Originally the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting, the Pavek Museum is primarily known for its extensive collection of vintage radio, television, and broadcasting equipment. The initial museum was created from the collection of its namesake, Joe Pavek, who struggled to find someone to take over the collection. Just before Pavek planned to auction and break up the collection, Earl Bakken – the founder of Medtronic – and others stepped up to create the non-profit that ultimately led to the museum.
In recent years the museum has expanded into other communications areas – mostly digital, e.g., computers, cell phones, etc. – but the vintage items are still the most appealing.
[Does one really need a museum to show old cell phones of which I probably have somewhere squirreled away in my house?]
Background
I have only been to the museum once, over 20 years ago, arriving late afternoon, having about 60 minutes to visit before they closed for the day. What I seem to remember is the seemingly random arrangement of the collection, with miscellany just scattered about: in particular, I remembered stacks of reel-to-reel boxes with labels indicating broadcasts from a major local radio station. It felt more like a curated antique store than a museum. A visiting school class was there, running around as kids typically do: yelling at friends, touching exhibits that they probably shouldn’t be, doing a fake newscast.
I kept telling myself I needed to go back, but – obviously – didn’t.
My Visit
I was concerned that the museum was closed when I arrived to an empty parking lot on a Saturday afternoon, but the door was open and a woman was (wo)manning the from desk.
Immediately upon entry it was apparent that the museum had been renovated: a history of communications on large video screens; actual display cases; banners with info about important people in technology; new carpet, better lighting. Of course, my memories of the previous visit might be distorted, but the woman confirmed my suspicion, the pandemic providing the (unfortunately) opportunity to re-envision the museum. Definitely an improvement.
The main exhibit area is grouped by technology: telegraphs here, telephones there, big chunk of vintage radios over there, televisions, computers, cell phones, early weather radar, etc. Well arranged, well-lit, lots of eye candy. Some placards explaining what you’re looking at.
The main exhibit area is grouped by technology: telegraphs here, telephones there, lots of vintage radios over there, televisions, broadcasting equipment, early weather radar.
Overall, well-arranged, well-lit, not too cluttered, and a lot of eye candy.
When visiting museums, I often spend as much time (or more) reading the information on whatever is being displayed than actually admiring the object.
Recently, the Minneapolis Institute of Art had Caravaggio′s Judith and Holofernes on loan from Italy, and as wonderful as the painting itself was I read everything I could: about the painting, the context in history, the copies, the history.
Though the Pavek has some commentary about its collection, it left me wanting more.
Unique Exhibits
As you would expect, the museum has expanded past its original collection thirty years ago, both through acquisitions and loans
One area against the back wall showed military and war-time equipment used by both US and other countries, from the 1930’s on: the US-produced transmitter with Cyrillic for use by Russian-speaking soldiers; a WWII-era German radio with Swastika (and associated disclaimer); a homing beacon to rescue stranded soldiers.
The Germans developed the first reel-to-reel tape recorder, one of which was acquired by an American soldier and brought back to the United States. A long description discusses how the recorder was acquired and brought back to the United States, and its importance: Bing Crosby changed networks because one allowed him to record and edit a show for maximum impact rather than running live with the inevitable gaps, pauses, mistakes, whatever.
I probably spent the most time here because – no surprise – it had the longest explanation/description of any part of the museum.
Did you know: original magnetic tapes had the magnetic particles infused in the tape rather than coated on the surface.
Other Stuff
Ham radio, teletypes, radio repair, Minnesota Broadcaster Hall of Fame, intra-museum telephone system using different vintage of telephones, a model broadcast studio, and a CBS television camera used for both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions…..and lots and lots of radios!
For Children?
My previous visit coincided with a school trip, so there were kids running around; this trip was a weekend summer day. Though I don’t know what activities the museum runs for school groups, in general I don’t see much hands-on activities to enjoy: the intra-museum telephone system, some items are marked as being able to touch, the model broadcast studio. Younger children are likely to be bored immediately, pre-teens and teens maybe not immediately, but still seems limited. It would be best to go when there are planned activities or a school group.
The Pavel offers youth programs which, quite honestly, don’t excite me too much and don’t believe they would have when I was the target age. Of course, best to talk to those who have participated!
Planning Your Visit
As of August 2023
- Web: https://pavekmuseum.org/
- Address: 3517 Raleigh Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
- Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (1000-1700)
- Phone: 952-926-8198
- Admission: $11 adults, $6 children
