The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles showcases an extensive collection of over 300 vehicles across its three floors, with a focus on automotive history, design, and culture—cars on display span a century of automotive history, from early classics to modern supercars. More than an automotive museum, the Petersen is a cathedral of cars where hot rods sit aside early electric vehicles, classic gems, and star cars from Hollywood. Here’s a breakdown by Floor and exhibit:
Petersen Museum 1st Floor Car Exhibits:
Lowrider Icons: Features customized lowrider cars, a hallmark of Southern California’s car culture. Examples include intricately painted and modified vehicles with hydraulic systems, showcasing Chicano art and craftsmanship. Specific models often include 1960s–1990s Chevrolet Impalas or other American classics.
Mullin Family Grand Salon: Displays elegant, historically significant cars, often from the early 20th century, emphasizing design and luxury. Think pre-war classics like Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, or Duesenberg models, known for their ornate styling.
Petersen Museum Car 2nd Floor
Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles: Showcases high-performance supercars and hypercars, such as the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren P1, or Pagani Huayra. These cars emphasize cutting-edge engineering and speed, often with horsepower exceeding 1,000.
Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles: Features historic and modern electric cars, including early 1900s electric vehicles like the Baker Electric, alongside contemporary models like the Tesla Model S or Rivian R1T. This exhibit explores the evolution of EV technology.
Formula 1 and Motorsports: Displays race cars, such as vintage F1 cars (e.g., McLaren or Ferrari models from the 1980s–2000s) and Le Mans prototypes, highlighting aerodynamics and racing heritage.
Concept Cars: Includes futuristic or prototype vehicles, such as the GM Firebird series or modern concept cars from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, showcasing experimental designs.
Petersen Museum 3rd Floor:
Hollywood Cars: Features iconic movie cars, such as the 1989 Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman, Lightning McQueen from Pixar’s Cars, or the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future. These vehicles blend pop culture with automotive design.
Southern California’s Automotive Legacy: Highlights cars tied to LA’s car culture, including hot rods, muscle cars (e.g., 1960s Ford Mustang or Dodge Charger), and vehicles from the surfing and beach scene.
Historic Classics: Includes early automobiles like the 1903 Cadillac Model A, 1920s Ford Model T, or luxury cars from the 1930s, showcasing the evolution of automotive technology.
The Vault (separate ticket required):
The Vault houses over 250 rare and unique vehicles not on the main floors. Highlights include: Celebrity Cars: Vehicles owned by figures like Steve McQueen or Elvis Presley. Supercars and Exotics, Vintage Race Cars, One-of-a-Kind Vehicles, and Presidential Vehicles. Cars in the Museum are constantly being traded in and out, so there are always different cars stored in the “Vault.” If visitors haven’t ventured to the area in a while, it might be well worth another trip.
Non-Automotive Displays:
The Petersen isn’t limited to cars; it features a variety of other vehicles and non-vehicle exhibits to provide a broader perspective on mobility and culture. The 2nd Floor includes a dedicated motorcycle exhibit with around 20–30 bikes, showcasing their design and cultural impact.
Trucks: While trucks are less prominent than cars, the Museum features a few notable examples: Custom and Historic Trucks: Displays may include vintage pickup trucks like a 1940s Ford F-100 or customized modern trucks tied to Southern California’s car culture.
Bicycles and Alternative Mobility: Some exhibits, especially in the Discovery Center, may include bicycles or scooters to show alternative transport modes.
Military Vehicles: The Vault occasionally features armored or military vehicles, like a WWII-era Jeep or a prototype military transport.
Hours and Admission
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General Admission: ~$25 for adults. Vault Combo tickets are available. Discounts are available for seniors, students, military, and Free for children under 3. Purchase online at petersen.org to skip lines. For the most up-to-date information on specific vehicles or exhibits, check petersen.org. Petersen Automobile Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California.
Tips for Visitors
Time Allocation: Allow 2–3 hours for the main floors and an additional 90 minutes for the Vault to appreciate the diversity of vehicles fully.
Photography: You can photograph cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles for personal use, but tripods and professional equipment are not allowed.
Petersen Automobile Museum Summary:
If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in paradise. The Petersen Automotive Museum features three full floors and over 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, showcasing one of the most extensive collections of cars and motorcycles. Its purpose is to highlight the beauty of automobiles while educating visitors. Since its inception, the Petersen has been committed to an educational mission, telling the stories of how the automobile has shaped Southern California.