>> VISITING WITH HUELL HOWSER IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM... [CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY KCET PUBLIC TELEVISION AND FRIENDS OF NCI] Huell Howser: WELL, HELLO EVERYBODY, I'M HUELL HOWSER.

AND HERE WERE ARE IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF PASADENA ON JEFFERSON STREET.

AND OUR DESTINATION IS THIS NICE LITTLE HOUSE HERE.

NOW AT FIRST GLANCE THIS LOOKS LIKE JUST A NICE LITTLE HOUSE ON A NICE LITTLE QUIET STREET.

BUT LOOK MORE CLOSELY.

LOOK RIGHT OVER THERE AT THAT GREEN TOPIARY THAT'S COVERED WITH IVY.

IT'S ALIVE.

AND IT'S IN THE SHAPE OF SOMETHING.

YOU PROBABLY FIGURED IT OUT BY NOW.

AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR ALL OF US TO HOP ON IN.

AND HERE IT IS!

HERE'S THE SIGN TO WELCOME US.

"WELCOME HUELL HOWSER TO THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

HOP ON IN!"

AND HERE TO GREET US RIGHT OUT FRONT IS CANDACE.

CANDACE, LET EVERYBODY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S IN STORE FOR US.

WHERE ARE WE?

>> WE'RE AT THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

Huell: WE ARE.

TELL US ABOUT THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

>> WELL, IT'S ACTUALLY OUR HOME.

BUT WE CONVERTED IT INTO A MUSEUM.

AND WE HAVE THE GUINNESS RECORD OF THE MOST BUNNIES IN THE WORLD.

Huell: SO ARE THESE LIVE BUNNIES?

ARE THESE CERAMIC BUNNIES?

ARE THESE STUFFED BUNNY TOYS?

>> WE HAVE 9 REAL BUNNIES.

Huell: MM-HMM.

>> AND 22,000 ITEMS.

Huell: OH, MY GOSH!

YOU'RE KIDDIN'.

INSIDE THIS HOUSE?

>> AND OUTSIDE.

Huell: NOW IS THIS A REAL MUSEUM?

>> IT IS.

A REAL MUSEUM.

Huell: SO IT'S ACTUALLY CALLED THE BUNNY MUSEUM?

>> YES, IT IS.

Huell: AND THIS IS--THERE'S A STORY BEHIND THIS TOPIARY, TOO.

>> WELL, THIS IS THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S FLOAT FROM THE ROSE PARADE IN 1988.

AND DONATED TO US, AND WE PLANTED IVY ON IT.

AND IT'S TAKEN ABOUT 4 YEARS TO ALMOST COMPLETELY COVER IT.

AND HE WAS ON ROLLER SKATES.

Huell: ON THE FLOAT.

>> ON THE FLOAT.

THERE WERE 3 OF THEM.

AND HIS TAIL IS ALMOST COMPLETELY FINISHED.

Huell: THERE'S THE TAIL.

THERE ARE THE EARS.

>> AND LOOK AT THE WHISKERS.

AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?

Huell: AND THERE ARE THE WHISKERS OUT FRONT.

SO YOU'VE GOT PROBABLY THE BIGGEST BUNNY IN PASADENA, MAYBE EVEN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

>> YES, BUT WE HAVE ONE BIGGER IN THE BACKYARD.

Huell: YEAH, I WAS GONNA SAY--I HAVE A FEELING THAT WHAT WE'RE SEEING OUT FRONT-- >> JUST THE FRONT.

Huell: DOESN'T GIVE ANY INKLING AS TO WHAT'S REALLY INSIDE.

>> YEAH.

A LOT MORE.

HOP ON IN.

Huell: YEAH.

IF YOU'RE READY, WE'RE ALL GONNA HOP ON IN.

HERE WE GO.

THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ADVENTURE.

WE'RE GOING INSIDE THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

OK. BEFORE WE GET IN, YOU'VE MADE ME SIGN IN.

>> OUR GUEST BOOK.

Huell: WHY DO YOU HAVE TO SIGN IN?

>> WELL, LOOK, YOU'RE 11,989th VISITOR IN 8 YEARS.

WE'VE BEEN OPEN 8 YEARS.

Huell: SO THAT'S JUST ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 1,000 VISITORS A YEAR.

>> BY APPOINTMENT.

Huell: AHH.

>> IF WE WERE OPEN 9:00 TO 5:00 EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, IT WOULD BE QUADRUPLE THAT.

Huell: YEAH, AND THIS IS A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD.

>> AND WE HAVE TO CONTROL IT, 'CAUSE WE LIVE HERE.

Huell: YEAH.

>> I DO HAVE TO GO TO THE DENTIST AND MAKE DINNER, TAKE A BATH.

Huell: IN THIS HOUSE!

IN THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

>> THE BUNNY MUSEUM IS A LIVING MUSEUM.

WE LIVE IN IT.

SO IT IS ALWAYS CHANGING AND ALTERING-- IT'S A LIVING MUSEUM.

Huell: WOW!

WELL, LET'S GO IN.

HERE WE GO.

THERE'S THE BUNNY RIGHT THERE ON THE DOOR.

AND IN WE GO.

