Petersen Automotive Museum - Los Angeles, California

Situated along Wilshire Boulevard’s “Museum Row,” the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the most comprehensive public institutions dedicated to the history, culture, and design of the automobile. Its striking exterior, an undulating, stainless-steel ribbon façade, sets the tone for a museum experience that spans early motoring, competition vehicles, American car culture, and contemporary supercars. Inside, three main exhibit floors offer rotating galleries that highlight both global automotive milestones and Southern California’s deep-rooted relationship with the automobile.

A cornerstone of the Petersen experience is The Vault, presented by Hagerty®. Located beneath the main galleries, The Vault houses more than 300 additional vehicles from around the world, many rarely displayed publicly. Guided access reveals one of the museum’s most eclectic collections, ranging from turn-of-the-century machines and historic coachbuilt automobiles to Formula 1 cars, presidential limousines, notable Hollywood vehicles, and modern hypercars. Because vehicles rotate frequently, each visit offers a different cross-section of automotive history.

General admission provides access to all main-floor exhibitions, but The Vault requires a separate ticket or a combination pass. Visitors check in at the first-floor Admissions desk, while guided shop tours and select programs convene at the Security Desk. Tickets purchased online remain valid for one year.

Museum policies prioritize preservation and visitor safety: guests are asked to maintain a distance from all vehicles, refrain from touching displays, and store oversized bags when necessary. Handheld photography is welcome unless signage indicates otherwise. Complimentary wheelchairs and stroller access support families and guests with mobility needs, while food and drink are limited to designated areas.

Specialized spaces within the museum broaden the experience. The Discovery Center offers hands-on, child-friendly activities and closes daily at 4:30 p.m. The Forza Motorsport Gallery provides a racing simulator experience with height and age restrictions, also closing at 4:30 p.m.

Whether exploring early motoring innovations, landmark American designs, or cutting-edge performance cars, the Petersen Automotive Museum delivers a curated view of how the automobile has shaped technology, entertainment, and everyday life. With an expansive collection, major rotating exhibits, and one of the world’s most extensive underground vaults, it remains a global point of reference for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.