J. A. Cooley Museum

If you appreciate seeing really special old, that is very old, cars, this will be about the best $ 5 experience you will ever have. Unusual vehicles that are beautifully presented in a cluttered small museum which is just loaded with antiques.

I’ve lived in the county for 28 years and this is my first time to the J.A. Cooley Museum having heard about it by chance. With its simple store front face, it’s easy to miss, but behind that humble façade is an unbelievable collection of antique automobiles, gramophones, radios, model trains, etc. etc. etc. You’ll make multiple visits to the parking meters in front because there’s no way you can really take it all in in just an hour. The quality of the collection is outstanding. I’ll be returning for sure and want to thank Mr. Cooley for sharing his wonderful collection.

This is a crazy cool museum. Over 30 automobiles on display from a 19^th century Benz to a 2000 Buick «smart» car. An old Wurlitzer (one of five left which work), dozens of Edison phonographs, and model trains. The photographs of Old San Diego and the old propaganda posters were my absolute favorite, though.
Mr. and Mrs Cooley have assembled one of the finest private museums I’ve seen. For a mere 5 bucks, you can spend hours looking at the economic miracles which a free country produced.

Best museum you’ll find in all of San Diego. Very informative, friendly and a treasure beyond what anyone would expect to find! Make sure you check this jewel out today!!!

Great little museum. Not too climate controlled though so I wouldn’t go on the very hottest days.

Such a wonderful day here with my family! It makes you feel right in the moment of the era of those days ~ history right on Park! The owner even played the old time phongraph for us!

So worth a trip ! Only $ 5 entrance fee. Amazing collection of cars, Player pianos, Wurlitzers, model railroad cars, typewriters…
The cars are in exceptional condition.
Nice folks, ask and they’ll fire up the music machines.
Really fun to come here with older relatives, brought back so many good memories and stories for them.

Like the other reviewer, I discovered this place when I did my laundry nearby. Curiosity got the best of me so I decided to drop in. But anytime I tell people and fellow «Hillcresters» about this museum, nobody seems to know it exists. It’s not very visible or eye catching from the street.
I am not much of a history, train or car buff. But even so, this place is interesting to me. Admission was only $ 5. I took my dad along and paid $ 10 for both of us. It’s hard to find anything that cheap to do in San Diego. He also had a good time.
It seems much larger inside than I expected and packed full of 1900’s cars, horse wagons, trains, and other old memorabilia. It is a trip back in time and history lesson all in one.
Sadly, I never see any customers going in and out. I think people simply do not realize this place exists. So I told the older couple working there that I was «going to Unilocal them» to help drum up some business. They didn’t seem to know what I was talking about or that there are people online writing reviews about their museum. I doubt they’re «web surfers» if you know what I mean. :-)
This place is truly one of a kind. There is nothing like it in Hillcrest and probably not the rest of San Diego for that matter.
I suggest going. Even if you don’t like it, it’s only $ 5. It’s a lot cheaper than a movie ticket these days. I wouldn’t suggest bringing out of control children here — there is a lot of old, expensive, and rare stuff. It’s more relaxing, quiet, and educational type of fun than wild excitement. But if that is something you might like, I would give it a try and support their efforts to keep a piece of history alive.

This is a phenomenal museum!!! As the website states, it is a hidden treasure, and this is absolutely correct. I love the new TV shows, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars. Anyone who has remote interest in American History may go nuts over the amazing items in this museum, including the most wonderful and mint-​condition cars, train engines… OLD CAMERAS! I love photography and what I wouldn’t do to get my hands on a really old camera like the ones this museum has stored away in the back, on display. It is like stepping in to a time warp, and going back 50 plus years. The owner and his wife are always there, and they are really old, and they have such wonderful stories to tell and to share. Almost every item that has been collected has a great story behind it. Bring your kid, bring your spouse, bring someone to enjoy and marvel at the odd experience of stepping in to the 1920’s and earlier for just a couple hours. Just as many people who live in the neighbourhood, we have driven past this place countless times upon our way to Parkhouse Eatery, and finally stopped by. It is amazing. Oh yeah, and $ 5 bucks per person to get in to the museum. What a steal. They also sell old model trains and parts. My husband and I are really in to this stuff!