Visitors enjoying the newly reopened Paley Archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library.
The Paley Archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library reopened on March 20 after five years of closure. With an impressive collection of 160,000 media titles, it offers a rich exploration of cultural and creative significance. Visitors can enjoy a state-of-the-art experience and community events, like ‘Conversations with the Paley Curators’ and family activities. The archive is free to use and promises engaging insights into over a century of media history.
Hey there, Beverly Hills! There’s a buzz in the air, and it’s not just the beautiful weather—it’s the grand reopening of The Paley Archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library! On March 20, this amazing archive opened its doors to the public, marking a fantastic return after being closed for five long years, thanks to the pandemic closures of its former home on North Beverly Drive.
For those who might not know, The Paley Center for Media was founded way back in 1975 by none other than CBS visionary William S. Paley. With its headquarters nestled in the heart of New York City for the past 50 years, the center has been a beacon for media enthusiasts, offering significant programming that dives deep into the cultural, creative, and social significance of media.
Originally called The Museum of Television and Radio, the center changed its name in 2007 to embrace a wider range of media, including exciting new forms like video games and podcasts. Now, visitors to Beverly Hills can access a treasure trove—an impressive 160,000 titles that form part of The Paley Archive’s permanent media collection!
Picture this: a collection that spans over a century of media history. From heartwarming comedies and edge-of-your-seat dramas to news highlights, sports events, political debates, performing arts, and even children’s television—this archive has it all! You can explore engaging content like the historic debut hour of MTV and the riveting “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast. It’s not just a stroll through history; it’s a full-on media playground!
When you visit, you’ll be greeted by 18 state-of-the-art stations complete with computers and headsets, ready for you to dive into your favorite shows and programs at your fingertips. If you’re a Paley member, there’s even a special Scholars Room available—just be sure to reserve in advance!
The Paley Archive now occupies a freshly remodeled section in the library, previously known as the “Teen Zone.” To make it even more charming, you’ll find stunning original Al Hirschfield character paintings adorning the walls, adding an air of artistic flair to the space.
You’d be thrilled to know that The Paley Archive is free to use and operates during the same hours as the Beverly Hills Public Library! It’s a fantastic resource for families, students, scholars, and anyone with a flair for creativity. Plus, there will be in-person community events galore! For instance, a monthly series titled “Conversations with the Paley Curators” will explore entertaining topics like Stevie Wonder’s 75th birthday and a discussion celebrating Wonder Woman’s rich 50-year history.
For those with littles at home, keep your calendars marked for April as The Paley Archive is introducing a delightful family series called “From Story Time to Screen Time.” Children will have the chance to read a beloved book and then enjoy its animated adaptation. The inaugural event will feature none other than Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. Make sure not to miss it!
In addition to daily experiences, save the date for PaleyFest happening from March 21-29 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles! This extraordinary festival will showcase episodes from popular shows along with moderated discussions featuring cast and creators. Isn’t that exhilarating?
The Paley Archive truly is the West Coast home of this extensive collection, which boasts contributions from over 70 countries, and it has been meticulously curated for its artistic, cultural, and historical significance.
The opening ceremony was a grand affair, attended by important figures in the media scene, highlighting just how vital The Paley Archive is to the Beverly Hills community. So, whether you’re a lifelong media buff or just looking for something new to explore, head over to the Beverly Hills Public Library and check out this vibrant cultural destination. Come and celebrate the magic of media!
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