Let’s face it. We all could use some happiness right now. That’s why we were BEYOND excited to check out Happy Place, an all-new Instagram pop up museum located on the third level of the Westfield Century City Mall.
Happy Place – The Drive Thru, presented by Subaru, is 50,000 square feet of pure happiness. We booked our experience for a weekday — I won’t speak for Kevin, but I sure needed something to break up the routine. Is it Monday or Saturday? Who really knows these days… It all seems to turn into one long Zoom meeting, mixed with diaper changes and the usual doom and gloom of cable news these days. Okay, who’s ready for a little Instagram fun?
We’re about ready for a happy place right now — the ultimate Instagram pop up museum.
The experience features 18 unique and vibrant exhibits — all designed for these pandemic times (i.e. from the safety of your own car). To kick off the experience, all visitors get a fun gift bag packed with sweets and other surprises including a soft chocolate chip cookie. Something tells me this won’t make it to the end of Happy Place. Umm, I’m looking at you Kevin!
Kevin is excited for the gift bag. He’s smiling even if you can’t tell behind that mask.
The goodie box inside the gift bag. I wonder how long that cookie, baked to perfection, will last?
Happy Place: An Instagram Pop Up Museum in Celebration of California
Each of the sections are elaborately decorated — with many having a nod to California living. We personally loved the California Dreaming section with scenes set up to celebrate some of the best road trips in the state. And we certainly love a road trip!
Happy Place was first launched in 2017 in LA with its larger-than-life installations all curated to capture your happy. And now it’s been completely optimized for the drive through experience. The original exhibit was so popular that it went on to tour around the world, spreading its joy and happiness to cities including Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Sydney as well as getting its own Las Vegas residency. Move on over, Celine!
Winding Your Way Through The Pop Up Museum
There were moments that I was so distracted by all the fun that I nearly almost drove into the garage! So keep that in mind — otherwise, it might put a damper on the happiness scale. Luckily, I’ve been well-trained in Los Angeles driving. If you can handle Santa Monica Boulevard, navigating this experience will be a breeze.
Showing my love. I can’t help but be happy here.
You’ll wind your way up to the Westfield Century City’s picturesque rooftop where you’ll drive through some of the best exhibits of the pop up museum. You’ll definitely want to snap plenty of photos of “The Giant Piano Experience” – the world’s first car-operated piano, measuring over 30 feet long and over 11 feet tall. And take plenty of video at our personal favorite, “Club Happy” – a pulsating nightclub experience… from the car complete with fog machines and a live DJ.
I’m feeling the party — and yes that’s the fog machine. Our car isn’t on fire!
We won’t give it all away but Kevin and I had a blast taking in the sights and using the “scratch and sniff” cards to get the full immersive experience. Though, Kevin couldn’t help himself and ate the chocolate chip cookie from the gift bag. Though he did let me have a bite. Oh well, the cookie smell on the card was nearly as good (or at least that’s what I told myself).
Someone is excited for the cookie section. Hmm, I wonder why?
The full drive-thru experience takes about 15-20 minutes total. Though, you could easily spend more time snapping photos. The organizers have done a great job of spacing out visitors with timed admission, which allows you to spend more time than your typical pop up museum experience where you’re often fighting against the crowds.
How Long Does Happy Place Run And How Do I Book It?
Happy Place currently runs through January 2021 at the Westfield Century City Mall. Tickets are timed and available 7 days a week. It’s both a fun and safe activity for the entire family since it’s all from the safety of your own car. Admission is $69.50 plus tax per carload, and can be booked directly from the Happy Place website. Time slots are available from 10 AM to 8:45 PM.
Looking for other ideas for special occasions? Be sure to check out all our recommendations here, including 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Looking for ideas on what to see and do during your staycation? Check out our ideas and itineraries for a fun weekend in downtown LA. Looking for a place to stay? Check out our feature on the hotel in downtown with the best views of Los Angeles.
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