Strange Science
Fri., Oct. 24, 2025, 6–10 p.m.Sat., Oct. 25, 2025, 6–10 p.m.
This event is for ages 21+ Tickets: $80, includes two drinks. Members: Affiliate level and above may reserve two free tickets. Tickets available on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Sponsor packages available now.
Members
The Huntington
Know Before You Go: Ages 21+; two drinks included per ticket. Costumes are encouraged, but no weaponry, please.
This popular event will sell out! Tickets are subject to availability and not guaranteed. Member tickets are nontransferable, and paid tickets are not refundable. If you are unable to attend, please consider your ticket a donation to The Huntington.
Performances
“Brewed Awakening” by LA Opera Connects
Created especially for Strange Science, LA Opera presents “Brewed Awakening,” a whimsical operatic whodunit that takes the audience on a musical journey across eras and stories.
LA Opera Connects is the community engagement and learning department at LA Opera, serving 140,000 Angelenos each year.
The Otherworldly Connection to Birds of Prey
Falcon’s Court returns with birds of prey! Get to know owls, hawks, and falcons during this live performance, and learn how these raptors became known as reincarnated souls, shapeshifters, and messengers to the spirit realms.
Talks
Dark Tourism: Science or Sinister?
Join Brian Clune, historian and paranormal investigator, to learn about 10 haunted locations around California, their place in history, and the spirits that inhabit them. Listen to actual EVP recordings and other phenomena. The presentation will be followed by a signing of Dark Tourism California: A Paranormal Travelogue.
Skulls and Scholars
Diva Zumaya, associate curator of European art, will transport you to the spooky 17th century for an art historical journey through images of scholars in candlelit darkness. Looking closely at the work of Caravaggio, Dürer, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, join Zumaya for a dive into the shadowy world of these Baroque masters.
Through a Glass Darkly: Mourning Fashion Through History
Fashion historian Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell will examine the history of mourning attire from the chic court of Marie-Antoinette to well-dressed widows Queen Victoria and Arabella Huntington. Each presentation will be followed by a signing of Fashion Victims: Dress at the Court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
Experiences
Medieval and Contemporary Scribes: Gothic Grandeur meets Quill and Ink
While supplies lastThe Southern California Society for Calligraphy will add flourish to your evening with a personalized bookplate. Add this sticker to your sketchbook, laptop, or favorite water bottle.
Obscura Cubiculum Photo Op
$10 per snapshotDare to enter this soul-capturing chamber for a photo-op by Herman Au photography. Each sinister snapshot includes two prints and a digital download.
Shadows in the Stacks: A Quiz from the Collections
Test your wits on tales drawn from The Huntington’s shadowy corners—rare books, dark artworks, uncanny plants, and mysterious scientific instruments. With lamplight and a drink in hand, teams will compete to solve cryptic clues and uncover the secrets of our collections. The champions will win bragging rights and prizes.
The Red Death Dance Club
DJ Kara will spin us to the brink and back. Dancing has never been more deadly!
Bites and Brews
Satisfy your thirst with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at one of the themed bars and enjoy a variety of food trucks, lite bites, and desserts.
Last food order at 9:30 p.m. and last bar call at 9:45 p.m. Please drink responsibly.
Support Strange Science as a Sponsor
New This Year
Love spooky season as much as we do? This year, you have the chance to support Strange Science and The Huntington’s mission to inspire curiosity and wonder. Sponsors enjoy complimentary lite bites and a wine bar during the VIP preview hour (5–6 p.m.) before the evening opens to ticket holders.
The Night Explorer package: $1,500
- Invite for 4 to Strange Science and the VIP preview hour.
- Complimentary Sustaining-level Membership ($175 value).
- Recognition on event webpage, program, and in the Huntington’s Annual Report.
The Mystic Benefactor package: $2,500
- Invite for 8 to Strange Science and the VIP preview hour.
- Complimentary Affiliate-level Membership ($350 value).
- Recognition on event webpage, program, and in the Huntington’s Annual Report.
The Architect of Oddities: $5,000
- All Mystic Benefactor items, plus:
- 4 additional tickets to Strange Science and the VIP preview hour.
- A private behind-the-scenes tour at a future date.
Tickets will be sent separately. Value of goods and services is $80 per VIP ticket utilized. Member tickets are nontransferable, and paid tickets are not refundable. If you are unable to attend, please consider your ticket a donation to The Huntington. Costumes are encouraged, but no weaponry, please.
Questions or accessibility needs? Contact the Membership office at membership@huntington.org.