Ruddy's General Store Museum

It’s a small place so you’re in and out, but it was cool to look through. Dog friendly too.

Great place. Lots and lots of stuff to see. Donation.

Closed at the time of my visit.

A must stop whenever you're in Downtown Palm Springs. All ages ideal to check out their massive and magnificent collection of items from the last century. Some really cool items - all 100% authentic and not replicated as the tour guide will explain. It's free (donations accepted) and PS is lucky to have it available. Stop by and say hello as they're always so welcoming and excited to show off their collection and tell you all the stories. It was packed when I went which was nice to see but it flowed through nicely.

I heard about this general store museum from a friend and the fact they have items from 1800 in their original packaging. I tried to visit it, but it's closed the day we were there.

Cool Vintage Collection from the 1930's We came by the museum to check out the extensive collection of one man, Mr Jim Ruddy. Unfortunately, I didn't see anything that was familiar to me since the vintage treasure trove were from the depression era. I may look old but I wasn't born in the depression era. LoL! The Great Depression started in October 29, 1929. When we entered the museum a sweet elderly lady greeted us at the door. She was seated at a table behind the cast iron railing that separated the visitors from the collection. She cheerfully took our money as we handed it to her ($1/person admission fee) and asked us if we'd like to hear a little history about the museum and the man behind the collection. She proceeded to tell us the story and we were all ears. Immediately, as we passed through the entrance we were suddenly transported back in time. The items were from 1930's and early 1940's. She said everything in the museum is authentic and original recreated to display like that in a general store of that period. It was an amazing display that transported us back in time. We took our time going around the store as we tried to place ourselves back in that era: the fixtures, the signs, the products: groceries, cigarettes, hardware, clothing, hats, medicines, yarn and sewing items, beauty products, "Hallmark" cards, soaps, and toys. I mean, the Monopoly board game. had wooden pieces back in 1935. Many of the items were unused and 95% of them were filled with their original contents (medicines on the shelves). The museum is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive. In 1983, Mr. Ruddy created "Ruddy's 1930s General Store Museum" in Palm Springs, CA. He passed away in April 2017. The store is being well taken care of by his good friend... the sweet lady that welcomed us in the beginning. Review #1523

During the Yelp Palm Springs getaway, we had a little spare time to spend from one event to another so we decided to visit this small museum. It might be small in size but it's actually packed with a lot of memorabilia from the 30s and 40s. This massive treasure was painstakingly collected by Mr. Jim Ruddy for many years and was eventually arranged as if this was an actual general store from the depression era. Everything was surprisingly authentic and well preserved. You'll be amazed how organized the displays were as if looking at a real store. Every item is arranged accordingly in each section. There were groceries, pharmacy, cigarettes, hardware, clothing, cosmetics, toys, etc. A $1 donation will grant you entry to the museum but we actually gave more than that. It's a pleasure speaking with the lovely lady overlooking the museum who's ready to tell you stories and answer any of your questions.

Cool little museum definitely worth an hour or so on a hot summer day! We dropped by Ruddy's 1930s General Store Museum well exploring downtown Palm Springs during the recent Yelp PS getaway event. I am old enough to recognize a lot of the items in here, including some that are still in production. The interesting thing to me is that nothing was plastic. of course, that's because plastic was not invented and in common use in the 1930s. I highly recommend this quaint establishment for a trip down memory lane. the lovely air conditioning alone was worth the dollar price of admission!

Very cool for anyone interested in history! This is a magnificent collection of goods. There are many old medicinal remedies still in the original glass with such well preserved labels! It's really impressive. They have pickles that are 80 years old! From mascara to greeting cards, clothing to medicine this little museum has so much inside. It's definitely worth checking out!! The woman at the door was really sweet & had great information to offer us. Make sure to check days/hours of operation.

Rudy's was closed when we stumbled upon it "Thank you Covid-19!" but we peeked through the windows and what a historical little treasure! Beautifully curated as well, very cool.

So happy that I got to visit this museum since it was on my bookmarks of wanting to see while in PS. Such a little hidden gem. The admission is $1 to enter which is amazing for such an amazing experience. The lady at the front desk, Sally, was such a wonderful person. We got to talk to her for awhile and she was the sweetest person ever. She gave us a little more of the history about the owner of the collection. So many cool prescription bottles that have never been opened and are in there original packages. Also, there is an old Monopoly game from 1935 which I thought was pretty cool. Definitely bring a camera so you can take pics of the vintage items in here! A must see if ever in PS!!!

