If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles and even slightly curious about cars, whether you’re a true gearhead or just someone who loves a good story, the Petersen Automotive Museum is one place you absolutely have to check out.
I’m going to be completely honest: I’m not a car person. I don’t know the difference between a V6 and a V8. I don’t dream about Ferraris. But even I found myself completely fascinated and honestly blown away by what I saw inside this museum. It’s not just about cars – it’s about history, art, movies, culture, and everything in between. Let me walk you through it.
Where Is the Petersen Automotive Museum?
The museum is located right in the heart of Los Angeles on Wilshire Boulevard, in the Miracle Mile district, also known as Museum Row. If you’ve ever been to LACMA or The La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Museum is basically across the street. Super easy to find, and there’s parking available right underneath the building.
Petersen Automotive Museum: First Impressions… The Building Itself is a Work of Art
Before you even step inside, the building grabs your attention. The exterior looks like something from the future, bright red with twisting silver steel ribbons wrapping around it. It’s bold, flashy, and absolutely unforgettable, just like the cars waiting inside.
It already gives you a little clue: this isn’t just a museum with cars sitting quietly on display. It’s an experience.
What’s Inside? More Than Just Cars
The museum has three main floors and something they call “The Vault,” which I’ll talk about in a second. Each floor has a different theme, and the way they’ve curated everything makes the whole visit feel like you’re going on a journey through time and technology.
First Floor: Automotive Art & Dreams on Wheels
The first level is where you’ll find some of the most luxurious and beautiful cars ever made. Think rare Lamborghinis, Bugattis, and Ferraris – all lined up like pieces of jewelry. These cars aren’t just about transportation, they’re moving art.
I spent a lot of time here just admiring the design details. The paint jobs, the way the interiors are crafted, the curves of the body… it’s stunning. And it’s wild to think that some of these cars actually drove on real roads!
Second Floor: Performance, Engineering & Interactive Exhibits
The second floor is more about how cars work and what makes them go fast. You’ll see engines, prototypes, race cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and interactive displays where you can test your knowledge or even simulate driving experiences.
If you’re into racing, this floor will be your favorite. They have legendary vehicles from Formula 1, drag racing, and custom-built hot rods that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Even if you’re not a car expert (like me), the displays are done in a super engaging and educational way. You learn about how cars are designed, what makes an engine powerful, how aerodynamics affect performance, but all in a fun and very visual way.
Third Floor: History & Car Culture in Southern California
This floor is where the magic of storytelling comes in. It focuses on the history of cars in America, especially in Southern California, where car culture really exploded in the 20th century.
There are vintage cars from the early 1900s, post-WWII classics, and a whole section dedicated to how cars became part of everyday American life. You’ll also see how Southern California played a huge role in custom car culture, from lowriders to hot rods to the early days of Hollywood’s obsession with stylish rides.
The Vault: The Hidden Gem Beneath the Museum
Okay, now let’s talk about The Vault.
This is a special collection that lives in the basement of the museum, and yes, it requires an additional ticket and has age restrictions (you need to be over 10 years old). But let me tell you, it’s worth every penny.
Inside the Vault, there are hundreds of rare, historic, and even secret vehicles that aren’t part of the regular exhibits upstairs. We’re talking cars owned by celebrities, used in famous movies, or that played a role in important events around the world.
Some standouts I saw included:
- A 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom that looked like it belonged in The Great Gatsby
- A 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe – sleek, classic, and still somehow cooler than most modern cars
- A 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III
- A 1952 Hudson Wasp, one of the coolest old-school American cars I’ve seen
- And of course, the 1971 DeTomaso Pantera, a beast of a car that I never even knew existed before this visit
The best part? A guided Vault tour gives you all the juicy details behind each car, who drove it, what movie it was in, and why it’s part of the collection.
Cars From Movies
For anyone who’s into movies, you’ll absolutely geek out at the Hollywood section. They have real cars used in:
- Back to the Future (yes, the actual DeLorean!)
- The Batman
- James Bond movies
- Blade Runner
- Star Wars
- Tron: Legacy
There’s something so exciting about seeing these vehicles in real life, after only ever watching them on screen.
How Long Does It Take to Visit The Museum?
Honestly, you can easily spend 2- 3 hours exploring all three floors and the Vault. It doesn’t feel like a traditional museum visit, there’s so much variety, and every turn reveals something new and unexpected.
Why Even Non-Car Lovers Will Love It
I’ll say it again: I’m not a car person, but this place totally won me over.
Because it’s not just about engines and horsepower. It’s about the stories, the design, the history, and the way cars connect to everything from fashion to film to American life. Whether you’re 8 or 80, there’s something here you’ll enjoy.
The Petersen Automotive Museum isn’t just a place to look at shiny cars. It’s a deep dive into innovation, pop culture, engineering, and human creativity. Whether you’re a car lover, a history nerd, or just someone looking for something different to do in L.A., this museum delivers.
There’s really nothing else quite like it and it leaves you thinking differently about cars. Not just as machines, but as icons of their time, each one with a story worth telling.
Tips Before You Go:
- 🕒 Plan for at least 3–4 hours, especially if you’re doing The Vault tour
- 🎟️ Buy tickets online ahead of time, especially for The Vault
- 📷 Photos are allowed (except in certain Vault areas), so bring your camera!
- 🚗 Parking is available on-site
- 👧 Kids under 10 are not allowed in The Vault
- 🛍️ Don’t skip the gift shop, it’s packed with fun car-themed stuff
Follow my travel blog on Instagram and let me know if you have any questions.
Comments are closed.