OH, LOOK AT THIS, CAMERON.

LOOK WHAT'S ON THE DOOR.

>> AND THE DOOR KNOCKER.

Huell: IT'S A VERY BUNNY THEME.

WE'RE INSIDE THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS STARTS.

BUT YOU'VE DONE THIS A LOT BEFORE, HAVEN'T YOU?

>> A LOT OF VISITORS.

Huell: WHEN YOU GIVE TOURS IT STARTS RIGHT HERE IN THE HALL.

>> IT STARTS RIGHT HERE--THE STORY.

Huell: ALL THE SCHOOLCHILDREN SIT DOWN HERE.

ALL THE VISITORS SIT DOWN HERE.

THAT'S WHAT I'M GONNA DO.

YOU GIVE ME--GIVE ME THE OPENING REMARKS AS WE ENTER THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

>> WELL, THIS IS THE FIRST BUNNY THAT STARTED THE WHOLE COLLECTION.

MY HUSBAND STEVE GAVE THAT TO ME 14 YEARS AGO ON VALENTINE'S DAY BECAUSE WE CALL EACH OTHER HONEY BUNNY.

AND THEN I GAVE HIM THIS ONE AT EASTER.

AND THEN BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, WE'RE GIVING EACH OTHER A BUNNY EVERYDAY AS A LOVE TOKEN.

Huell: SO WAIT A MINUTE.

BEFORE YOUR HUSBAND GAVE YOU THAT BUNNY, YOU HADN'T BEEN INTO BUNNIES.

>> NO.

WHEN WE WERE DATING--IS WHEN WE WERE DATING IT STARTED.

Huell: AND BEFORE YOU GAVE HIM THAT BUNNY, HE HADN'T BEEN INTO BUNNIES.

>> NO.

Huell: BUT THIS STARTED A WHOLE BIG THING, DIDN'T IT?

>> WELL, WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS A LOVE STORY.

WE DIDN'T SET OUT TO DO A MUSEUM AT ALL.

IT WAS A VERY PRIVATE THING.

EVERYTHING YOU SEE ARE GIFTS BETWEEN STEVE AND I. Huell: ALL THESE BUNNIES?

>> YES.

Huell: YOU GIVE TO EACH OTHER?

>> YEAH, ABOUT 1% IS FROM FAMILY OR THE PUBLIC--THAT THEY WANT TO GIVE A THANK YOU.

BUT WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS STEVE AND OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE.

Huell: AND THERE IS A LOT OF LOVE!

THERE IS A LOT OF LOVE HERE IN THIS BUNNY MUSEUM.

THIS IS--AND THIS IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

'CAUSE YOU GO IN HERE.

IS THIS THE--LOOK AT THIS, CAMERON--IS THIS THE LIVING ROOM?

IS THIS THE-- >> THE PARLOR.

USED TO HAVE COUCHES AND TABLES.

BUT AS THE CABINETS GOT BIGGER, THE CHAIRS AND TABLES GOT REMOVED.

Huell: COME ON OVER HERE.

LET'S GET A SHOT HERE IN FRONT OF THIS.

WHAT IS THE MOTIF OF THIS ROOM?

>> WELL, WE TELL PEOPLE WHEN THEY WALK AROUND THE MUSEUM TO GUESS THE CATEGORY THEY'RE LOOKING AT.

EVERYTHING IS CATEGORIZED.

Huell: THIS IS HODGEPODGE CATEGORY.

>> OH, NO.

YOU KNOW THE SAYING, TWO'S COMPANY, THREE'S A CROWD?

Huell: UH-HUH.

>> FOR US, TWO'S COMPANY, THREE IS A CATEGORY.

SO IF IT'S 3 OR MORE OF SOMETHING, WE CREATE THE CATEGORY.

SO WE TELL PEOPLE TO TRY AND GUESS.

NOW, FOR INSTANCE, THESE ARE WHITE RABBIT AND THE MARCH HARE FROM ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

Huell: UH-HUH.

>> AND THEN THERE'S PETER RABBIT.

Huell: PETER RABBIT.

>> AND THEN WE HAVE BRER RABBIT.

Huell: BRER RABBIT.

>> ROGER RABBIT.

Huell: ROGER RABBIT.

AND, WAIT A MINUTE, THESE ARE 3 NICE LITTLE RABBITS.

>> YES, THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL.

Huell: NOW, I TOUCHED THAT.

AND I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO, AM I?

>> NO, YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TOUCH AT THE MUSEUM.

Huell: WELL, HOW DO YOU KEEP THE KIDS FROM TOUCHIN'?

HOW COULD A KID COME IN HERE AND NOT START TOUCHING THINGS?

>> WELL, WHAT I THINK IS SO INCREDIBLE IS THAT IT'S THE ADULTS THAT TOUCH.

Huell: OH!

>> AND THAT'S BECAUSE ALL DAY LONG KIDS ARE TOLD SIT DOWN IN CLASS.

REALLY, DON'T TOUCH.

IT'LL ALL COME DOWN.

Huell: REALLY?

OK, I'M SORRY.

THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING.

>> SO KIDS ARE TOLD NOT TO TOUCH.

Huell: LOOK AT ALL THIS.

