We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 606 Los Angeles Attractions »

Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-930-2277
As featured in 3 days in Los Angeles
Ranked #19 of 353 attractions in Los Angeles
4.5 of 5 stars 126 Reviews
Type: Speciality Museums, History Museums, Museums
Fee: Yes
Owner description: The Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on American life and culture using... more » Owner description: The Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on American life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example. Encompassing more than 300,000 square feet, its exhibits and lifelike dioramas feature more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Covering four floors, the facility features permanent exhibits on the first floor that trace the history of the automobile. Visitors are invited to walk through, not by, exhibits and dioramas and experience settings of early Los Angeles where the world’s first shopping district was designed. The second floor presents five rotating galleries with state-of-the-art displays of race cars, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars, and auto design and technology. The May Family Discovery Center is located on the third floor. Designed to spark interest in science by way of the automobile, the 6,500 square-foot, interactive "hands-on" learning center teaches children basic scientific principles by explaining the fundamental functions of a car. A spectacular all-glass penthouse conference center, Founder’s Lounge and kitchen, comprise the fourth floor, which is available for special events and functions. The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, governed by a Board of Directors. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

126 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    65
    49
    9
    2
    1
Date Rating
Sunderland
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

I am not a huge car lover but I've enjoyed this museum very much with so many iconic cars you won't get bored.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by Marcie_x76 for Los Angeles
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

If you like cars then this is a must visit. Mainly old cars, when they still had character.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Lengau for Los Angeles
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

If you don't find cars intriguing, you will. Tie this in with a day spent along the museum strip, or a visit to the Grove, where shopping and dining is a fun experience.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by 5gordons for Los Angeles
Whakatane
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012

Not really into cars but the boys seemed to like it , small boys with wheels fetishes would die for this place

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Frangiipani for Los Angeles
California, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

being a automotive geek i learned a lot. I've seen the ancient automobiles that i only saw in books. Really very educating experience.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Hannah M for Los Angeles
Irvine
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

If you love cars you will love this museum. met some old friends and we talked and walked around this museum relating memories of family cars and old Hollywood movie star cars. It used to be "our" old hang out as kids, a clothing store which connected to May Co now the art museum. great times Take your husband or... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by ElaineIrvine for Los Angeles
Granada Hills, California
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Petersen Museum is located near downtown Los Angeles. It houses a few cars and has a few exhibits. It's good to visit for a couple of hours in conjunction to visiting other sights in the area such as the La Brea Tar Pits.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Luvsailing for Los Angeles
West Hollywood, California
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

If you like cars- this is the place! LOTS to see- plan on being there for quite some time.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Palmdale, CA
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

This is a big, clean, modern museum. Lots of car buffs. The customers even drive their own beauties and park in the garage. The first floor showcases the cars in surroundings of the time. The second floor has great scooter, hot wheels, and super hero cars collections. The third floor has hands on laws of motion displays, as well as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by 7seekers for Los Angeles
Mke
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

We fit this in on a Saturday morning. We were able to go through the museum pretty quickly. Some of the cars there are spectacular. Staff were very helpful. We could have spent more time going through it but had a full itinerary that day. It's worth seeing. We would visit again next time we're in L.A.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by DepartingDuo for Los Angeles

Travellers who viewed Petersen Automotive Museum also viewed

The Getty Center
4.5 of 5 stars 938 Reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Venice Canals Walkway
4.5 of 5 stars 151 Reviews
Los Angeles, CA
 
Universal Studios Hollywood
4 of 5 stars 2,108 Reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Griffith Observatory
4.5 of 5 stars 734 Reviews
Los Angeles, CA
 

Been to Petersen Automotive Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Petersen Automotive Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »