Museum · Mid-Wilshire
Petersen Automotive Museum
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The Petersen Automotive Museum is Los Angeles's temple to car culture, instantly recognisable for its dramatic exterior of swooping stainless-steel ribbons wrapped around a red building. Inside, four floors celebrate the history, artistry, and engineering of the automobile: priceless classics and concept cars, Hollywood movie vehicles (Batmobiles, films cars, and celebrity rides), hot rods, supercars, and rotating special exhibitions. For serious enthusiasts, the basement 'Vault' tour reveals an astonishing hidden collection of rare and historic vehicles.
It's slick, family-friendly, and a must for car lovers, but engaging even for casual visitors thanks to the design, the movie cars, and the sheer beauty of the machines. Set on LA's Miracle Mile near other museums, it's an easy, climate-controlled half-day.
Don't miss
- The dramatic steel-ribbon building
- Hollywood movie cars, including Batmobiles
- Classic, concept, and supercar collections
- The hidden basement 'Vault' tour
- Rotating special exhibitions
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Petersen Automotive Museum
You can visit on your own (paid general admission; the vault tour is a separate add-on. book online to save). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSkip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket4.8★ · 399 travelers1–2 hoursFrom$14 per personSee dates →
Most bookedBest of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops & Free Time4.9★ · 2,143 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$69 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible30-Minute Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a Lamborghini4.9★ · 73 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$189 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Serious enthusiasts should add the basement Vault tour, it's a separate ticket with set times.
- The Hollywood movie cars are a hit even with non-petrolheads.
- It's on the Miracle Mile near LACMA, easy to combine.
- Book online to save on admission.
A bit of history
Founded in 1994 by publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen (of Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines), the museum reopened in 2015 after a radical redesign that gave it its striking ribboned facade, cementing its status as one of the world's great automotive museums.
Common questions
Is it only for car enthusiasts?
No, while car lovers will be in heaven, the striking building, Hollywood movie cars, and beautiful machines make it engaging for everyone, including families.
What's the Vault?
A basement tour (separate ticket) revealing the museum's hidden collection of rare and historic vehicles, a must for serious enthusiasts.
How long should I spend?
Two to three hours for the main galleries, more if you add the Vault tour.
Where is it?
On Wilshire Boulevard's Miracle Mile in LA, near LACMA, with on-site parking.
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