Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Access

Exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Access: A Detailed Review

If you’re passionate about cars or simply curious about automotive history, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles offers a fascinating journey through 120 years of vehicle innovation and design. The experience combines a comprehensive museum tour with exclusive access to the “Vault”, where some of the most unique and rare cars are kept under lock and key.

One of the standout features of this tour is the 90-minute Vault visit, which promises a glimpse into a private collection of over 250 one-of-a-kind vehicles. The museum’s main exhibits cover 25 galleries across three floors, making it an engaging mix of history, culture, and automotive artistry. We particularly appreciate the interactive exhibits that appeal to both enthusiasts and families alike.

That said, the tour is somewhat self-guided—there’s no live guide included—and some visitors might prefer a guided experience for deeper insights. Also, children under 10 aren’t suited for this activity, so it’s best suited for older kids and adults who love cars or are interested in design and history.

This experience is ideal for car enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting a fun, educational day out in LA with a touch of exclusivity.

Key Points

• Exclusive Vault Access: See over 250 rare, iconic vehicles in a private exhibit.
• Comprehensive Museum: Explore 25 galleries covering 120 years of automotive history.
• Interactive Exhibits: Family-friendly, engaging displays that bring the vehicles’ stories to life.
• Expert Knowledge: Though no guide is included in the main tour, the Vault features knowledgeable staff who enrich your experience.
• Great Value: For $48, you get a full day of discovery, including the Vault tour and access to the main exhibits.
• Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a range of visitors.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Museum’s Extensive Collection

Once inside, you’re greeted with a sprawling layout of over 100,000 square feet of exhibits that showcase everything from vintage classics to modern supercars. The museum does a fantastic job of telling the story of how Los Angeles and the automotive world evolved side-by-side. For example, the display of historic cars like the 1910 Ford Model T Roadster offers a tangible look at early automotive engineering, while the sleek DeLorean “Time Machine” from “Back to the Future” adds a pop culture twist.

The Vault: A Showstopper

The real highlight, of course, is the 90-minute self-guided Vault tour. Located in the museum basement, the Vault holds over 250 vehicles that are too rare, valuable, or fragile for general display. Visitors love the chance to see turn-of-the-century cars, head-of-state vehicles, supercars, hot rods, and boundary-pushing innovations.

Reviews praise the “Chrome overload” and describe the Vault as “just magical” for car fans. The variety keeps the experience fresh, with surprises at every turn. A guide named Stephen in the Vault was specifically mentioned as being “a wealth of knowledge”, adding depth to the visit through interesting stories and technical details.

Exhibits and Interactive Elements

The main galleries are designed to be as engaging as they are educational. Interactive displays help visitors understand automotive technology and design evolution. Though some reviews, like Salochanee’s, suggest the museum could include more interactive activities for children and women, it still manages to be family-friendly and fun.

Staff and Guides

While the general admission ticket doesn’t include a live guide, the Vault staff are noted for their knowledgeable and friendly nature. They enhance the experience by sharing fascinating details about specific vehicles—like the hot rods or historic cars—that visitors might not notice on their own.

Practical Details and Value

At $48 per person, this experience offers solid value considering the size of the collection and the exclusive Vault access. The ticket includes general admission and a QR code-based audio tour for self-guided exploration—ideal for those who prefer flexibility and independence.

The activity lasts around a full day, with the Vault tour itself taking approximately 90 minutes. It’s wheelchair accessible, and you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet exploring vast galleries.

Who Will Love This?

This tour caters best to car enthusiasts, but it also appeals to families with older children, given the interactive elements and the sheer variety of displays. The stories behind the cars make it an engaging and educational experience, especially if you’re interested in how automobile design intersects with culture and history.

The Sum Up

The Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Access delivers a well-rounded, immersive experience for anyone interested in cars and their stories. With over 250 rare vehicles, including some of the most iconic and historically significant cars, the Vault offers a behind-the-scenes look that’s hard to find elsewhere. The main museum galleries complement this with engaging exhibits that span more than a century of automotive evolution.

The value is outstanding for the price, particularly with the exclusive Vault access. It’s a thoughtful choice for those who want more than just a typical museum visit—offering a blend of history, design, and culture all in one location. While a guided tour might enhance the experience for some, the self-guided format with audio support still allows plenty of room for personal exploration.

If you’re visiting Los Angeles and have even a passing interest in cars, this tour is a must-do. It’s a place where history comes alive through the vehicles that shaped the modern world, with enough surprises and stories to keep every visitor engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children under 10?
No, children under 10 are not recommended for this activity, likely due to the nature of the exhibits and the length of the visit.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket grants general admission to the Petersen Automotive Museum, 90-minute access to the Vault, and an audio tour accessible via QR code.

Are guides included in this experience?
No, the tour is self-guided, but staff in the Vault are knowledgeable and can answer questions during your visit.

How much time should I allocate for this experience?
Plan for a full day; the main exhibits are extensive, and the Vault tour lasts about 90 minutes.

Is the museum accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming for a variety of visitors.

Can I cancel this activity if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Whether you’re a die-hard car fanatic or just curious about automotive history, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault experience offers a unique, insightful, and visually stunning day in Los Angeles. It’s a chance to see history’s most prized vehicles up close—an experience worth every penny.