Sports Museum of Los Angeles Closing its Doors After 4 Month Run

The Sports Museum of Los Angeles is closing to the general public, less than four months after it opened. Officials from the museum announced Tuesday that low attendance has forced them to close the museum to the general public. They will still be offering tours by reservation for groups of at least 15.

The museum showcases founder Gary Cypres' personal collection, valued at more than $30 million. It includes Babe Ruth's 1934 All-Star uniform, Joe DiMaggio's record-breaking ball from his 56-game hitting streak and a collection of notable NFL jerseys.

Cypres is the man behind not only the Museum, but the $30 million worth of memorabilia it houses as well, and the walls in which it is housed; the items are his own private collection and he owns the 1900 S. Main Street building. The Downtown News explains:

Cypres said he had hoped for a minimum attendance of 500 people per day, at least on the weekends. Instead, he said last week, he got maybe 100.

“I subsidize the whole thing; it’s not like the city helps or we have a bunch of trustees who contribute to it, and unfortunately given the current economics and attendance levels, it didn’t seem like now was the time to keep it open to the public,” Cypres said.

In February, the Sports Museum of America in New York City closed after just nine months, citing financial problems.