>> BUT THEY'RE PRETTY GOOD ABOUT IT.

THIS IS MARY AND JOSEPH AND JESUS IN BUNNIES.

IT'S A NATIVITY.

Huell: OH, MY GOODNESS.

AND LOOK OVER HERE IN THE CORNER.

WE MISSED THIS.

AND HERE ARE THE-- THESE ARE BUNNY-- >> WATER GLOBES.

Huell: WATER GLOBES OVER HERE.

>> JACK RABBIT.

Huell: I'M GONNA PICK THIS UP.

I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY.

I GOTTA GET THIS THING.

>> NOW DON'T DO THIS WHEN YOU COME HERE.

HA HA HA!

Huell: WOW!

AND LOOK THERE'S A BUNNY UP HERE!

>> THAT'S MADE OF ALMOND SHELLS.

Huell: OH, MY GOSH.

AND REALLY-- SEE, ALL OF THIS RUNS TOGETHER TO ME.

BUT TO YOU, ALL OF THIS MAKES SENSE.

THERE'S A STORY BEHIND EVERY ONE OF THESE BUNNIES.

>> LIKE THIS BIG BUNNY HERE WHICH IS A CASE.

IT OPENS UP AND IT'S HOLLOW.

WE GOT IT IN CAMBRIA.

AND SO WE CALL HER CAMMY.

WE NAME ALL OUR BUNNIES, AND SO WE CAN LOOK AT IT AND KNOW WHAT VACATION WE GOT IT ON, WHERE WE BOUGHT IT.

Huell: THERE'S A BUNNY COFFEE TABLE HELD UP BY 3 STONE BUNNIES.

>> MM-HMM.

Huell: WOW!

AND A BUNNY--INSTEAD OF A ROCKING HORSE, YOU HAVE A ROCKING BUNNY.

>> YES, WE HAD THAT SPECIAL MADE BECAUSE WE'VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO FIND ONE.

SO, STEVE SURPRISED ME AND HAD THAT MADE.

Huell: AND THEN YOU HAVE A CASE OF BUNNIES HERE.

>> WELL, HERE'S ELVIS.

Huell: LOOK AT THIS.

ELVIS AS A BUNNY.

>> IT'S A WATER PITCHER--COMES OUT THE GUITAR, THE WATER.

Huell: THIS IS A GLASS BLOWN-- >> YES, THOSE ARE ALL OUR GLASS BUNNIES.

Huell: AND WHAT ARE THESE?

>> THESE ARE BOXES, LITTLE PILL BOXES.

Huell: WOW!

>> AND THESE ARE PENDELFIN.

THEY'RE FROM ENGLAND.

Huell: THEY'RE WHAT?

>> FROM ENGLAND.

PENDELFIN.

IT'S CALLED PENDELFIN.

LITTLE VILLAGE OF ALL DIFFERENT BUNNIES.

MAJOR COLLECTORS COLLECT THESE IN ENGLAND-- Huell: ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP.

>> MM-HMM.

Huell: WOW!

>> AND OUR TELEPHONE IS RIGHT HERE.

Huell: OH, LOOK, A BUNNY--CAN I PICK THIS UP?

>> YOU CAN.

YOU CAN ANSWER THE PHONE.

IT'S A REAL, WORKING PHONE.

Huell: WHERE DO YOU SPEAK?

>> HIS MOUTH GOES INTO YOUR EAR.

THERE YA GO.

Huell: HELLO!

LOOK AT THAT!

A BUNNY PHONE!

>> YEP.

Huell: AND IT WORKS!

>> BUGS BUNNY.

WE HAVE 4 OF THEM THAT WORK.

YEP.

Huell: WAIT A MINUTE, OH, THERE HE GOES, LIKE THAT.

>> HE JUST SITS ON IT.

Huell: A STRAW BUNNY.

>> YEP.

THE TRANSPORTATION.

THEY'RE ALL DRIVING A VEHICLE.

Huell: WHAT?

WHERE?

RIGHT UP IN HERE?

>> ALL THESE CHARACTERS.

SEE THE CARS AND LOOK AT THE RACER, CAR RACER.

Huell: WOW!

OH, LOOK.

CAN I--LET ME PICK THAT UP.

>> YOU CAN.

AND IF THERE ARE SOME DUST BUNNIES, WE DON'T MIND.

DUST BUNNIES LIVE IN THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

Huell: A BUNNY DRIVING A CARROT.

>> OH, HE'S DUSTY.

Huell: NOW, THAT'S YOUR NUMBER ONE QUESTION, ISN'T IT?

>> YES, IT IS.

Huell: HOW DO YOU KEEP IT DUSTED?

>> YEAH.

I DO SOMETHING EVERYDAY.

BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS HASN'T BEEN DUSTED FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS.

Huell: UH-HUH.

>> AND NOW THAT YOU PICKED IT UP, I WILL THEN DUST IT.

BUT SOMETHING IS NOT DUSTED, BUT RIGHT NEXT TO IT WAS DUSTED YESTERDAY KIND OF THING.

ROTATING.

Huell: SO YOU JUST KEEP ROTATING.

>> YEAH.

Huell: BOY, THIS IS--THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PIECES.

