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The 'Black Dahlia' Revisited: Los Angeles Police Museum Unveils 'Elizabeth' Exhibit
A 'Black Dahlia' exhibit is now on view at the Los Angeles Police Museum—thanks to crime writer James Ellroy. (Photo: Los Angeles Police Museum)
by Adrienne Dorsey / Special to LAist
More than 65 years after her mysterious murder in Los Angeles, “Black Dahlia” Elizabeth Short’s unsolved case is now part of the Elizabeth exhibit at the Los Angeles Police Museum.
The mutilation slaying of 22-year-old Short, nicknamed "Black Dahlia" by reporters, has captivated the public since her bisected body was found on a vacant lot in Leimert Park on January 15, 1947. The exhibit is sponsored by bestselling crime fiction author James Ellroy, who penned The Black Dahlia in 1987.
Elizabeth features highlights from the extensive police files, never-before-seen photographs, news clippings of the crime, police memorabilia, and other intriguing artifacts curated by Ellroy and volunteers. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck gave the museum unprecedented access to the previously unseen case files, allowing the public their first glimpse of portions of the official LAPD investigation.
The exhibition runs now through June 16. Located in Highland Park, the Los Angeles Police Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and every third Saturday of the month, 9 am to 3 pm. Adult admission is $8.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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