Petersen Automotive Museum: Dive into LA’s Iconic “Car Cathedral” & Over 300 Classic & Concept Vehicles

Claim to Fame

The Petersen Automotive Museum houses one of the world’s largest automotive collections—over 300 cars and motorcycles spanning vintage classics, Hollywood legends, and cutting-edge concept vehicles—all showcased within its striking bow-tie façade on Wilshire Boulevard.

📌 Navigating Petersen Automotive Museum : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available within the museum and are regularly maintained for visitor convenience.
Hours of Operation: The museum operates from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with extended hours on certain days.
Important Information: Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website for any special events or temporary exhibit changes before planning their visit.
Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by age and membership status, with discounts available for seniors and students.
How Long to Visit: A typical visit lasts around 2 to 3 hours, depending on individual interest in the exhibits.
Parking: The Petersen Automotive Museum offers a parking structure with paid parking available on-site.
Family Friendly: The facility is family-friendly, featuring interactive exhibits and activities suitable for children of all ages.
Photography: Photography is permitted throughout the museum, but flash and tripods are not allowed.
WIFI: Free WiFi is available for visitors throughout the museum.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area; visitors are encouraged to enjoy meals in the cafe.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is handicap accessible, providing wheelchair ramps and elevators for ease of movement.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and can be booked in advance for an enhanced experience.
Restaurant or Cafe: The museum has an on-site cafe offering a variety of food and beverage options.
Gift Shop: The gift shop features a selection of automotive-themed merchandise, books, and memorabilia.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Petersen Automotive Museum

Located on Museum Row in the Miracle Mile district, the Petersen Automotive Museum invites car enthusiasts and curious visitors to explore automotive history from horseless carriages to hypercars. Its dynamic exhibits—from Hollywood movie cars like the 1966 Batmobile to pioneering electric vehicles—are displayed in thematic galleries across four floors. Interactive experiences, restoration shops, and rotating special exhibits make the Petersen both a shrine to automotive culture and a hands-on center for innovation and design.

What to Expect

Begin on the ground floor's “Legends of Hollywood” gallery to admire screen-famous vehicles: the DeLorean from *Back to the Future* and the Dodge Charger from *The Fast and the Furious*. Ascend to the mid-century design hall to compare 1950s Cadillacs and Corvettes. On the second floor’s “Dream Cars” gallery, marvel at concept prototypes from automakers worldwide. The third floor features “Racing Icons” with Indianapolis 500 winners and Le Mans champions. Don’t miss the rooftop restoration pavilion, where live demos show paintwork and engine rebuilds, and the VR racing simulators for a virtual drive on famous tracks.

Background and Cultural Context

Founded in 1994 by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen, the museum originally occupied a smaller space before a landmark 2015 renovation by Kohn Pedersen Fox and harmon/kitz to create its stainless-ribbon exterior. The Petersen reflects Los Angeles’s car-centric culture and the city’s role in entertainment, design, and automotive innovation. Through partnerships with studios, manufacturers, and collectors, the museum preserves rare vehicles and tells stories of mobility’s impact on society and pop culture.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10–12 PM) offer fewer crowds and easy access to the interactive simulators. Late afternoons (2–4 PM) allow time for special-event talks and restoration shop demos. First Fridays feature evening hours with live music and car meet-ups in the plaza. Avoid weekend midday peaks—arrive at opening or during guided-tour slots to get up close to star exhibits.

How to Get There

The Petersen is at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Metro: Purple Line (future) will stop nearby; currently, take the Metro 720 bus along Wilshire to Fairfax. Paid parking is available in the museum’s underground garage off Ogden Drive and metered street parking on Fairfax Avenue. Rideshares drop off at the main entrance. The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators, ramps, and companion seating in theaters.

Photo Opportunities

Front-on shot of the “bow-tie” stainless ribbons glinting in the sun
Classic chrome bumper and fins of a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado in the mid-century gallery
Concept car profile under futuristic lighting in the “Dream Cars” hall
Racing veteran lined up in the “Racing Icons” display with period liveries
Restoration shop action: paint spray-gun and polished fender in progress

Travel Tips

Purchase tickets online to reserve guided-tour times and skip the ticket line.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore all galleries, simulators, and the restoration pavilion.
Check the daily schedule for curator talks, restoration demos, and film screenings in the Peter & Judy Snyder Theater.
Bring a camera with wide-angle lens—the ribbon exterior and cavernous galleries yield dramatic shots.
Combine with nearby LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits for a full Museum Row outing.

FAQs

Is admission required?
Yes—general admission is USD 17 for adults, USD 14 for seniors/students, USD 9 for youth (4–12); under-4 free. Simulators incur a small additional fee.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—daily docent-led tours depart at 11 AM and 2 PM; private group tours can be arranged online.