>> THAT'S ONE OF STEVE'S FAVORITE, TOO.

HE LOVED IT.

Huell: WHO WOULD EVER THINK OF BUNNY DRIVING CARROT CAR?

>> ISN'T THAT GREAT?

Huell: INTO THE DINING ROOM.

BUT YOU PROBABLY DON'T DO MUCH EATING IN HERE, DO YOU?

>> OH, MY GOODNESS.

WE LIVE HERE.

WE HAVE LOTS OF DINNER PARTIES.

YES.

Huell: YOU EAT IN THIS ROOM?

>> THIS IS OUR EATING TABLE.

AND I HAVE ABOUT 8 CHAIRS I COULD PUT OUT.

AND WE ALL SIT THERE AND HAVE A BIG--I'M A GOURMET COOK.

WE HAVE A BIG THING, BECAUSE IN THE FUTURE, WE'RE GONNA HAVE RESTAURANT--A BUNNY RESTAURANT WITH MY RECIPES.

SO... Huell: THERE'S A BUNNY ON THE TABLE, BUT HE'S FACING-- HE'S UPSIDE DOWN.

>> DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY HE'S UPSIDE DOWN?

Huell: YES.

>> WELL, WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF VISITORS.

AND SO, I TELL THEM TO STAND RIGHT THERE.

I'LL TAKE YOUR PICTURE.

CAN I TAKE YOUR PICTURE?

Huell: WHAT, RIGHT HERE?

>> YOU GO RIGHT UP SNUG TO THE TABLE.

Huell: UH-HUH.

>> AND THEN WHEN I TAKE YOUR PICTURE-- Huell: OH, YOU SEE THE BUNNY FACING-- >> THE WHOLE ROOM.

HOPPY!

Huell: HOPPY!

>> GOTCHA!

Huell: BOY.

LOOK OVER HERE.

LOOK AT THIS.

>> THESE 2 SHELVES ARE SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS.

Huell: THE TOP 2 SHELVES ARE SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS.

AND THEN RIGHT DOWN HERE, YOU HAVE TEAPOTS.

TEACUPS AT THE BOTTOM.

WHAT'S ALL THIS?

>> WELL, THIS IS THE HOLIDAY ROOM.

THE DINING ROOM IS CALLED THE HOLIDAY ROOM.

Huell: THE HOLIDAY ROOM.

>> HOLIDAY ROOM.

WHEN WE STARTED OPENING AND SHARING OUR THINGS, STEVE SAID ONE RULE WE HAVE IS THAT WE HAVE TO SHOW EVERYTHING.

NOTHING GETS BOXED AWAY.

BECAUSE USUALLY YOU PUT YOUR CHRISTMAS AWAY, AND YOU PUT YOUR EASTER AWAY.

HE'S LIKE, LEAVE IT ALL OUT.

SO WE HAVE VALENTINE'S DAY OVER THERE.

AND UP THERE IS CHRISTMAS.

AND JULY 4.

AND WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING AT IS THE EASTER COLLECTION.

Huell: OH, THAT'S THE BIG COLLECTION--EASTER.

>> WELL, NOT THAT BIG.

LOOK, IT'S NOT THAT BIG.

Huell: YEAH, BUT EASTER IS--THAT'S THE BUNNY'S TIME OF THE YEAR.

>> BUT TO GET IN THERE, IT CAN'T BE JUST ANY BUNNY.

HAS TO SAY "HAPPY EASTER," HAVE AN EGG, OR LOOK LIKE AN EASTER BUNNY.

Huell: NOW THIS LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THOSE--SEE, I WANT TO TOUCH EVERYTHING.

>> YEAH, THEY'LL COME DOWN.

IT'S FAKE CHOCOLATE.

Huell: OH, I WAS GONNA SAY, I HOPE THAT'S A BIG CHOCOLATE-- THOSE ARE BIG CHOCOLATE BUNNIES.

>> THAT'S REAL.

Huell: THIS IS A CHOCOLATE BUNNY?!

>> IT'S HELEN GRACE.

Huell: OH, MY GOSH!

>> AND EVEN THOUGH IT'S HOLLOW, IT WEIGHS 30 POUNDS.

THESE ARE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

THESE ONE HERE FROM THE ANNUAL EASTER EGG ROLL.

Huell: OH!

>> THEY'RE SOLID WOOD.

Huell: SO THESE ARE OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL EGGS.

>> BUT WE ONLY COLLECT THE ONES WITH BUNNIES.

Huell: AND HERE'S ONE WITH PEARLS.

LOOK AT THIS.

>> PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK WHAT ARE SMALLEST ONES ARE, SO THOSE ARE OUR SMALLEST ONES.

Huell: OH, LOOK HERE ARE THE LITTLE ONES RIGHT HERE IN THIS GLASS, KIND OF A CONTAINER HERE.

>> AND THE THIMBLES ABOVE.

Huell: BUNNY THIMBLES.

CAMERON, WE'LL LET YOU WALK IN AHEAD OF US, BECAUSE THIS-- >> HOP IN!

Huell: HOP IN!

>> HOP IN TO OUR WARREN.

IT'S OUR TV ROOM.

THAT'S WHAT WE CALL OUR TV ROOM.

