everyone who dares to descend.
Guests are expected to treat fellow visitors, staff members, the historic space, and all artifacts with respect.
Disruptive behavior, intentionally touching or damaging artifacts, tampering with displays or equipment, entering restricted areas, or refusing to follow staff instructions may result in removal from the exhibit.
Anyone intentionally damaging or removing property may also be held responsible for the resulting loss or damage.
THE PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE
-
Some things in The Private Collection aren't meant to simply be observed.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore our interactive paranormal investigation area using equipment such as:
EMF detectors
REM pod
Dowsing rods
Temperature sensors
Ouija board
Additional paranormal investigation equipment
Guests are encouraged to explore, experiment, ask questions, and see what—if anything—they discover.
Please handle all equipment carefully and return items to their designated locations when finished.
Paranormal equipment and interactive elements may vary depending on availability, maintenance, or exhibit changes.
-
We provide the equipment. What happens next is between you and the basement.
The paranormal investigation area is provided for entertainment, educational, and interactive purposes.
The Private Collection makes no guarantee that guests will experience, document, communicate with, or encounter paranormal activity during their visit.
Experiences and interpretations are entirely subjective, and results may vary from guest to guest.
So descend with an open mind—but we make no promises about what might answer back.
TICKETS & YOUR VISIT
-
Please arrive with enough time to check in and complete any required paperwork before your scheduled admission.
Admission is subject to the date and time selected when purchasing your ticket. Late arrivals may have their experience shortened or may need to be moved to another available admission time.
Walk-in admission may be available, but advance reservations are recommended to ensure your preferred time is available.
-
Tickets provide admission for the date and time selected at purchase.
Because The Private Collection operates with limited admission, guests who need to change their reservation are encouraged to contact The Downtown Oddity Parlor as soon as possible.
Rescheduling is subject to availability.
We want every guest to know what to expect before entering The Private Collection.
If you have questions regarding accessibility, exhibit content, age appropriateness, tickets, or visitor policies, please contact The Downtown Oddity Parlor before your visit.
DARE TO DESCEND.
The Private Collection awaits below.