Petersen Automotive Museum — Attraction in Los Angeles

I have always wanted to visit this museum for its quantity and quality of its collection of vehicles. Owning and operating a restoration and customization shop in San Diego for 47 years, we finally retired and made it to the museum. We were not disappointed at all! The converted department store without windows makes this the perfect place to house a huge collection. First of all, the exterior is a beautiful piece of art. There are three floors with a basement for the Vault, which I recommend seeing first. It looks like a private underground garage with valuable cars just parked right next to each other. Nothing fancy, but loaded with a variety of exquisite vehicles. The first floor, street entrance, is like entering the Las Vegas of car shows, with a restaurant and store. Here is where you pay to visit the museum, as the Vault is an additional cost. The staff and even security personnel are exceptionally personable and helpful. Some of the vehicles are on loan and they do rotate, as the theme of shows change. We happened to visit during the Lowrider’s show. Even though we are not huge fans of this genre, we are extremely appreciative of the amount of work that has been devoted by these highly skillful and creative artists. Other themes of the collection included motorcycles, autonomous, small and unusual, as well as classic and rare vehicles. There is something for everyone including children, with a room of interactive cars for the young ones to play on and in. There is plenty of automobilia and art. So, no matter what your interests are, you will find something in this museum that will impress you. The location is easy to find with a large parking structure in the rear and hotels, like the Kimpton Wilshire Hotel down the street that also offers free tickets as part of their package. The Grove, Farmers Market and other museums are all within walking distance. So, take a day or two and make it a fantastic short vacation...

A Day at the Petersen Automotive Museum - A Stellar Experience

The Petersen Automotive Museum is an automotive enthusiast's dream come true. This gem located in Los Angeles offers an impressive collection of cars embodying various time periods and styles, and promises visitors an engaging and unforgettable experience.

From the moment we arrived, the process was seamless. A large and well-organized parking area ensured that finding a spot was a breeze. This is a thoughtful feature, especially for families with children or elderly members, as it saves on time and reduces unnecessary hassle.

The museum itself boasts a vast array of exhibits, each more fascinating than the last. The children's area was particularly impressive, with a range of interactive displays and activities that kept the younger ones entertained and engaged. It's wonderful how the museum combines fun with education, making it a great spot not just for car enthusiasts but also for families looking to spend quality time.

The cars, of course, are the main attraction. The collection is magnificent, spanning from vintage classics to futuristic models. Whether you're a fan of sleek sports cars or retro beauties, there's something to satisfy everyone's taste.

The staff was helpful and friendly, offering insight and information when needed. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, making our visit all the more pleasurable.

Departure was as smooth as our arrival. There were no issues or crowding, making the end of our visit just as pleasant as the beginning.

In conclusion, our visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum was a phenomenal experience. It masterfully combines education with entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and interesting day out in LA, the Petersen Automotive Museum certainly...

They have an enormous collection of vehicles from all eras. I am not really a car aficionado, but went with a friend and still enjoyed the experience. Seeing all those cars gave me a new respect for the level of care people have for creating, restoring, or maintaining them.

We also ate at the restaurant (Meyers Manx) inside the museum. I got one of the better Cobb salads there I have had anywhere. (Not sure why I didn't take a picture of it.)

My biggest pain in the whole experience was gaining entry to the museum. I'll share the experience just for educational purposes, though I don't want to take away from the overall enjoyment of the museum. It really was a good visit.

I purchased my ticket online for both the main museum and the vault. The online ticket included an order number and a QR code. I expected, as with most places, that I could easily scan the QR code to gain entry, so I took a screenshot of the QR code. The front desk didn't seem to have a way to scan the QR code, but instead asked for my order number. Why even offer a QR code if it can't be scanned? Luckily my screenshot did include the bottom half of the digits in the order number, so I was able to tell them, which worked. When I went down to the vault, the employee checking wristbands turned me back because the front desk apparently forgot to give me a wristband after seeing my vault ticket. Props to the vault attendant for doing their job well. I even explained to them and showed them that I had a ticket, but they insisted I go back to get a wristband. Long story short, there needs to be a better system in place for entry when using online tickets, or don't offer them in the first place. It took me longer to get in with an online ticket than those purchasing tickets in-person, which defeats...