The place evidently has been shut down due to Covid. It's too bad cause the history is necessary. It still sits with everything in it but closed. You can see some through the window

Such an outstanding collection of made in Amerca items. From housewares, to food items (still in unopened packages), drugs and makeup, cleaning supplies, pipes & tobacco, beverages, candy, greeting cards, hats, clothing, and so much more! Admission is 95 cents for adults. Such a bargain! The building was built to house this collection. It never had been a store. All of the items are for display; none are for sale. A docent told us about the collection and history of its assemblage. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. My brother got the kids involved in an I Spy kind of challenge -- to find items that are still being made today. That made it more engaging for them and helped focus in on the massive quantity of stuff down to a more narrow sampling. The museum sits back from Palm Canyon Drive in a huddle with other mini-museums, which is actually a great idea. There was no air conditioning on a warm afternoon, which would also reflect the reality of what it would have been like back in the days before A/C. This is a fun way to see how our ancestors might have shopped in their time. Great treasure!

Ruddy's General Store Museum was listed on the Preferred Vendors list for Yelp Palm Springs Away, and we were happy to stroll over on Sunday morning. Located in the Village Green Heritage Center, it is an easy access visit in Downtown Palm Springs for a dollar! Ruddy's started in one of my favorite ways for a museum to start, a guy named Ruddy collecting memorabilia over decades out of pure love for the memories of trips to the store! More a time capsule than a museum, stepping in transports you back to the 1930's when bubble gum was bought with a coin and the general store was a centerpiece to town. All items in the collection are not for sale, and are still in their original packaging - impressive! There are very few description cards, which gives reason to chat with the clerk about the collection. My favorite part was all the old advertisements, both from beloved brands we still know and ones long gone. And the boot collection! Whether you remember your own past or Grandpa's prices - or just want to trip out and the price changes over the years - Ruddy's is definitely worth a stroll through.

Only a dollar to get in and small children are free. Pretty extensive collection of old tiny consumer goods. Only takes a few minutes to check out I think it's worth a look.

People of all ages can appreciate Mr Ruddy's collection of items dating back to a time when none of us were alive. It cost $1 to take a trip back in time and it won't take long to stroll through the one room museum. I challenge you all to take a few minutes to take a glimpse into a time gone by and how people saw and bought goods back in the "olden days". Find as many items as you can that we see today but in newly marketed packaging. Take the kids and play a game of finding their favorite candy or food that may be packaged differently now. It's good to take a brief step back in time. Thank you Mr Ruddy.

Stumbled upon this hidden gem while exploring downtown. Fascinating to see this extensive collection of 100+ year old antique items in pristine condition! All items were original, dating back to the Great Depression and World War II--everything from pharmacy, grocery to clothing and toys. This collection is a must-see in Downtown Palm Springs! Well worth the small donation to support this small establishment. Come and help keep this piece of American History open!!

Awesome time capsule of 1930s (and earlier) general store stuff. Ask the lady and she can show you some items up close.

A total gem! We came to Palm Springs for our honeymoon & when doing some research into local museums this one stood out as a must see. A $1 to enter and step back into the 1920s is well worth every penny. The collector who established this collection and museum has kept it in amazing condition. There is a lovely woman (whose name escapes me) who was so knowledgeable and sweet. If you're in Palm Springs and are into vintage items it's a must see.

Closed for summer. Unhappy. Lol I'll try to come back another time (in the winter) with an updated review.

We had a truly memorable time looking through Ruddy's General Store Museum. It was fun and educational to see the goods that people used in their daily lives in the 1930s. Many of the brands of items are still on store shelves today. When we entered the store, we were greeted by Sally who told us about the history of the store, and answered any questions that we had about the over 6000 items. We were even able to share the visual experience live with my mother and father (who live in Montana) using Facebook Messenger! It was a great "trip down memory lane" for them, and brought all of us great pleasure. It is a day that we will remember for a long time. Thank you Mr. Ruddy for putting together the excellent collection, and Sally for welcoming us, and sharing with us.

$0.95 Admission The sign is small print and you kind of feel guilty if you don't stay... It's a cool place though. Upon entering, the lady (with a cute sleeping dog) provides some background of the museum. The building was made to store these items and was never actually a General Store. In fact, the building is younger than that Adobe Museum. The items are in original packaging and it's interesting to see the items made back them. ALMOST everything is from the 30s-40s. I believe the loop hole are those saltines :)

This lovely authentic little gem is run by Sally, a friend of the late collector and retired museum director. Take your time here. It's the cheapest ($1!) interesting thing you can in Palm Springs.

My kids & I love coming here! A $1 donation is requested upon entrance. All items are for display only & not for sale. The volunteer is always courteous & informative. So much antique merchandise & memorabilia to see & appreciate! We learned that all of the items were someone's private collection dating back to the 1930's. However, the items appear to date back to the 1800's through the 1950's.

Who here remembers "The Waltons," that wholesome TV show from the 1970s about a large Blue Ridge Mountain family coping with the trials of the Great Depression? To paraphrase another culture touchstone of the era, love would keep them together. Well . . . love and maybe some credit from the local general store. Whether your recollection of those increasingly far-off days of yesteryear is born of production company nostalgia or first-hand experience, Ruddy's General Store Museum will take you back. The token admission charge grants you access to a room full of vintage packages of cereals and canned goods and cleaning supplies and tobacco and celluloid collars all preserved in a "lovingly reproduced" old-time-general-store setting. If you're a baby-boomer, take your parents; if you're my age, take your grandparents; if you're younger than me, go play in the traffic on Palm Canyon Drive and leave us grown-ups alone. Whatever your age, though, you won't be sorry for the half-hour and ninety-cents you spend at Ruddy's General Store Museum. It's also a damned sight cheaper than spending an equivalent amount of time up the street at the Spa Casino.

