Why visit
The Petersen delivers a thrilling, design-forward celebration of car culture that appeals far beyond hardcore enthusiasts, from Hollywood movie cars to record-setting racers. Its striking architecture and rotating exhibits make it one of the most visually memorable museums in Los Angeles.
The Petersen explores how cars have shaped Los Angeles and the wider world across three floors of themed galleries. Exhibits move from the artistry of automotive design to the history of racing and the role of cars in pop culture, including vehicles seen in famous films and television. The collection mixes priceless classics, concept cars, supercars, and hot rods, with rotating displays that keep return visits fresh for both serious gearheads and casual visitors.
For enthusiasts, the museum's biggest draw may be The Vault, a lower-level treasure trove of vehicles not on regular display, accessible through a separately ticketed tour. The building's bold exterior, sheathed in undulating ribbons of stainless steel over a red facade, is itself a Miracle Mile landmark and a popular photo backdrop. With interactive experiences and family-friendly programming, the Petersen blends spectacle, history, and design into one of LA's most distinctive museum stops.
History
The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, opening in 1994 in a former department store on Wilshire Boulevard. In 2015 the building underwent a dramatic redesign that wrapped it in its now-iconic stainless-steel ribbons over a red exterior, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable structures on the Miracle Mile.
Insider Tips
- ✦Add the Vault tour if you want to see cars not on the main floors.
- ✦Photograph the steel-ribbon exterior from across Wilshire Boulevard.
- ✦Start on the top floor and work your way down.
Photo Tips
- 📸Capture the swooping stainless-steel ribbons of the exterior from across Wilshire.
- 📸Shoot low-angle photos of supercars to emphasize their lines.
- 📸Look for the movie and TV vehicles for instantly recognizable backdrops.
Before You Go
- ✓Decide in advance whether to add the separately ticketed Vault tour.
- ✓Buy tickets online to save time at entry.
- ✓Allow at least two hours to see all three floors.
Visiting with family
Families with car-loving kids will find interactive exhibits and a discovery area, making it engaging for a range of ages.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Petersen Automotive Museum FAQ
What is The Vault at the Petersen?
The Vault is a lower-level collection of vehicles not on regular display, accessible through a separately ticketed guided tour.
Is the Petersen good for non-car-enthusiasts?
Yes, its movie cars, design exhibits, and bold architecture appeal to general visitors, not just dedicated gearheads.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, the museum has a paid parking garage beneath the building, with other Miracle Mile lots nearby.
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