Plan Your Visit: Petersen Automotive Museum

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!

Plan Your Visit: Petersen Automotive Museum

If you’re a fan of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, then the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit destination for you. The Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the largest automotive museums in the world and located in Los Angeles, California. Here, you can explore historic cars and motorcycles from the 1880s to the present day, interactive exhibits, and vintage motorcycles.

Experience

Exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Highlights

The museum exhibits over 100 cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display across 3 floors and 25 galleries. You can admire the artistry and engineering behind iconic vehicles from around the world while learning about the people who made them.

Explore 3 floors of historic cars and motorcycles from the 1880s to the present day

The Petersen Automotive Museum is home to an exquisite collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the late 1800s to the present. You can explore various galleries featuring different eras and styles of cars. From muscle cars to classic cars, this museum has all types of vehicles on display.

Admire over 100 vintage cars in 25 various exhibits focusing on automotive innovation and extravagance.

Admire the artistry and extravagance of iconic vehicles while learning about the engineering behind them. Marvel over Italian Maseratis, Japanese “supercars,” and American muscle cars.

Immerse yourself in family-friendly interactive exhibits

The Petersen Automotive Museum isn’t only for adults but also for families and kids of all ages. There are interactive exhibits inspired by the animated movie Cars. Here, your kids can learn how mechanical systems work and paint their virtual cars.

Race over to the hot rods and custom collection featuring race cars and vintage motorcycles

The museum also houses a large collection of hot rods and custom cars showcasing the creativity and passion of automotive enthusiasts.

Full Description

The Petersen Automotive Museum is more than just a museum of cars. It’s a place that celebrates the art, design, and engineering behind some of the most exceptional vehicles of our time. It’s also family-friendly, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep kids entertained. The museum features over 100 vehicles displayed across 25 galleries over three floors. This vast collection includes classic cars, race cars, hot rods, and motorcycles from different countries and eras. One of the main attractions of the museum is the collection of Italian Maseratis, which showcases the impressive engineering and design behind these iconic cars. Other notable cars in the museum’s collection include Japanese supercars like Nissan GTR, and American muscle cars like Corvette, Mustang, and Camaro. Apart from its vast collection of cars, the museum also features interactive exhibits, including the Pixar-inspired Cars Mechanical Institute. Here, you can watch the animated movie characters explain how the mechanical systems of cars work. The exhibit also allows visitors to paint and personalize virtual cars, making it a perfect spot for kids of all ages. The Hot Rod and Custom showcase is also another must-visit section, with its massive collection of race cars, motorcycles, and hot rods. This exhibit displays some of the best custom-built cars from different places around the world, making it a favorite spot for car enthusiasts everywhere. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can book the vault tour, which is the guided tour behind the scenes of the museum. During the vault tour, you’ll get the chance to see rare cars and memorabilia that aren’t displayed in the public galleries of the museum.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours

The Petersen Automotive Museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission

Tickets for the Petersen Automotive Museum cost $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, $11 for children aged 3-12 years, and children under 3 years old are free of charge.

Location and Address

The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

How to Get There

The Petersen Automotive Museum is easy to reach, whether you are traveling by car or public transport. If you are driving, parking is available in the museum’s parking lot for a fee. If you are using public transport, you can take Metro Bus lines 20, 720, or 217 to Wilshire Blvd. & Fairfax Ave. The museum is located just one block east of Fairfax Avenue, a major north-south traffic thoroughfare.

Book Your Tour

Ready to book your tickets to the Petersen Automotive Museum? Book your tour now at GetYourGuide.com. It’s quick, simple, and hassle-free. Follow the link below to book your tickets today! Book Your Tour Here

Book Your Tour Now

The Petersen Automotive Museum is the perfect destination for car enthusiasts, historians, and families. It’s a place where you can discover the history and culture of cars, learn about their design and engineering, and get up close to some of the most iconic vehicles in the world. With interactive exhibits and a vast collection of vintage cars, this museum is truly a must-visit destination when in Los Angeles.

FAQ About Petersen Automotive Museum

Are you a car enthusiast or simply love cars in general? If yes, then Petersen Automotive Museum, located on Wilshire Boulevard, is a must-visit destination for you. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you get the most out of your visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

1. What is Petersen Automotive Museum?

Petersen Automotive Museum is a renowned automobile museum situated in Los Angeles, California. The museum showcases a collection of cars and motorcycles spanning different eras, ranging from vintage and classic to modern and contemporary.

2. What is the history of Petersen Automotive Museum?

The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded in 1994 by Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie. Robert E. Petersen was the founder of the Petersen Publishing, which produced several automobile and other niche magazines. The couple established the museum as a way of showcasing their extensive collection of cars to the public.

3. What can I expect to see at Petersen Automotive Museum?

At the Petersen Automotive Museum, you can expect to see a wide variety of cars and motorcycles from different eras, classes, and geographical locations. The exhibits feature vehicles from every period and country, ranging from classic Bugattis and Ferraris to modern-day Teslas and Lamborghinis. The museum also features a variety of permanent exhibitions, revolving exhibits, and interactive displays.

4. How much time should I plan for my visit?

The duration of your visit depends on your level of interest in cars and how much time you want to spend exploring the museum. However, on average, visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

5. Is there an admission fee to enter Petersen Automotive Museum?

Yes, there is an admission fee to enter Petersen Automotive Museum. The cost of admission for adults is $16, while seniors (over 65 years) and students (with valid ID) pay $14. Children aged 3 to 12 are charged $11, and children under two years get in for free.