Huell: YEAH, THERE'S PLENTY OF ROOM TO BE WATCHING TV IN HERE.

BOY, THIS HAS A NICE SOUND.

THIS IS YOUR TV ROOM!

>> AND IT'S A HUGE TV.

AND PEOPLE WILL COME IN AND SAY, I DIDN'T EVEN SEE YOUR TV.

Huell: AND SO YOU ALL SIT IN HERE AND WATCH TV IN THIS ROOM.

NOW, THIS IS A...

STUFFED BUNNY LIKE YOU'D HAVE ON YOUR BED.

A LITTLE GIRL, LITTLE BOY WOULD HAVE ON THEIR BED.

>> YES, AND WE DID THAT ON PURPOSE TO HAVE A COZY FEELING WATCHING TV.

Huell: IT REALLY GIVES YOU A GOOD SOUND IN HERE.

>> NOW WHAT'S FUNNY IS THAT THESE USED TO BE FRENCH DOORS TO GO OUTSIDE.

WE WOULD USE THEM.

Huell: UH-HUH.

>> BUT OUR BUNNIES KEPT PILING UP.

THIS IS 4 FEET DEEP.

Huell: OF BUNNIES.

>> AND STEVE PUT THESE BARS UP TO KEEP THEM FROM FALLING DOWN.

THEY KEPT FALLING DOWN.

Huell: SEE THE BUNNIES.

YOU'VE JUST GOT THESE THINGS PACKED-- YOU'VE GOT THEM PACKED EVERYWHERE.

>> AND THESE ARE ALL OUR BUNNY SLIPPERS.

Huell: OHH.

BUNNY SLIPPERS.

>> YEAH, BUNNY SLIPPERS.

Huell: OH.

HA!

YOU KNOW, UNTIL YOU STOP TO THINK ABOUT IT, YOU DON'T REALIZE HOW MANY BUNNY THEMES THERE ARE IN THINGS THAT WE DO.

>> YEAH, IT'S AMAZING.

Huell: BUNNY SLIPPERS.

>> YEAH.

SURE.

AND THEY'RE VERY COMFORTABLE FOR LONG OPEN HOUSES.

AND SO I CAN GET AWAY WITH WEARING BUNNY SLIPPERS.

Huell: GO ON OUT IN FRONT OF US CAMERON, 'CAUSE THERE'S NOT A BAD SHOT IN THE HOUSE.

IT'S JUST EVERYWHERE YOU GO, THERE ARE BUNNIES.

HE'S GETTING INTO IT WAY TOO MUCH.

HE'S HOPPING.

WAY TOO MUCH.

ALL RIGHT, WE'RE JUST GONNA STAND HERE FOR A SECOND [EXHALES] AND TAKE OUR BREATH BEFORE THE TOUR CONTINUES.

IS THAT OK?

>> WELL, IT'S INTERESTING HOW PEOPLE DO GET OVERWHELMED HERE.

Huell: YEAH, I'M BUNNIED--I'M REACHING A BUNNY MAX.

AND WE HAVEN'T BEEN THROUGH-- >> EVERYTHING, NO.

AND IT'S INTERESTING TO US, BECAUSE WE HAVE TO REMEMBER, WE STARTED WITH ONE, 2, 10, 20.

AND SO PEOPLE COME AND THEY SAY, "AREN'T YOU OVERWHELMED?"

WHEN YOU START WITH ONE, 2--WHEN PEOPLE SAY I HAVE SO MANY OF THIS, IT GROWS AND YOU'RE JUST SO USED TO IT.

Huell: THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GOT AWAY FROM YOU, THOUGH, WASN'T IT?

>> NO.

NO.

NO.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO THE ONE DAY WHEN WE CAN SAY WE HAVE A MILLION BUNNY ITEMS.

HA HA HA.

Huell: OK.

I'M GONNA SIT IN THE LITTLE BUNNY CHAIR AND WATCH CANDACE FEED THE LIVE BUNNIES.

>> COME ON, GUYS.

YOU HUNGRY?

LOOK AT THAT!

OH, HERE COMES MARK.

AND THERE'S HONEY GIRL AND JACKIE RABBIT.

Huell: YOU KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING SO CUTE ABOUT LITTLE BUNNIES.

>> YES.

Huell: WHAT IS IT?

>> WELL, BECAUSE THEY HAVE A BABY FACE, A VERY INNOCENT LOOK ALL THE TIME.

THAT THAT'S WHAT ATTRACTS PEOPLE TO THE BUNNY IS THAT BUNNY INNOCENCE.

Huell: IS THIS THE BIG HIGHLIGHT OF THE TOUR OR JUST PART OF THE HIGHLIGHT?

>> DEPENDS ON WHO COMES.

SOME PEOPLE CAN SIT IN THESE CHAIRS FOR A WHOLE HALF HOUR AND JUST WATCH THE BUNNIES, AND THEY BRING BUNNY FOOD.

WE ASK PEOPLE TO BRING BUNNY FOOD.

AND SO THEY'LL BRING APPLES AND BANANAS AND CHERRIES AND PEACHES.

Huell: AND YOU LOOK AT YOU THERE SURROUNDED BY BUNNIES ALL BEHIND YOU, TOO.

