Located along Wilshire Boulevard (Museum Row) in Los Angeles, California, the Petersen Automotive Museum stands as a paramount historical institution in the global automotive landscape, dedicated to American car culture, Hollywood automotive heritage, and the evolution of global automotive design.
Its primary exhibition facility was redesigned by renowned architectural practice Kohn Pedersen Fox, boasting an exterior facade wrapped in a fluid lattice of 308 continuous aluminium ribbons that delivers a striking, futuristic visual presence.
The museum permanently houses over 100 historic vehicles across distinct eras, arranged in a structured, multi-tier layout: the ground floor focuses on automotive artistry and industrial design history, the middle floor showcases iconic Hollywood film and television vehicles alongside pop culture machinery, and the top floor displays priceless pre-war vintage classics and motorsport legends.
The collection spans Hot Rods, custom builds, land-speed record-breakers, historic Le Mans and F1 race cars, as well as celebrated screen-used hero cars, offering a comprehensive showcase of American automotive manufacturing and bespoke custom culture.
The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded in 1994 by publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, followed by an extensive, high-investment architectural overhaul and exhibition revamp completed in 2015.
It was originally established to systematically present the profound impact of the motorcar on American society, lifestyles, and modern popular culture to the public.
As a global hub for car enthusiasts and custom culture, the museum has cemented its position as an industry benchmark for innovation and cultural influence through avant-garde architecture, immersive multi-disciplinary exhibitions, and world-class automotive archives.
As a premier custodian of American motoring heritage and priceless custom machinery, the Petersen Automotive Museum adheres to the highest international museum standards and heritage preservation protocols across its daily operations.
Both the main galleries and the famed subterranean "Vault" (a high-security enclosure housing rare, prized collections) maintain strict climate-controlled environments to safeguard the metal chassis, intricate running gear, bespoke interiors, and custom paintwork of classic vintage cars, Hollywood movie vehicles, and custom hot rods from environmental wear and oxidation.
In terms of collection maintenance and fleet management, all running vehicles receive regular, meticulous mechanical upkeep and fluid servicing by specialised classic car restoration technicians.
Across all public exhibition spaces, visitors are required to strictly observe museum safety and conservation rules; touching the exhibit vehicles, crossing security barriers, or performing any action that could potentially damage these historic artefacts is strictly prohibited.