Explore Rides at Petersen Auto Museum LA

The Petersen Automotive Museum, located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, is a paradise for car enthusiasts and a destination for families to learn about and enjoy the history of the automobile industry. As an epicenter for automotive research and exhibiting, the museum provides an unparalleled experience that takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of the automobile.

History and Mission of the Museum

Founded in 1994 by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, the Petersen Automotive Museum's mission is to explore and present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture, using Los Angeles as a prime example. The museum's collection, which is housed in a historic building that has been dramatically redesigned with a contemporary façade featuring steel ribbons, boasts a vast array of vehicles and educational programs.

Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent Exhibitions:

• The Grand Concourse: Featuring over 150 rare and classic cars, motorcycles, and trucks from the Petersen's vault, it showcases the industry's progression from the early 20th century onward.

• Hollywood Gallery: Explore the cars that have become as famous as the stars who drove them with a range of vehicles from film and television.

Changing Exhibits:

The museum regularly rotates its exhibits to highlight different aspects of automotive culture and history. These can range from manufacturer retrospectives to thematic presentations focused on design, technology, or cultural impact.

Interactive and Educational Exhibits

The Petersen Auto Museum is home to a variety of interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages:

• Forza Motorsport Racing Experience: Here, visitors can get behind the wheel of a racing simulator to feel the thrill of high-speed driving.

• Discovery Center: Designed specifically for children, this area offers educational hands-on activities and exhibits about automotive science, technology, engineering, and math.

Rare Collections

The museum has a reputation for its rare and unique collections, including:

• The Vault: With the purchase of an additional ticket, visitors can access The Vault, which houses over 250 vehicles from around the world that are not on display in the general exhibits.

• Supercar Collection: A dynamic collection that exhibits some of the fastest and most exclusive supercars ever built.

Events and Programs

The Petersen Automotive Museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, which can include:

• Educational lectures and panel discussions

• Themed cruises and car rallies

• Automotive book signings and meet-and-greets

• Community events like car meets and family fun days

Visiting the Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum is open to the public seven days a week. Admission tickets can be purchased in advance. Prices for admission vary, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Memberships offering unlimited visits and additional perks are also available for those wishing to support the museum's mission on a continuing basis.

Conclusion

Whether you're a die-hard car aficionado or a family looking for an educational outing, the Petersen Auto Museum in LA offers a rich experience that spans the history, artistry, and technology of the automobile. With its rare collections, interactive exhibits, and frequent updates, it's a place where automotive heritage is celebrated, and the future of transportation is explored.