Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles, California, US

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles showcases the evolution of car design, from historic classics to movie‑made vehicles, within a bold architectural space. Its rotating exhibitions keep the collection fresh for anyone fascinated by automotive history and visual style.

Why choose Petersen Automotive Museum

You’ll walk through a curated timeline that blends engineering milestones with cultural moments, something a standard art museum rarely offers. The experience feels personal, letting you connect the sleek lines of a concept car to the stories that shaped the city’s streets.

Best for: History lovers · Architecture · Photography · Families

Start your museum morning here

Begin at the Petersen Automotive Museum, then walk to nearby cultural sites for a compact art‑and‑science half‑day.

1. Morning — Petersen Automotive Museum
2. 11:00 — Los Angeles County Museum of Art
3. Afternoon — La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Visit tips

• Check the museum’s website for the current exhibition before you go.
• Photography is allowed in most galleries, but flash may be restricted.
• Arrive early; the first hour tends to be quieter.
• Allow about two hours to explore the main galleries and temporary exhibit.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 2–2.5 hours — allow extra for rotating exhibit
• Best time of day: Early morning, before 11:00 — first hour tends to be quieter
• Hours: 10:00–18:00
• Category: attraction
• Rated 4.8 by 13840 reviewers
• Tags: car culture, design focus, family friendly, photo opportunities

Nearby attractions

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art — museum, 4 min walk
• La Brea Tar Pits and Museum — museum, 6 min walk
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — museum, 2 min walk

More things to do in Los Angeles

• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Griffith Park
• Dodger Stadium
• Griffith Observatory
• Crypto.com Arena
• The Getty

See all things to do in Los Angeles or plan a full Los Angeles itinerary with Next Getaway.