The Space:1999 Collectible and Nostalgic Exhibit was on display November 1 through 30, 1998, at the San Mateo Library in San Mateo (20 minutes south of San Francisco). This exhibit offers a look at our future through science fiction from the perspective of the seventies pop culture. The exhibit is not about fandom or science fiction per se, but reflects a different viewpoint from that of a generation of the cold war, the last days of the space race, and the Age of Aquarius.

The exhibit was visited by thousands of San Francisco Bay Area visitors. The television show brought back memories from many baby boomers and was also enjoyed by their children, who were intrigued by the toys. The exhibitor and science fiction collector, Dennis Gonzales, had so many artifacts to show in the small window that he changed the display every week. He especially enjoyed meeting library visitors and science fiction and space fans. The exhibit primarily examines the first season (out of two), because the first year was more artistic, using famous modern furnishings, and classical and pop music influenced by Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey."

"The exhibit is not just about pop culture, but is an art form that makes an attempt to infuse optimism and mysticism, perhaps even God, into today's cynical world. An easy way out from confusing plot lines perhaps, but 'Space:1999' defiantly pushed our consciences about the unknowns of space through science fiction. That was brilliant, and is missing from today's science fiction television and movies," says Dennis.

There are over 32 JPEGs from the exhibit. 4 thumbnails per page that link to photo size JPEGs in frames. Click on the photo size to see a larger JPEG. All autographs are from the collection of Dennis Gonzales, "Space:1999" Convention '78.

Dennis will have QuickTime tour available in the spring of 1999 and a new section about the first US Space:1999 Convention, called "Full Circle." The web site will also add sound bytes from a science fiction soundtrack radio program Dennis did on March 30, 1998, that included a psychedelic trip from "Space:1999" on a local college radio station, KFJC 89.7 FMs "Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack Show", hosted by Robert Emmet.

The reason for this exhibit existence is the same reason what Mr. Warnher von Braun wrote in 1975 about "Space:1999."

Enjoy the tour.