McDonald's Museum

BOU AVENUE
McDonald's Museum

Rainy weather forced Zosia Zgolak and me to scuttle our outdoor pursuits on 3 January 2024 and visit the McDonald's museum in San Bernardino, California instead. The free museum sits on the site of the very first McDonald's restaurant and is currently maintained and supported by Albert Okura, founder and owner of the Juan Pollo Rotisserie chain of chicken restaurants (reminds me of Los Pollos Hermanos from TV's Breaking Bad). Although there are some historical photos and displays, most of the museum is comprised of the countless McDonald's toys and promotional items that were part of Happy Meals or sold in conjunction with the food. The majority of these items appear to have been donated by McDonald's customers from all around the world. While the museum was a short, convenient diversion for us on a rainy day, I cannot really recommend it as a tourist destination mainly because it is located in a rather shabby part of the city with lots of homelessness evident on the surrounding streets.

	Zosia dances just like Ronald McDonald.
	The original menu from the 1940s has some interesting items such as "Peanut Butter and Jelly with French Fries".
	The museum has an impressive catalogue of old McDonald's memorabilia.
	The museum also displays McDonald's toys and packaging donated by people from around the world.
	Zosia does a great impersonation of Grimace.
	The McDonald's breakfasts displayed in this case appear to be resistant to decay.
	Sonny poses in front of the sign outside the museum. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Behind the museum is this neglected hot dog vehicle.
	Zosia is reflected in a puddle along with Looney Tunes characters Tasmanian Devil, Sylvester the Cat and Daffy Duck.
	Zosia rides a carousel horse next to Bugs Bunny.
	This incarcerated Hamburglar appears to be missing his arms and legs.