Visit Mike Bennett’s Free Crypto-Zoo: Museum of Mystery

Photo courtesy of Mike Bennett Art

This local artist’s menagerie of monsters are taking over St. Johns this fall. Visit the free Crypto-Zoo: Museum of Mystery for a first-of-its-kind art exhibit.

Mike Bennett is a Portland-based illustrator and public joy creator. You may have spotted some of his unique wooden cut outs at local attractions and gathering places throughout the city. He is most popular for his A to Zoo Family Museum, a series of fun and educational installations displayed in his front yard. Once you’re familiar with his style of art, you’ll start spotting it all around town. Your neighbor may even have one of his slow down signs in their yard.

This spooky season, Mike is moving his popular Halloween monster cut outs—known as The Crypto-Zoo—from his front yard into its own building for a brand new immersive art exhibit free for audiences of all ages.

Photo courtesy of Mike Bennett Art

From September 20-November 5, enjoy this family-friendly, educational experience open to all aspiring cryptid researchers and explorers. Crytpo-Zoo: Museum of Mystery lets you uncover 26 life-size cut outs of cryptids, monsters and mythical beasts. The creature features will trace each letter of the alphabet. All of them are original works of art created by Mike.

Along with the monsters there will be games and chances to win prizes. During special days the exhibit will host surprise guest appearances from some local celebrities, such as The Unipiper, beloved llamas and mystical mermaids.

Photo courtesy of Mike Bennett Art

Outside the building you’ll find the perfect place for a selfie. Visit Mike’s 20-foot-tall snail painted on the side of the building before or after your museum visit.

Crypto-Zoo: Museum of Mystery is taking place in St. Johns in the former Bank of America building at 7410 N. Chicago Ave. This free, family-friendly immersive art exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 18-November 5.

Masks are required and admittance will be limited for social distancing. For more information about the Crypto-Zoo: Museum of Mystery, visit the Mike Bennett Art’s website.