Can I book the simulators?
Yes—reserve VR racing and driving simulators at the admissions desk; slots fill quickly on weekends.

Final Thoughts

The Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates the artistry, engineering, and cultural power of the automobile. Whether you’re a gearhead, a movie fan, or a design enthusiast, its unparalleled collection and immersive experiences promise an exhilarating journey through the history and future of mobility.

Things To Do near Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles Farmers Market

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Los Angeles Farmers Market is 6.9 Kilometer(s) / 4.3 Mile(s)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Hollywood Walk of Fame is 8.1 Kilometer(s) / 5 Mile(s)

Griffith Observatory

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Griffith Observatory is 12.7 Kilometer(s) / 7.9 Mile(s)

Universal Studios Hollywood

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Universal Studios Hollywood is 13.4 Kilometer(s) / 8.3 Mile(s)

Hollywood Sign

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Hollywood Sign is 13.5 Kilometer(s) / 8.4 Mile(s)

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is 14 Kilometer(s) / 8.7 Mile(s)

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Walt Disney Concert Hall is 15.8 Kilometer(s) / 9.8 Mile(s)

Getty Center

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Getty Center is 17.9 Kilometer(s) / 11.1 Mile(s)

Santa Monica Pier

The Distance from Petersen Automotive Museum to Santa Monica Pier is 23.2 Kilometer(s) / 14.4 Mile(s)

📘 Los Angeles Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Los Angeles operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

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Population: Los Angeles has a population of approximately 4 million people, making it the second-largest city in the United States. The Greater Los Angeles area has over 13 million residents and is one of the most diverse urban regions in the world.

Size: Los Angeles covers roughly 1,302 square kilometers (503 square miles). The city stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains and includes a wide range of neighborhoods, terrain, and microclimates.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Los Angeles, but Spanish is widely spoken throughout the city. Dozens of other languages are commonly heard, reflecting its multicultural population.

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Safety: Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, especially in tourist areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown. However, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and petty theft can occur in busy places. Basic safety precautions are advised.

Tipping: Tipping is standard in Los Angeles. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tipping is also customary for rideshare drivers, hotel staff, bartenders, and other service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Visitors from other regions may need plug adapters and voltage converters.

Water: Tap water in Los Angeles is safe to drink. It meets federal and state safety standards, though some visitors prefer bottled water due to taste or sensitivity.

Annual Visitors: Los Angeles receives over 45 million visitors annually. Tourists are drawn to Hollywood, Universal Studios, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, and its thriving arts, entertainment, and culinary scenes.

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Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required to visit Los Angeles. Routine vaccines such as measles, flu, and COVID-19 are recommended, especially for travelers attending crowded public events.

Transportation: Los Angeles is known for its car culture. While there is a metro and bus system, most visitors rent cars or use rideshare services. Traffic can be heavy, and distances between attractions are often large.

Food: Los Angeles offers a diverse food scene, from gourmet restaurants to street tacos and Korean BBQ. Notable local dishes include In-N-Out burgers, California-style sushi, and a fusion of Latin American, Asian, and classic American cuisines.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Los Angeles is casual and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on creativity, inclusivity, and cultural expression. Locals are typically friendly, and personal space and punctuality are appreciated in social settings.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent throughout the city. SIM cards and prepaid data plans are easy to obtain at convenience stores and airports.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Los Angeles. While healthcare is high quality, it is expensive for non-residents. Insurance also helps cover trip cancellations, delays, and theft.

Did You Know? - Facts About Petersen Automotive Museum

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, events, and workshops that spotlight various facets of automotive culture, from the artistry behind car customization to significant automotive milestones, ensuring there is always something new for returning visitors to experience. These programs often include collaborations with automotive enthusiasts, designers, and industry leaders.

The museum houses a dedicated "vault" area where visitors can explore an additional 250 vehicles that are not on display in the main galleries, allowing for a deeper dive into the museum's extensive collection. This underground space often features rare cars that tell compelling stories about the innovation and artistry behind automobile production.

Petersen Automotive Museum offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages, including a virtual reality experience where guests can "drive" historic vehicles in simulated environments, enhancing the educational aspect of the museum. This hands-on approach aligns with the museum's mission to preserve automotive history while appealing to modern audiences.

The Petersen Automotive Museum, located in Los Angeles, boasts a striking architectural design, featuring a dynamic stainless steel ribbon-like facade that reflects the motion and speed of automobiles. This innovative exterior was designed by renowned architect Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and completed in 2015.

Home to over 400 rare and iconic vehicles, the museum's collection includes not only classic cars but also unique prototypes and custom builds, showcasing the evolution of automotive design and technology. Many of these vehicles are valued in the millions and include significant pieces of automotive history.