Petersen Automotive Museum: A Temple of Car Culture

The Petersen Automotive Museum is a celebration of car culture in the heart of Los Angeles. Founded in 1994 by Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, the museum has grown to become one of the world's largest automotive museums. The museum is housed in a historic building that was originally a department store in 1962. In 2015, the building underwent a $125 million renovation, transforming its facade into a dynamic, wavy steel and aluminum design that evokes the movement of air over a car's body. Inside, the museum features over 100 vehicles on display, ranging from classic cars to cutting-edge supercars. Exhibits cover the history of the automobile in Los Angeles, Hollywood cars, race cars, motorcycles, and more. Interactive exhibits, such as the Forza Motorsport Racing Experience and the Discovery Center, offer engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The Petersen also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including car shows, workshops, and family programs. For a more in-depth experience, visitors can take a Vault Tour to see over 250 additional vehicles not on display in the main galleries. The museum's collection includes iconic vehicles such as the Batmobile from 'Batman Returns', the DeLorean time machine from 'Back to the Future', and the Ferrari 308 GTSi from 'Magnum, P.I.'.