Following its destruction in the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Wildfires, Altadena, California's unique Bunny Museum is embarking on a remarkable journey of revival. A significant milestone in its rebuilding efforts is the recent unveiling of a colossal 14-foot-tall, 1,100-pound stainless steel rabbit sculpture. This symbolic artwork, named “Scanner,” signifies a beacon of hope and resilience for the cherished institution, which aims to welcome visitors again in a new facility by 2028.
The Bunny Museum, established in 1998 by Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski, had garnered a devoted global following and earned three entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. Before the catastrophic fire, it housed an impressive collection of over 45,000 rabbit-themed artifacts. These ranged from ancient Egyptian amulets and vintage playthings to ceramic figures, literary works, Rose Parade float remnants, Bugs Bunny memorabilia, and even magazine covers featuring the Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Crucially, the live rabbits residing at the museum, along with the founders' cats, were safely rescued from the blaze.
The museum's exhibits were diverse, featuring themed rooms that explored the rabbit's influence across pop culture, scientific inquiry, and ancient folklore. It also notably included a section that delved into the historical exploitation of rabbits, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the animal's complex relationship with humanity. As the Los Angeles Times observed in 2018, while the collection might have appeared kitschy at first glance, its sheer scale and thoughtful curation imparted a unique gravitas and depth.
The newly donated “Scanner” sculpture, crafted by Chinese artist Jesse Zhao, was generously gifted to the museum by Monrovia, California resident Wesley Zucco. Its public unveiling on February 20 was a momentous occasion, drawing attention to the museum's ongoing efforts. Co-founder Candace Frazee expressed optimism, stating that “Scanner” is intended to uplift community spirits after the devastating fire and reassure neighbors that the Bunny Museum is set to rise from the ashes. Fundraising efforts continue, with the institution's GoFundMe page outlining plans for a grand reopening in a brand-new building within the next few years.
The institution, once described by SFGate as “one of the weirdest, wildest, places you can visit,” is demonstrating an inspiring comeback. This new sculpture not only adds to the approximately 60,000 rabbit-related items donated since the fire but also serves as a tangible symbol of community support and the enduring legacy of the Bunny Museum. It underscores the profound impact the museum has had on its patrons and the wider art world, promising a vibrant future for this extraordinary collection dedicated to all things bunny.