Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum, located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, is one of the world’s largest automotive museums. Founded on June 11, 1994, by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, the museum is dedicated to exploring and presenting the history of the automobile and its impact on global culture.  In 2015, the museum underwent a significant $125 million renovation, resulting in a striking new façade designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. This design features stainless-steel ribbons that evoke a sense of speed and movement, creating a contemporary interpretation of the mid-century, space-age “Googie” architectural style that characterizes Los Angeles.   The museum’s interior spans four floors and includes 25 galleries showcasing over 100 vehicles on display, with an additional collection housed in “The Vault,” accessible through guided tours. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including automotive artistry, industrial engineering, and the history of the automobile, with a particular emphasis on Southern California’s car culture. Notable vehicles in the collection include the rare 1939 Porsche 64, a 1956 Jaguar XKSS formerly owned by Steve McQueen, and the DeLorean time machine from the “Back to the Future” film series.  The Petersen Automotive Museum offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of automobiles, combining historical artifacts with interactive exhibits to celebrate the artistry and cultural significance of the automobile.