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Overview
The Petersen Automotive Museum sits on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, California. Opened in 1994 and substantially redesigned and reopened in 2015, it is widely regarded as one of the premier automotive museums in the world. Its dramatic stainless-steel ribbon exterior — designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates — has become a recognizable landmark on the Los Angeles streetscape.
The museum's collection spans more than a century of automotive history and includes rare production cars, custom-built show vehicles, race cars, motorcycles, and vehicles made famous by film and television. Rotating exhibitions complement a permanent collection that reflects Los Angeles's unique, deeply rooted car culture. The Vault, a curated lower-level storage and display area, offers guided access to hundreds of additional vehicles not always on the main floor.
Beyond its role as a repository of vehicles, the Petersen functions as an educational institution and event venue. It hosts lectures, driving events, charity galas, and industry gatherings throughout the year, making it a living part of the Southern California automotive scene rather than a static archive.
Before You Go
Admission and Tickets
Admission fees and hours change periodically. Check the official Petersen Automotive Museum website (petersen.org) before your visit for current pricing, as rates differ for adults, seniors, children, and members. Purchasing tickets online in advance is generally advisable, especially on weekends or during special exhibitions, to avoid queues at the door.
The Vault
Access to The Vault — the museum's lower-level storage gallery containing vehicles not on the main exhibition floors — requires a separate guided tour ticket that is priced above general admission. Tour slots are limited and sell out; book as early as possible through the museum's website.
Accessibility
The building is elevator-served and wheelchair accessible throughout the publicly accessible areas. Confirm specific accessibility needs directly with the museum before arrival.
Visas
The Petersen is located in Los Angeles, which is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. For general guidance, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the US Department of State for authoritative, up-to-date requirements.
Getting There
By Car
The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Paid parking is available in a structure adjacent to the museum; verify current parking rates on the official site or upon arrival. Street parking along Wilshire and side streets exists but can be competitive, particularly on weekends.
By Public Transit
Los Angeles Metro operates bus lines along Wilshire Boulevard that stop near the museum. The Metro Purple Line (D Line) extension has been expanding westward; verify the nearest operational station and walking distance at the time of your visit on metro.net. Bus routes on Wilshire provide a reasonably direct connection from downtown Los Angeles and Mid-Wilshire.
By Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are widely available in Los Angeles and offer a straightforward option for reaching the museum from most parts of the city or from Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and downtown. Drop-off points on Wilshire Boulevard are convenient.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is approximately 10–15 miles southwest of the museum depending on the route. Travel time varies considerably with traffic. Rideshare, taxi, and public transit connections exist; verify current transit options via metro.net or the FlyAway bus service, which connects LAX to various points in the city.
Things to See & Do
Permanent Collection Galleries
The museum's floor plan is organized thematically and historically across multiple levels. Galleries cover early automotive history, the golden age of American car design, motorsports, motorcycles, and vehicles from film and television. Highlights have included cars from the collection of Jay Leno, prototype concepts, and significant race cars — though specific vehicles on display rotate, so check the current exhibition listing before visiting.
The Vault Tour
The Vault holds several hundred vehicles in a climate-controlled environment below the main museum. Guided tours provide context on vehicles that range from rare survivor-condition classics to celebrity-owned machines. This is a particularly popular add-on for enthusiasts and should be booked in advance.
Special and Rotating Exhibitions
The Petersen regularly presents curated temporary exhibitions tied to specific marques, designers, eras, or cultural themes. Past exhibitions have focused on topics such as hypercar engineering, automotive design sketches, and vehicles with significant cultural provenance. Check the museum calendar for what is running during your visit.
Events
The museum hosts Cars & Coffee-style gatherings, members' nights, film screenings, and industry events throughout the year. The public events calendar on the museum's website lists upcoming programming. Arrival at a Cars & Coffee morning event can significantly enhance a visit by adding real vehicles on display in the surrounding area.
Food & Drink
The museum has an on-site café area; verify current food and beverage options directly with the museum, as these arrangements can change. The Miracle Mile stretch of Wilshire Boulevard and nearby Fairfax Avenue offer a broad range of restaurants, cafés, and casual eateries within a short walk or rideshare ride.
The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax — less than a mile from the museum — is a long-established Los Angeles institution with dozens of food stalls serving everything from tacos and seafood to baked goods and international cuisines, and is a practical and characterful option for a meal before or after a museum visit.
The adjacent Grove outdoor shopping center shares the Farmers Market site and has additional sit-down restaurants and casual dining options if you prefer a more conventional restaurant setting.
Shopping
The Petersen has a museum shop selling automotive-themed books, scale models, branded merchandise, prints, and gifts ranging from affordable novelties to higher-end collector items. It is one of the better-stocked automotive gift shops in the US and worth browsing even for casual visitors.
For broader shopping, the Grove and the Original Farmers Market immediately to the north on Fairfax offer retail ranging from mainstream brands to specialty food purveyors. Melrose Avenue, a short distance north, has a mix of vintage clothing, independent boutiques, and streetwear shops that reflect a distinctly Los Angeles retail character.
Practical Information
Hours and Closures
Verify current opening hours on petersen.org before visiting, as the museum observes certain holidays and may alter hours around special events.
Photography
Personal, non-commercial photography is generally permitted throughout the public galleries. Flash photography near sensitive vehicles may be restricted; follow posted signage and staff guidance.
Coat Check and Bags
Large bags may need to be checked; confirm bag policy on the museum's website or at the entrance.
Nearby Amenities
- ATMs and banking services are available along Wilshire Boulevard and at the Grove.
- Pharmacies and convenience stores are within easy walking or rideshare distance.
- The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is directly across Wilshire Boulevard, making a combined cultural visit straightforward on the same day.
Emergency
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical services.
Safety
The Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles is a generally well-trafficked, commercial area with consistent foot traffic during museum hours. Standard urban awareness — keeping personal belongings secure and being mindful of your surroundings — applies as it would in any major city environment.
Wilshire Boulevard carries heavy traffic; use designated crosswalks when crossing. If visiting by car, lock valuables out of sight before leaving the vehicle in any parking facility, a precaution that applies broadly across Los Angeles.
