News & Events

A Day at the Museum

Thursday, January 7, 2010

There is more to Los Angeles than freeways and maps to the star’s homes. Those looking to find where metal meets art can take in The Petersen Automotive Museum. Opened in 1994, this ode to the auto is located on LA’s miracle mile. The Peterson is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile. Encompassing more than 300,000 square feet of exhibits and lifelike dioramas, the museum features 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. 

The second floor presents five rotating galleries with state-of-the-art displays of racecars, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars, including 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 motorcar. The 6,500 square-foot, interactive “hands-on” learning center teaches children basic scientific principles by explaining the fundamental functions of a car

The Peterson offers frequently changing shows of racecars, early motorcycles, famous movie vehicles, and celebrity wheels such as Jack Benny's old Chrysler Imperial. Past shows have included a comprehensive exhibit of "woodies" and surf culture, Hollywood "star cars," and the world's fastest and most valuable cars.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a non-profit organization specializing in the education and history of the automobile and is a "must see" if you are in the Los Angeles area.

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