>> YES.

AND WE HAVE ALL OUR BOOKS HERE.

WE HAVE ABOUT 1,000 BOOKS.

Huell: ABOUT BUNNIES?

>> ALL BUNNY BOOKS.

AND WHAT YOU'RE HOLDING BACK, IS OUR GROCERY BAG HOLDER.

Huell: OH, HA!

AND LOOK HERE.

THESE ARE BUNNY-- >> CAKE PANS.

Huell: CAKE PANS.

>> WE USE THEM.

Huell: OH, MY GOD.

>> AND WE HAVE PUZZLES AND BUNNY FOOD, PASTA.

Huell: WOW.

>> IF WE CAN FIND IT IN BUNNY, WE'LL GET IT.

Huell: WE COULD POUR SOME WATER OUT OF A BUNNY PITCHER.

>> AND OUR SILVERWARE.

Huell: WE COULD HAVE SOME BUNNY-- >> THAT'S A PIE THING, BUT HERE'S A SPOON.

FORKS.

Huell: THIS IS TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL.

YOU KNOW THAT DON'T YOU?

>> NO!

IT'S NOT!

Huell: YOU KNOW THIS IS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL.

>> NO!

IT'S WONDERFUL.

EVERYTHING IS BUNNY.

Huell: LOOK, BUNNY--LOOK!

>> PINATAS.

Huell: YEAH.

>> AND OUR CLOCK IS A BUNNY.

Huell: LOOK, HERE'S A BUNNY CLOCK.

>> THAT'S A FRY PAN, OUR CALENDARS.

Huell: BUNNY CALENDAR.

A BUNNY CHEF.

>> AND ALL THE MAGNETS-- Huell: AND LOOK AT THE BUNNY ON THE REFRIGERATOR.

OF COURSE, ALL BUNNY MAGNETS.

THE WHOLE REFRIGERATOR TOP TO BOTTOM.

>> NO.

NO.

THEY ONLY GO SO FAR.

Huell: THEN WHAT HAPPENS?

>> THE BUNNIES PULL THEM OFF AND CHEW THEM AND PLAY WITH THEM.

Huell: SO THEY BUNNIES CUT OFF RIGHT HERE TO KEEP THE REAL BUNNIES FROM EATING THEM.

>> YEAH.

MM-HMM.

SO THE WHOLE HOUSE IS BUNNY PROOF.

YOU KNOW A BABY-PROOF HOUSE IS EVERYTHING 3 FEET OFF THE GROUND THE HUMAN CHILD CAN GET IN TROUBLE WITH.

SAME THING WITH THE BUNNY.

Huell: BUNNIES ON TOP OF THE STOVE.

BUNNIES--THIS IS A WHOLE BUNNY, LOOK AT THIS.

>> THIS IS FITZ AND FLOYD, THIS WHOLE FITZ AND FLOYD LINE.

Huell: FITZ AND FLOYD?

>> YES.

A VERY HIGH-END LINE.

SOUP TUREEN.

Huell: THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.

>> AND THIS IS ARTHUR COURT.

IT'S A CALIFORNIA LINE.

WE ONLY COLLECT THE BUNNIES, OF COURSE.

HE DOES MAKE-- Huell: WAIT A MINUTE.

LOOK AT THIS.

BUGS BUNNY PLATES.

>> WELL, YOU SEE ALL OUR DISHES ARE BUNNY.

WE HAVE CHINA FOR DINNER PARTIES.

AND THEN PLASTIC FOR EVERYWHERE.

AND IT'S OVERFLOWED ONTO THE COUNTER.

BECAUSE WE JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM.

Huell: AND THESE ARE KINDA MODERN BUNNIES, MORE SUBTLE.

>> PEOPLE DON'T DO WHAT HUELL DOES.

Huell: OH, I'M SORRY.

I'M PICKING IT UP AGAIN.

>> THEY'RE GONNA COME AND COPY YOU.

DO NOT DO THIS.

Huell: I'M SORRY.

I CAN'T KEEP MY HANDS OFF OF THESE THINGS.

LOOK AT THIS BUNNY.

>> THOSE ARE MY GLASSES.

I JUST PUT THEM THERE TO KEEP 'EM.

Huell: HA!

AND A BUNNY--LOOK AT THE PURPLE BUNNY.

HERE'S ANOTHER BUNNY WITH SUNGLASSES ON DOWN HERE.

>> CALIFORNIA, YOU GOTTA HAVE YOUR SUNGLASSES.

Huell: AND MORE BUNNIES?

>> WELL, WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT THIS WHOLE CABINET IS ALL COOKIE JARS.

Huell: LOOK AT THIS, CAMERON.

A WHOLE--THESE ARE ALL COOKIE JARS.

2 LEVELS OF THEM.

>> AND THEN MORE COOKIE JARS HERE AND MORE DISHES.

Huell: MORE COOKIE JARS HERE.

DOES ANYTHING EVER GET IN HERE THAT'S NOT BUNNY?

DOES ANY--DOES ANY OTHER KIND-- LOOK AT THIS.

OF COURSE, TRIX.

♪ HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL, HOPPING DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL ♪ WE'VE COME OUTSIDE THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

WELL, THIS IS ACTUALLY STILL PART OF THE BUNNY MUSEUM.

BUT THIS LOOKS LIKE A FOLK ART BUNNY EXHIBIT OVER HERE.

LOOK AT ALL THIS STUFF OVER HERE.

>> WELL, THIS IS OUR DRIVEWAY.

AND THIS IS THE GARDEN OF BROKEN DREAMS.

Huell: AHH.

>> THIS IS EVERYTHING THAT STEVE AND I HAVE BROKEN.

AND WE PLANT IT TO GROW AGAIN.

YOU SEE CUPS AND PLATES AND BOWLS.

IT'S VERY EASY TO BREAK SOMETHING WHEN YOU'RE WASHING DISHES ON THE FAUCET.

Huell: SO, YOU DON'T THROW ANYTHING AWAY?

>> WE PLANT IT TO GROW AGAIN.

Huell: WOW!

THAT IS SO NICE.

AND IT HAS IT'S OWN THEME TO IT.

>> WE GET A LOT OF ARTISTS COMING AND PHOTOGRAPHING THIS.

BECAUSE IT HAS A VERY INTERESTING LOOK.

Huell: YOU ALL HAVE THOUGHT THIS THING THROUGH, HAVEN'T YOU?

>> WE HAVE.

Huell: IT'S NOT JUST HAPHAZARD.

>> NO, NO, NO.

Huell: WELL, I LOVE THE GARDEN OF BROKEN DREAMS.

BUT I REALLY LOVE THIS.

STANDING THERE LOOKING RIGHT AT US.

THERE'S GOTTA BE A STORY BEHIND THIS BUNNY.

>> GLEN.

THIS IS GLEN.

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT GLEN.

Huell: WHAT'S THE DEAL?

>> HE JUST CAME.

IT'S A ROSE FLOAT FROM THE ROSE PARADE FROM THIS YEAR.

Huell: OH, WOW!

>> THE CITY OF GLENDALE AND THE PHOENIX DECORATING COMPANY DONATED THAT TO THE MUSEUM.

WE HAVE 8 FLOATS FROM THE ROSE PARADE.

Huell: THAT HAD BUNNIES ON THEM.

>> BUNNY FLOATS.

YEAH.

AND THAT'S ON THERE.

Huell: OH, LOOK.

THAT'S A BIG ONE.

>> BIGGER THAN THE ONE ON THE FRONT LAWN.

Huell: SO THAT'S OFF AN OLD ROSE PARADE-- >> YEAH.

TORTOISE AND THE HARE.

UH-HUH.

THIS WAS A MECHANICAL ONE.

THE HEAD DID MOVE.

SO THAT'S WHY IT'S SLICED THERE.

THE HEAD WOULD BOBBLE ON THE FLOAT.

Huell: SO YOU'RE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT.

>> YEAH.

BUT I GOTTA TELL YOU WHAT WE'VE LEARNED THE PAWS ARE MADE OF.

SEE THE PAWS?

THOSE ARE CALLED BUNNY TAILS IN NATURE.

IT'S ACTUALLY LIKE A PUSSY WILLOW.

IT'S CALLED BUNNY TAILS.

AND THAT'S WHAT THE PAW PART IS.

YEAH.

Huell: ALL RIGHT, NOW WE HAVE NOT SEEN YOUR BEDROOM, YOUR BATHROOM-- >> AND OFFICE.

Huell: AND YOUR OFFICE.

>> SO WE DON'T SHOW A THIRD OF THE HOUSE THIS WAY.

WE KEEP THAT PRIVATE.

Huell: IS THAT A BUNNY THEME AS WELL.

>> WE HAVE BUNNY BED, BUNNY BLANKETS, BUNNY PILLOWS, BUNNY LAMPS, BUNNY TOWELS, TOOTHBRUSH, COMB.

EVERYTHING IS BUNNY.

Huell: BUT THAT'S NOT PART OF THE TOUR.

YOU GOTTA SAVE SOMETHING.

>> PRIVATE, YES.

Huell: NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE TOURS.

PEOPLE HAVE TO CALL AHEAD OF TIME.

'CAUSE THIS IS A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND YOU LIVE HERE.

>> YES.

Huell: THIS IS YOUR HOUSE.

>> WELL, WHAT WE FIND SO AMAZING IS THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY COME FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

AND THEN THEY'LL WALK IN AND THEY'LL SAY, "YOU JUST CAME HERE?"

THEY CAN'T GRASP THAT WE LIVE HERE.

AND THEN PEOPLE THINK THAT I DRIVE FOR THE 2:00 APPOINTMENT THAT THEY'VE MADE.

THAT I DRIVE HERE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND SHOW THEM.

Huell: WAIT A MINUTE.

YOU GOTTA UNDERSTAND MOST OF US WOULD NOT RELATE TO THIS AS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE LIVE.

>> I CAN'T.

I KNOW.

I KNOW.

IT'S TAKEN US A WHILE TO UNDERSTAND THAT.

BUT IT STILL BLOWS ME AWAY.

NO, WE EAT HERE.

WE EAT IN THE KITCHEN, WATCH TV.

NORMAL HOUSE.

NORMAL HOUSE.

