Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket

Exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles: A Detailed Look

Visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum is a treat for anyone with even a passing interest in cars, from vintage collectors to casual enthusiasts. This museum, housed in a striking building on Wilshire Boulevard, offers a journey through 120 years of automotive innovation and culture. With over 100 cars displayed across three floors, interactive exhibits, and specialty collections like hot rods and race cars, there’s plenty to keep visitors engaged.

What we really love about this experience is the way the museum blends immaculate car displays with interactive family-friendly zones. Kids can paint virtual cars, race toy cars, or learn how cars work through animated explanations — making it a fun visit for all ages. However, it’s worth noting that access to the museum’s Vault — which holds even more vehicles — is an extra $25, so if you’re a serious car buff, budget that in.

This tour fits best for those who enjoy a casual yet rich exploration of automotive history, whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with a group of friends. It’s also a fantastic stop if you’re looking to combine culture, entertainment, and a bit of nostalgia into one outing.

Key Points

• Extensive Collection: Over 100 vintage cars and motorcycles spanning from the 1880s to today.
• Interactive Exhibits: Family-friendly activities like virtual car painting, racing simulators, and animated mechanical explanations.
• Special Collections: Hot rods, custom cars, and notable race vehicles.
• Educational & Entertaining: Informative displays with insights from guides and engineers.
• Value for Money: A reasonable $21 entry fee that includes access to most exhibits, with optional premium access.
• Accessible & Flexible: Wheelchair friendly, with the option for private group bookings and flexible cancellation policies.

The Experience in Detail

When you step into the Petersen Automotive Museum, it’s immediately clear this isn’t your average car museum. The building itself, designed to look like a layered, multi-tiered structure, sets the tone for something a bit more extraordinary. The museum’s three floors are split into 25 exhibits, each highlighting different themes ranging from historic vehicles to cutting-edge design.

The Vintage Car Collection

The heart of the museum is undoubtedly its vast array of vintage cars. Over 100 vehicles are displayed, from early models dating back to the 1880s to sleek supercars from Japan and Italy. Reviewers consistently praise the collection for its diversity and quality, with Gia remarking that the cars are “really interesting and historical,” and Linet calling it “the best place I have ever been” because of the stunning displays.

You’ll find everything from classic American muscle cars to European sports cars, with a special focus on innovations that shaped the automotive world. The displays are thoughtfully curated, with each vehicle accompanied by detailed descriptions that explain their significance, making it a wonderful experience for both casual visitors and car enthusiasts.

Interactive & Family-Friendly Zones

The museum’s interactive offerings are a highlight, especially for families. Kids can get hands-on in the Cars Mechanical Institute, inspired by animated films, where they see how mechanical systems work, or paint and personalize virtual cars. The racetrack for toy cars is a hit, as are the racing simulators, which allow visitors to feel the thrill of racing without leaving their seat.

One reviewer, Mark, notes that the exhibits are “easy to find” and accessible, which adds to the fun, especially when visiting with children. These features turn the Petersen from just a display of old cars into an engaging, playful environment where learning about engineering and design is part of the fun.

Special Collections & Exhibits

Beyond the main collection, the museum features dedicated areas like the Hot Rods & Custom Collection, which showcases vintage racing vehicles, highlighting the car culture that has flourished in the US. Visitors also praised the 75th anniversary Porsche exhibit, with testimonies from engineers, artists, and actors, showing that the museum covers not only history but also the cultural impact of cars.

It’s also worth noting that there’s an optional Vault experience for an extra $25, which houses more than 200 additional vehicles — a must for hardcore collectors or those eager to see rarer models.

Practical Details & Tips

The general admission ticket costs $21 per person — very reasonable for such a comprehensive experience. The ticket grants you about an hour of exploration, but many reviews indicate that visitors often stay longer, especially if they pause at each exhibit and engage with interactive features.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and private group bookings are available, which makes it suitable for different types of visitors. The location at 6060 Wilshire Blvd is easy to find, but parking costs can add up (some reviewers mentioned paying $17 for parking), so plan accordingly.

The Verdict on Value

At $21, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers excellent value considering the breadth of cars on display and the interactive experiences included in the price. The occasional extra fee—like the $25 for the Vault—may be worth it if you’re a big car enthusiast. For most casual visitors, the main exhibits alone provide a well-rounded, immersive experience that easily justifies the ticket price.

The museum’s reviews consistently praise the friendly staff and well-laid-out exhibits, with many visitors noting how informative and engaging guides and displays are. For example, Whitney mentions that the guides are “very informative and engaged,” adding depth to the visit.

Who Should Visit?

This museum is perfect for:

• Car lovers of all ages who want to see a broad collection of vintage and modern vehicles.
• Families seeking a fun, educational activity for children.
• Travelers interested in design, engineering, and automotive innovation.
• Anyone with a curiosity about history—cars reveal a lot about the eras they were built in.
• Visitors wanting a value-packed experience in LA, combining culture and entertainment.

The Sum Up

The Petersen Automotive Museum stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone interested in cars or looking for a family-friendly activity in Los Angeles. Its impressive collection, interactive exhibits, and engaging displays make it more than just a static museum — it’s a lively celebration of automotive design and culture.

If you’re passionate about vehicles or simply want to enjoy a fun, visually stunning outing, this museum delivers. The reasonable price coupled with the variety and quality of exhibits makes it a smart choice, especially for those who enjoy learning through hands-on experiences.

While the extra expense for the Vault might be a drawback for some, the core experience still provides more than enough value for the price. Just be prepared for a potentially busy day — but with so much to see and do, you’ll likely leave satisfied, maybe even with a few new knowledge about what makes cars tick.

FAQ

Is the general admission ticket enough to see the main exhibits?
Yes, the $21 ticket grants access to all three floors and 25 exhibits, showcasing over 100 vehicles and interactive features.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Absolutely. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods, and the ticket includes flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s wheelchair friendly, allowing easy access to all three floors and exhibits.

Are there private group options?
Yes, private group tours are available if you prefer a more personalized experience.

Does the ticket include access to the Vault?
No, the Vault is an additional $25 at the counter, housing over 200 more vehicles.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
An hour is the minimum, but many visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring everything thoroughly.

Are food and drinks allowed inside?
No, food and drinks are not permitted indoors, so come prepared or plan to eat before or after your visit.

Are there guided tours?
While the standard ticket includes access to exhibits, guided tours can be booked separately for more in-depth insights.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, parking is available but can be pricey, with some reviews mentioning fees up to $17.

What makes this museum stand out?
Its incredible collection, interactive zones for kids, and focus on both historic and modern vehicles make it a well-rounded and engaging experience.

Visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum promises a fun, educational, and visually stunning journey through automotive history — a true highlight for travelers exploring Los Angeles.