Summary of Content
6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3605, USA
Phone +1 323-930-2277
Don’t turn up your nose at the word “automotive” in the Petersen Museum’s name. And whatever you do, don’t dismiss it with an arrogant: “I’m not a car person.” If you do, you could easily miss an experience you would actually love.
Reviews of the Peterson include phrases seldom used when describing any single place: “artfully arranged,” “car geeks,” “Impeccable curation,” “hot rods,” and “architectural award winner.” Car enthusiasts enjoy it, but so do people who love to see beautiful, well-designed objects, enjoy movie history, and just about everyone else.
Things to Do at the Petersen Automotive Museum
It will take about three hours to explore the museum’s three floors and gawk at the 50 or so cars on regular display. Admission to all of these permanent exhibits is included with a general admission ticket:
- Cars of Film and Television: This must be the most-photographed exhibit in the museum. Everyone loves to take photos of movie vehicles, including the original “Back to the Future” DeLorean, Herbie the Love Bug, and the Batmobile.
- Cars Mechanical Institute: Sponsored by Disney and Pixar, this exhibit allows visitors to learn about the mechanical systems that make cars work through interactive features based on Pixar’s popular animated films.
- Alternative Power: This exhibit explores all types of powertrains from steam to gasoline to modern electric cars.
- Forza Motorsports Racing: Here, you can get into a racing simulator and experience the thrill of driving a race car.
Major exhibitions change every three to 12 months, showcasing artwork inspired by cars or featuring vehicles created by artists. Smaller exhibits and individual vehicles also rotate frequently. Check the current exhibits at the Petersen website.
Add another two hours to your visit time if you want to see The Vault, where you can view the museum’s storage area for over 250 rare cars, motorcycles, and trucks built over more than a century.
Guided tours are available for 75 or 120 minutes. Spaces are limited, so purchasing a general admission ticket, along with a separate admission for the tour, is advisable to avoid disappointment. Make sure you can attend your selected tour time, as tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged.
Annual Events at the Petersen
The third floor of the Petersen’s parking garage also serves as an exhibit and event space, hosting cruise-in events on Sunday mornings, including the annual Ferrari cruise-in held in February and a European Car Show in May.
Additionally, they host a Cars & Fashion runway show in partnership with LA Fashion Week each March.
Visiting the Petersen With Kids
Children, aged 3 and older, must have a ticket, and kids must be older than 10 to participate in a Vault Tour.
Car-loving kids will enjoy the whole museum, while budding engineers may find the Design Lab and Cars Mechanical Institute particularly engaging.
For families with young children, there is a play area on the second floor where kids can expend energy by playing with toy cars, designing cars on a screen, drawing, and building LEGO cars for racing.
The Architecture of the Petersen
Exploring just the interior of the Petersen is entertaining; however, visitors would miss its striking exterior.
The Petersen’s exterior is adorned with red, stainless-steel ribbons forming a shape reminiscent of a classic car hood. Opinions on its design may vary widely, but discussions are sure to arise.
Since completing renovations in 2015, the building has appeared on lists of unattractive buildings in LA, yet it has also been recognized by the Chicago Atheneum’s 2017 American Architecture Awards, which identified it as one of the most significant and unforgettable structures in Los Angeles.
Tips for Visiting the Petersen Museum
The Petersen exhibits classic cars rather than futuristic concept vehicles. If you are more interested in cutting-edge designs, consider visiting the LA Auto Show.
Purchasing tickets online allows you to skip any entrance lines. However, take note that tickets are non-refundable and expire one year from the date of purchase. Online ticket sales cease each morning, so don’t wait until the day you plan to visit.
Be sure to check the current hours at the Petersen website, but avoid trying to rush in at the last minute; many exhibits and experiences close approximately 30 minutes before the museum’s official closing time. Arriving at least two hours before closing is recommended to maximize your experience.
Expect to be on your feet for most of your visit; the only vehicle available for seating is a 1910 Ford Model T located on the third floor.
Leave oversized bags and purses at home; security will request that any deemed excessive be stored in their office. Other prohibited items include monopods, tripods, umbrellas, selfie sticks, and similar equipment. Additionally, backpacks, food, and drinks are not allowed in The Vault.
You are welcome to take photographs in the main museum, however, photography or video recording is not permitted in The Vault.
If hunger strikes during your visit, consider dining at Drago Ristorante on the ground floor, which also offers validated parking for a small discount.
Note that the parking structure lacks elevators. If traveling with someone who uses a stroller, wheelchair, or has limited mobility, drop them off on the first floor (P1) level of the garage before proceeding to park.
Essential Information
The museum’s address is 6060 Wilshire Blvd, located near Museum Row—one of the premier neighborhoods to visit in LA. Nearby attractions include the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), the La Brea Tar Pits, and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
The Petersen operates most days of the year, except on significant holidays. Be sure to check the Petersen website for their current schedule.
You have the option to drive to the Petersen and park in their convenient parking lot, which offers ample space; however, parking fees may be as costly as an adult admission ticket. While street parking is limited, if you wish to try your luck, approach 6th Street behind LACMA, where free parking is available on the north side of the street.
