Who says there’s no humor in death? In Los Angeles, you can visit one of just two Coroner’s gift shops in the country. The store was founded in the 1990s, and is still running strong. Located within the Coroner/Medical Examiner’s complex, the shop features a variety of gift items that will amuse anyone with a dark sense of humor.
The gift shop is located in the original building, which is the former site of Los Angeles General Hospital. This building houses the administrative and public-facing offices; another building in the back is where the real work takes place.
Skeletons in the Closet is located to the right, just inside the front door, in Room 208. There is a discrete “Gift Shop” sign on the glass door to let you know you’re in the right place.
The store sells a wide variety of apparel items, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
The store’s speciality is the iconic body chalk outline synonymous with crime scene investigations. You can get post-it notes in the shape of a chalk outline, or a beach towel.
You can find gifts for anyone on your list, including coffee mugs, drinking glasses, and mini skeletons.
The sign that greets visitors near the checkout counter.
The front entrance features a beautiful mosaic dating back to when it was the Los Angeles General Hospital.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Skeletons in the Closet is located at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, 1104 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles. The store is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. However, it may be wise to call first to ensure they are open. Several reviewers on Yelp have reported the coverage can be spotty at times.