The Society for the Examination of Cultural Ephemera (SPECE)
My exploration of largely uncharted bars, cafes, and retreats brought me to the doorstep of the Society for the Examination of Cultural Ephemera (SPECE), nestled on Corsica's Route One.
This distinctive, quirky, and inventive locale serves as a retro-themed cafe, retreat, and petite virtual museum committed to preserving and exploring ephemera, boasting various exhibits across the space. The focus predominantly lies on retro (1950s-1980s) technology, furnishings, and artwork, making it a haven for enthusiasts of pop culture and memorabilia from these bygone eras.
SPECE is home to five unique areas: the screening room, which featured ‘Night of the Living Dead’ during my visit; the 50s-60s Living Room/Kitchen; the 60s-70s Rec Room, The Patio, and The Boardgame Room.
Additionally, a teleportation point offers access to an 80-90s Executive Lounge and an unboxing room. These areas were less appealing for me; I found the true magic at ground level.
Highlights of my visit to SPECE included:
The 1950s-era colossal computers
The outdoor patio space with fairground-style attractions that vary from a llama to a New York yellow cab - the twist being these are operational, allowing you to traverse Corsica
The vintage furniture
The cafe serving both espresso/coffee and pastries
The furniture primarily sources from retro aficionados % percent, and with the environment set to moderate, it includes couple cuddle animations, steering clear of adult content.
In essence, SPECE offers an experience distinct from the myriad cafes scattered across SL, showcasing meticulous curation with appeal for diverse tastes, even for those not particularly drawn to 50s-80s retro aesthetics.