BUT EVERYTHING IS BUNNY.

YOU HAVE A TOILET, BUT OUR TOILET SEAT COVER IS A BUNNY COVER.

AND YOU HAVE KLEENEX BUT ARE KLEENEX BOXES ARE BUNNY ON THEM.

Huell: YEAH.

>> SO IT'S NORMAL.

Huell: WELL, I GOTTA TELL YOU.

THIS HOUSE--I WASN'T SURE WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS MUSEUM.

YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF REALLY GOOD STUFF IN HERE, A LOT OF REALLY KITSCHY STUFF HERE, A LOT OF EXPENSIVE STUFF HERE, A LOT OF INEXPENSIVE STUFF HERE.

BUT IT'S ALL FUN.

AND IT'S ALL--YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE AND NOT HAVE A GOOD TIME.

>> YEAH.

IT'S FUNNY.

ONE LADY CAME BY AND SHE'S WALKING AROUND.

AND SHE GOES, "YOU KNOW YOU HAVE SOME REALLY NICE PIECES.

THEY SHOULD BE IN A MUSEUM."

HA HA HA.

IT WAS SO FUNNY.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE--AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY'RE FEELING.

BECAUSE THEY SEE A HOME AND THEY DON'T THINK MUSEUM.

THEY THINK, YOU KNOW, A BIG PEDESTAL WITH ONE ITEM AND 6 LIGHTS ON IT.

Huell: NOT THIS MUSEUM.

>> WELL, WHAT WE'RE SHOWING PEOPLE IS THAT ALL MUSEUMS--WE TEACH A LOT OF KIDS THIS-- ALL MUSEUMS START WITH PRIVATE COLLECTIONS--THE GETTY, SMITHSONIAN, NORTON SIMON.

THOSE ARE ALL INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE.

Huell: SO WAIT A MINUTE.

IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF A MUCH BIGGER-- >> YES.

MOST PEOPLE DIE AND THEN THEIR COLLECTIONS BECOME A BIG DEAL.

WE'RE SHOWING OUR COLLECTION BEFORE WE'VE DIED.

Huell: IS IT GOING TO GET EVEN BIGGER?

>> YES.

WE'RE OUT OF ROOM.

AS YOU CAN SEE, IT'S PRETTY CROWDED.

AND 4 YEARS AGO WE KNEW THAT.

SO WE HAVE IN THE MAKINGS IN ABOUT 10 YEARS, WE'RE GOING TO MOVE TO A PLACE 10 TIMES BIGGER.

Huell: OH, MY GOSH.

>> BECAUSE, BECAUSE WE NEED A PARKING LOT.

BUT OUR PARKING LOT'S GOING TO BE SHAPED LIKE A BUNNY FROM THE SKY.

Huell: OK.

I'VE REACHED MY LIMIT.

I'VE REACHED MY LIMIT ON BUNNY STUFF.

I LOVE BUNNIES.

BUT I'VE REACHED MY LIMIT.

BUT I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HAVE FUN, SEE A COLLECTION OF BUNNIES.

>> A GUINNESS RECORD.

Huell: YEAH!

>> MOST PEOPLE DON'T SEE A GUINNESS RECORD COLLECTION.

Huell: AND MORE THAN THAT, MEET A NICE LADY.

>> OH, THANK YOU.

Huell: YOU KNOW, RABBIT PEOPLE, BUNNY PEOPLE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.

THEY'RE FUN PEOPLE.

>> THEY ARE.

Huell: YOU'VE GOT GOOD HEARTS.

>> THANKS.

THANKS.

Huell: AND WE HAVE HAD AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TIME.

>> OH, IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL.

Huell: THIS HAS BEEN MORE FUN THAN I REALIZED IT WAS GONNA BE.

AND BEFORE I LEAVE, WE'RE GONNA SIT DOWN AND OPEN UP THIS BOTTLE OF ROCK RABBIT.

>> AND WE'RE GONNA ROCK.

Huell: NOW, WHAT IS IT THAT YOU SAY TO EVERYBODY TO END THEIR EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUNNY MUSEUM AS THEY ARE LEAVING, AS THEY ARE WALKING OUT YOUR FRONT DOOR?

>> HAVE A HOPPY DAY.

Huell: HAVE A HOPPY DAY, EVERYBODY.

Man: ♪ HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL, HOPPING DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL, HIPPITY HOPPITY, EASTER'S ON ITS WAY, BRINGING EVERY GIRL AND BOY A BASKETFUL OF EASTER JOY, MADE TO MAKE YOUR EASTER BRIGHT AND GAY ♪ >> WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS A LOVE STORY.

WE DIDN'T SET OUT TO DO A MUSEUM AT ALL.

IT WAS A VERY PRIVATE THING.

EVERYTHING YOU SEE ARE GIFTS BETWEEN STEVE AND I. Huell: ALL THESE BUNNIES?

>> YES.

Huell: YOU GIVE TO EACH OTHER?

>> YEAH, ABOUT 1% IS FROM FAMILY OR THE PUBLIC--THAT THEY WANT TO GIVE A THANK YOU.

BUT WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS STEVE AND OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE.

[CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY KCET PUBLIC TELEVISION AND FRIENDS OF NCI]