Cute little museum in Palm Springs, it's $1 per person quiet small but they do have a nice collection going on.

Just amazing. So much cool old-timey stuff packed into such a small space. Whoever put this together did an amazing job.

What a cool place! I wish they sold little "historical" snacks or trinkets to help raise some money. But they put a great deal of time and energy into the museum. And the woman (sorry forgot her name) who gave us a little impromptu tour was awesome! She knew the former owner/collector and had a bunch of great stories to tell. So glad we stopped by.

Check the website to make sure they are open! I relied on yelp hours and was disappointed to find that they were closed for the month. It's summer so being the offseason we find a lot of things are closed and it's my bad that I didn't check the hours other than those listed on yelp. Live and learn! I gave them two stars because the one outdoor display they had looked quality from the outside!

Loved this place! It's actually a collection set up as a museum. It's very small but had tons of stuff dating back to the 1800's! Only .95 cents to get in, and children are free. Nothing is actually for sale

An absolutely fantastic encapsulation of Americana throughout the late 1800s to mid 1950s. Sally, the tour guide, gave us a quick introduction then let us roam. If you've ever purchased any product in your entire life, you'll be interested in checking this museum out. Very thankful that Ruddy got the notion to start this collection, and had the heart to share it with all of us for just a 95cent admission. Highly recommend!

One of our favorite places to visit in Palm Springs or anywhere else. An awesome collection of goods from the early part of the 20th century. Highly recommended for its historical importance, plus it is fun to see everything in one spot.

This is a great spot to check out if you're into historical sites! There are so many items at this store and they are all original and some are even unopened. It's only $1 to see which is worth it in my opinion. There's a woman named Sally who works there and she is so sweet and provided us with history of the location and items. She made the trip even better! Great little spot in Palm Springs!

We visited this little building on our last trip to Palm Springs. What an amazing collection. It's a general store, right out of an old television show. All of the packages are original, many of them still have the product inside. There is all kinds of information about the products available. The lady at the entrance was extremely knowledgeable about the store, the products, and the gentleman who amassed this collection. She was very kind and eager to answer any questions we may have had or respond to our musings with some unposted information. Be sure to stop in here.

Fun little museum with a nominal 95-cent entry fee for adults (children under 12 are free). At Ruddy's, you can experience a general store just like it might have been in the 1930s and 40s, complete with stocked shelves of packaged candies, medicines, greeting cards, and anything else you can imagine you'd have found in a general store back then. Most of the items are apparently still filled with their original contents, and it's the largest collection of its kind. It's also just really cool to peruse the sorts of items that were on the shelves at that time, some familiar, some not. My son and I had a blast.

This is like walking into an incredibly curated time capsule. I've been several times and recently took my parents. They loved it, recognizing so many products and items from their childhood. Be sure to ask Sally the guide what some of her favorite items are and she'll point out some hidden gems.

When you step in here, feels like you've gone back in time. I've always thought it would be great to live in the 20's, and looking at the products in this place makes me think I'm right. It's only $0.95 admission, and though the place is really small (takes about 15 minutes to look through everything in decent detail), the items are really amazing. Definitely take the time to inspect each and every product, some should really amaze you. My only wish would be if there was more information about the history of the place, though you can always ask the very nice lady that takes care of the place.

This museum may be small, but it is certainly worth visiting if you're interested in the 1930s-40s. Don't forget to take plenty of pics and check out the other museums nearby when you're done.

This place is so cute. It's only $0.95 admission, well worth it. The collection of unopened cans, food, cigarettes, medication, sewing notions & other drug store items in so neat to see. Items ranging from the 1800 to the 1940s. The lady running the museum is very knowledgeable too & will answer any questions you may have. The shop is small but full of so many interesting items. My husband & I really enjoyed it.

If you are visiting downtown Palm Springs, take a few minutes to visit Ruddy's General Store Museum right in the center of town. The collection dating back 100 years shows what our parents and grandparents experienced growing up. You'll likely recognize some of the items on the shelves. My sister and I were thrilled to see Christmas ornaments that hung on our family Christmas tree when we were young children. We still have some of the ornaments today. It's a quick walk through with many interesting items. They only ask for a small donation. Stop in and support this local museum so it will continue for many more generations to enjoy.

This place was worth the trip to Palm Springs. Pay the 95 cents, it's worth it! It's kind of hidden though so you'll have to make sure that you know where you're going.

A fun little place to drop in to and the lovely young woman at the desk was so friendly and helpful!