At 6060 Wilshire Boulevard on Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile, the Petersen Automotive Museum traces the story of cars through historic models, race cars, concept vehicles and famous screen cars. Three exhibit floors pair vehicles with displays about automotive design, industry and culture. The building’s silver ribbons over a red exterior are a landmark in their own right. For a deeper look at rare prototypes and historic vehicles, add the separate Vault experience; families can also find hands-on activities and driving simulators inside.
A museum built around cars and culture
The Petersen Automotive Museum opened in 1994, founded by publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife, Margie. Its focus reaches beyond the vehicles themselves: the collection examines the automobile’s effects on daily life and culture, using Los Angeles as a central example. The city’s connection to cars runs through the displays, from Southern California road culture to vehicles made famous on screen.
The building is part of the visit. Redesigned by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and reopened after a major renovation in 2015, it has a red exterior wrapped in 308 curved stainless-steel ribbons. For a clear view of the sculptural facade, look across the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The museum sits on Museum Row in the Miracle Mile neighborhood.
How the galleries are arranged
The exhibits span three public floors, with galleries that explore different sides of automotive history. The third-floor displays begin with the automobile’s past and include Southern California road culture and Hollywood vehicles. Other galleries approach cars through design and artistry, or through the engineering and industry behind them. The collection ranges from vintage vehicles and motorcycles to racing cars, modern supercars and concepts for the future.
Displays change, so the specific themed exhibitions depend on when you visit. Past examples include exhibits on Fast & Furious cars, Aston Martin racing history and cars and culture of the 1980s and 1990s. Movie and television vehicles have their own appeal: the collection has included the Batmobile and the DeLorean from Back to the Future. Check the museum’s current exhibition information if you are coming for a particular display.
Interactive stops for families
The museum includes activities alongside its display cases. Driving simulators let you try a racing-style experience, while hands-on learning areas introduce younger visitors to basic car concepts. The Discovery Center has interactive activities, including an augmented-reality experience, and the museum has also presented an exhibition devoted to Hot Wheels toys.
These stops give families a way to break up time spent looking at vehicles. Children can explore the interactive areas while adults move between exhibits on automotive history, design and popular culture. The range of subjects also gives visitors who are less interested in cars a different way into the collection, through film, art, technology or the history of Los Angeles.
What to know about the Vault
The Vault is a separate experience from general museum admission. Its basement collection includes more than 300 rare vehicles, among them prototypes and historic cars. A self-guided visit has been described as taking about 90 minutes, so allow extra time if you plan to see both the Vault and the main galleries. The additional ticket is worth considering if rare or unusual vehicles are a priority for your visit.
There is plenty to see on the public exhibit floors without adding the Vault. If you do choose it, begin there, then continue through the museum. The on-site shop sells automotive-themed items, including models, books, apparel and toys.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should you spend at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum. The Vault is a separate experience and its self-guided visit can take about 90 minutes.
Is the Vault included with museum admission?
No. The Vault requires a separate ticket, so check the museum’s current ticket information before your visit.
Does the museum have activities for children?
Yes. The museum has hands-on learning activities, a Discovery Center and driving simulators. It has also presented an exhibition about Hot Wheels toys.
Where is the Petersen Automotive Museum?
It is at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles, near the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.
