Candace Frazee, originally from Port Credit/Mississauga, Ontario, found her way to Pasadena, California, after marrying Steve Lubanski. What began as a heartfelt exchange between the couple—calling each other “Honey Bunny” and gifting bunny-themed treasures daily—blossomed into a remarkable collection. Together, they brought to life The Bunny Museum, a charming and enchanting haven dedicated entirely to rabbits, which first welcomed visitors in 1998.
This love-fueled endeavor earned a Guinness World Record in 1999 with 8,473 rabbit-related pieces. By 2025, The Bunny Museum had expanded to house over 40,550 rabbit-themed artifacts displayed across 16 immersive galleries in a 7,000-square-foot space, captivating visitors from around the world.
Steve Lubanski and Candace Frazee, co-founders of the Bunny Museum
However, tragedy struck in 2025 when the Eaton Fire devastated the museum. Although all live animals were safely evacuated, the fire destroyed the building, its collection, and the couple’s personal belongings. Candace recalls the harrowing night they watched the fire approach, attempting to save what they could in darkness with only a small flashlight. They lost over 60,000 bunny objects, including treasured antiques, contemporary art, and sentimental items like Candace's red Oleg Cassini wedding gown and their wedding album.
Despite the overwhelming loss, the community's response has been heartwarming. Thousands of people from LA County and around the world have reached out with letters, emails, and social media posts. Firefighters expressed their sorrow for not being able to save the museum, while families shared how much the museum meant to their children. Donations of bunny items have poured in from across the U.S., Canada, China, Sweden, England, and more.
Candace and Steve are determined to rebuild The Bunny Museum on the same site, this time with a fireproof and earthquake-resistant steel building. Their Swedenborgian faith gives them strength and purpose during this challenging time. As they begin to rebuild, Candace notes that while most of the original collection was built from gifts they gave each other, the future Bunny Museum will be largely composed of donated items from the community.
Supporters can help rebuild The Bunny Museum by donating through their GoFundMe campaign.
Candace and Steve also accept checks and gift cards for their personal use.
Those can be mailed to:
2335 E Colorado Blvd
Suite 115 PMB 350
Pasadena, CA 91107
As Candace reflects on the future, she envisions a Bunny Museum that is bigger, better, and stronger, continuing to bring joy to visitors from around the world.
“We have started to resume our daily gift-giving,” Candace shares, hopeful that The Bunny Museum will soon hop back into the hearts of many.
The Bunny Museum before the Altadena Fire
Blog by Mukta Cholette, President of Creative Marketing Ninja, Board Member of Canadians Abroad, and Québécoise living in Los Angeles.