Petersen Automotive Museum Review: Visitor Insights & Highlights to Know Before You Go

The Petersen Automotive Museum, located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, has become a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. With a stellar 4.8 rating from over 14,000 reviews, this museum consistently impresses guests with its massive collection and ever-changing exhibits. Whether you're a lifelong gearhead or just looking for a fun family outing, the Petersen offers something for nearly everyone.

Petersen Automotive Museum at a Glance

Situated in the Carthay Circle neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum serves as a museum, art museum, event venue, and even a wedding venue. Visitors can reach the museum by phone at +1 323-930-2277 or explore its official website at https://petersen.org/. The museum is well-equipped for accessibility, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, toilets, and lifts. It is family-friendly, welcoming children with dedicated kid areas, and offers free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and on-site parking options including a paid garage and paid street parking.

What Do Visitors Like About Petersen Automotive Museum?

Overall, visitor feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising the museum's incredible collection and immersive exhibits. A reviewer named Sean Conroy described it as 'one of the highlights of Los Angeles,' while another, acchronicles, called it 'the best automotive museum I've ever visited.' However, a few visitors noted concerns about parking fees and some felt the Vault tour was overrated for the additional cost. Most agree that the museum is worth visiting, especially for those interested in cars or movie history.

1. Iconic Movie and Television Cars

Many visitors highlight the museum's impressive collection of vehicles from film and television. Sean Conroy mentioned seeing cars from Austin Powers, Wayne's World, and Batman, including the Batmobile, and described the experience as 'stepping into the movies.' Anthony Thomas noted the Fast & Furious exhibit, saying it was 'amazing to see the cars from the actual movies.' Katherine Dunlop also mentioned a row of well-known film vehicles on the third floor.

2. The Vault Tour Experience

The Vault tour, a separate add-on, receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Anthony Thomas said the $52 ticket for the Vault includes 'very impressive historical pieces and an Enzo Ferrari.' Armand Szalai recommended buying Vault access, saying 'You won't regret it.' However, Louis-Alexandre Breton found the Vault 'overrated and not worth the extra $29,' describing it as 'a collection of nice cars in an underground garage with minimal information.'

3. Family-Friendly Activities

Several reviewers noted the museum's appeal for families. Anthony Thomas mentioned 'kid areas with touch friendly stuff,' while Katherine Dunlop described a kids' area on the second floor where children can draw, build cars out of Legos, and race them. Kia Gaines also praised the kids' play area, saying her little one 'could have spent an hour or two just in there.'

4. Rotating and Special Exhibits

Visitors frequently mention the changing exhibits that keep the museum fresh. Sean Conroy noted displays featuring Fast & Furious vehicles and Aston Martin's racing history alongside the permanent collection. jiggbury loved the 'Mercedes 100 exhibit' and other rotating displays. acchronicles particularly enjoyed the 'Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the ’80s and ’90s' exhibit.

5. Parking and Admission Costs

Parking and admission pricing are common topics in reviews. Sean Conroy noted the paid parking garage is convenient, while Anthony Thomas complained that charging for parking 'seems like piracy to me.' acchronicles provided specific rates: first 2 hours $18, each additional hour $3, with a daily max of $24 when combined with museum admission. Admission prices vary, with some reviewers citing $50-$52 for full access including the Vault.

6. Impressive Collection Size and Variety

Reviewers consistently praise the sheer number and variety of vehicles. Armand Szalai estimated 'more than 500 cars in the museum.' acchronicles noted 'more than 100 vehicles spread across 25 galleries, along with three public exhibit floors and a basement Vault containing 300+ rare vehicles.' Ayaulym Tokina appreciated the range 'from classic vehicles to modern supercars and unique exhibits.'

Facilities and Amenities: What Should You Know?

The Petersen Automotive Museum offers a range of facilities and amenities for visitors. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible car parks, entrances, seating, toilets, and lifts throughout the museum. Free Wi-Fi is available. On-site parking includes a paid parking garage and paid parking lots, with free street parking also available nearby. The museum is family-friendly and good for kids. It is also suitable for private events and offers a private highlights tour. Contact the museum at +1 323-930-2277 or visit https://petersen.org/ for more information. The museum's address is 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States.

Is Petersen Automotive Museum Worth Visiting?

Based on visitor feedback, the Petersen Automotive Museum is definitely worth visiting for car enthusiasts, movie buffs, and families alike. The museum suits those interested in automotive history, Hollywood movie cars, and unique exhibits. Visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. While parking fees and Vault tour costs are considerations, most reviewers feel the experience justifies the expense.

What Are the Potential Limitations?

The source data does not establish current exhibit schedules, exact admission prices beyond what reviewers mentioned, or crowd levels at specific times. Some reviewers noted the Vault tour may not appeal to everyone, and parking fees were a common complaint. Seasonal changes and temporary exhibits are not documented in the provided information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Petersen Automotive Museum's hours?

The provided data does not specify operating hours for the museum.

How much does it cost to visit the Petersen Automotive Museum?

Reviewers mentioned admission prices around $50-$52 for full access including the Vault tour. However, exact current pricing is not confirmed in the source data.

Is parking available at the museum?

Yes, the museum has an on-site paid parking garage and paid parking lots. One reviewer noted rates of $18 for the first 2 hours and $24 daily max with museum admission. Free street parking is also available nearby.

Is the Petersen Automotive Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum features wheelchair-accessible car parks, entrances, seating, toilets, and lifts.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum is described as family-friendly and good for kids, with dedicated children's areas featuring hands-on activities like drawing and building toy cars.

Final Verdict

The Petersen Automotive Museum stands out as a premier destination in Los Angeles for automotive enthusiasts and families. With a strong 4.8 rating from over 14,000 reviews, it consistently delivers impressive exhibits, from Hollywood movie cars to rare historical vehicles. While parking fees and the optional Vault tour may add to the cost, most visitors find the experience rewarding and memorable.