6. Is Petersen Automotive Museum suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The Petersen Automotive Museum has several interactive and engaging exhibits that appeal to children. From virtual reality experiences to hands-on workshops, the museum offers various activities that the young ones will love. Also, the exhibits are beautifully designed with vivid colors and graphics that can catch the attention of the little ones.

7. Is Petersen Automotive Museum accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Petersen Automotive Museum is accessible for people with disabilities. The museum is equipped with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair accommodations. Also, the museum staff is dedicated to providing individualized assistance to visitors with special needs.

8. Are guided tours of Petersen Automotive Museum available?

Yes, guided tours of Petersen Automotive Museum are available. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who take visitors through the museum, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the different exhibits. The tours last about an hour and must be booked in advance.

9. Are there any dining options at Petersen Automotive Museum?

Yes, there are several dining options at Petersen Automotive Museum. The Drago Ristorante is a fine dining Italian restaurant located within the museum complex, offering a menu of delicacies made with only the freshest ingredients. Additionally, the Gumout Pit Stop Cafe offers quick bites and refreshments, and the Vault Store & Cafe provides a casual dining experience.

10. Is photography allowed inside Petersen Automotive Museum?

Yes, photography is allowed inside Petersen Automotive Museum, but only for personal use. The use of flash, tripods, and other professional equipment is prohibited without prior authorization from the museum. Also, the museum requests that visitors do not touch or lean on any of the exhibits.

11. Is parking available at Petersen Automotive Museum?

Yes, parking is available at Petersen Automotive Museum. The museum has its parking garage, which visitors can access from Fairfax Avenue. The parking fee starts at $16 per vehicle, and the museum validates parking for up to 30 minutes.

12. How can I get to Petersen Automotive Museum?

Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Visitors can get there by car, public transportation, or ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The museum is easily accessible from Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.

Book Your Tour Now

Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in cars and motorcycles. From vintage classics to modern masterpieces, the museum’s collection is extensive and diverse, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the evolution of automobiles. Whether you plan to visit with family, friends, or by yourself, you’re sure to have an exciting and informative time at Petersen Automotive Museum.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Petersen Automotive Museum

Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit spot for car enthusiasts located in Los Angeles, California. It is home to some of the most intriguing and priceless cars in the world. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the museum to dive into the rich history and magnificent beauty of the vehicles displayed there. However, you may wonder how to spend your time in Petersen Automotive Museum to get the most out of your visit. In this post, we will guide you on how to navigate the museum and what to expect.

1. Arrive Early to Avoid the Crowds

Petersen Automotive Museum is a popular attraction in LA, so arriving early is always a good idea. The museum opens from 10 am to 5 pm, and it is recommended that you plan your visit as early as possible. This way, you will avoid the long lines and crowds of people that come with peak hours. You will also have plenty of time to explore the exhibitions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

2. Take a Guided Tour

If you want to learn more about the museum’s unique collections, taking a guided tour may be a good idea. The museum offers one-hour guided tours for visitors that provide an in-depth look at the exhibitions. The highly-knowledgeable tour guides will take you through the various galleries and provide context and history for each car on display.

3. Explore the Exhibitions

The exhibitions in Petersen Automotive Museum cover a wide range of themes and eras. You could easily spend an entire day exploring each display. Here are some of the most popular exhibitions featured in the museum:

3.1. Hollywood Gallery

This exhibition showcases cars that were used in popular movies and TV shows throughout history, providing an exciting trip down memory lane. Some notable vehicles in this gallery include the Batmobile from the 1960s Batman TV series, the DeLorean from Back to The Future, and the Ford Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch.

3.2. Vault Tour

The Vault Tour takes you into the museum’s underground storage to view the cars that aren’t on display in the galleries. The collection comprises high-profile racing cars, movie cars, vintage and iconic vehicles. You get to see what happens behind the scenes in the museum, knowing these cars’ full history and any restoration done to them.

3.3. Petersen Publishing Archive

This exhibition contains archives of Petersen Publishing, a prominent American publisher of automotive enthusiast magazines. These magazines feature iconic car models and some of the most fascinating stories behind the creators and collectors of these cars.

3.4. Artistry in Motion

This exhibition focuses on the evolution of car design throughout the decades. It showcases cars that have been modified on their design, including streamlining, pushing boundaries on automotive engineering, and luxury vehicles.

4. Don’t Miss the Events

Petersen Automotive Museum regularly hosts exciting events throughout the year. These range from large-scale car shows to lectures and interactive workshops. Visiting the museum during these events provides an even richer experience and an opportunity to connect with other car enthusiasts in a unique way.

5. Take a Break at the Penthouse Restaurant

After exploring the exhibitions, taking a break at the Penthouse Restaurant is a great way to rest and recharge. Located on the rooftop of the museum, the restaurant features a beautiful view of LA, coupled with delicious cuisine. You can also visit the Speed Cafe on the ground floor for a quick bite or coffee.

6. Visit the Museum Store

Before leaving the museum, be sure to stop by the Museum Store. The store features a wide range of car-related gifts and souvenirs, from clothing to model cars and other accessories. You can pick up something to remember your visit to this must-visit place.

The Bottom Line

Petersen Automotive Museum is a magnificent place to visit, whether you are a car enthusiast or merely looking for something to do in LA. Arriving early, exploring the exhibitions, taking a guided tour, attending events, visiting the restaurants and the store are all great ways to make the most out of your visit. Now that you know how to spend your time in Petersen Automotive Museum, you can look forward to a fantastic experience.

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Plan Your Visit: Petersen Automotive Museum

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!