Did You Know?

Did you know that Los Angeles has the world's busiest origin and destination airport? Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports globally, with millions of travelers passing through each year. It serves as a major gateway to international destinations and is a hub for various airlines.

Did you know that Los Angeles is often called the "Entertainment Capital of the World"? The city is renowned for its thriving entertainment industry, including Hollywood, which is the center of the American film and television industry. Many iconic movies, TV shows, and music albums have originated in Los Angeles.

Did you know that Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States? With a population of over 3.9 million people, it is surpassed only by New York City. Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant metropolis that encompasses a wide range of neighborhoods, cultures, and industries.

Did you know that Los Angeles is home to the largest county park system in the United States? The Los Angeles County Park system comprises over 400 parks, covering approximately 69,000 acres (28,000 hectares) of land. These parks offer a wide array of recreational activities, from hiking and picnicking to sports and cultural events.

Did you know that Los Angeles has a rich cultural scene and hosts numerous museums and art galleries? The Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are just a few examples of the city's world-class cultural institutions. These venues showcase a wide range of art, history, and scientific exhibits.

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Peterson Automotive Museum

Introduction to the Petersen Automotive Museum

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the world's premier institutions focusing on automotive history, design, and innovation. The museum's mission is to explore the role of the automobile in shaping and transforming the Los Angeles community, as well as the wider world, through a combination of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and rotating displays of some of the most beautiful, rare, and historically significant vehicles ever created. With over 300 vehicles on display, the museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone passionate about motoring, engineering, art, and design.

History of the Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded in 1994 by Robert E. Petersen, the publisher of Hot Rod, Motor Trend, and numerous other automotive enthusiast magazines. Petersen's passion for cars fueled his desire to create a space where people could learn about and appreciate the rich history of the automobile. The museum was originally housed in a former department store building, but after significant success and growth, a massive renovation project was undertaken between 2014-2015 to revamp and modernize the building's design. Now, the museum boasts a sleek, visually striking exterior that hints at the automotive wonders that await visitors inside.

Exhibits at the Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum features a wide range of exhibits to cater to the diverse interests of its visitors. From exhibits showcasing the rich history of the automobile to interactive displays that invite visitors to imagine the future of transportation, the museum offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the world of motoring. Some of the standout exhibits include:

Precision Concept: A Look at Acura's Innovative Design Language

In this exhibit, visitors can explore the future of Acura's design language through the stunning Acura Precision Concept. This concept vehicle offers an exciting and unique exploration of the car brand's commitment to cutting-edge technology and bold, unmistakable design.

The Roots of Monozukuri: Creative Spirit in Japanese Automaking

This exhibit delves into the origins and development of Japanese automaking and showcases some of the country's most iconic and influential cars. From early Japanese models to modern automotive marvels, this exhibit provides a comprehensive and insightful look at the rich history of Japanese car manufacturing.

Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Who can forget the Delorean from Back to the Future or the Batmobile? This exhibit displays some of the most imaginative and futuristic vehicles from film and television, showcasing the intersections between technology, design, and popular culture. Visitors can see everything from the Spinner from Blade Runner to the DeLorean time machine from Back to The Future.

Hot Rods and Customs: The Foundations of California Car Culture

This exhibit is especially close to the heart of the museum's founder, Robert E. Petersen. Displaying a wide variety of hot rods and custom cars, this exhibit explores the birth and development of Southern California's car culture, focusing on how these cars have both evolved and contributed to the area's unique and vibrant community.

Vault Tours: An Exclusive Look at the Petersen Automotive Museum's Hidden Gems

Beyond the already impressive exhibits on display, the museum also offers exclusive "Vault Tours" that provide visitors with an up-close look at some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the museum's collection. The vault is a climate-controlled, secure underground storage facility that houses a rotating selection of more than 150 vehicles. Led by knowledgeable guides, these intimate tours provide expert insight into the engineering, design, and history of each automobile. The behind-the-scenes access to these incredible machines is an experience that won't be forgotten.

Educational Opportunities at the Petersen Automotive Museum

In addition to its exhibits and tours, the Petersen Automotive Museum is also dedicated to offering educational opportunities for children, teens, and adults. The museum's educational programs address a variety of topics from automotive design, art, history, and engineering to encourage learning and inspire curiosity in the automobile. Workshops, after-school programs, guided tours, and special events also regularly take place at the museum, ensuring that there is always something new and engaging to experience at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum

Located near the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, the Petersen Automotive Museum is easily accessible for both local residents and tourists. With its stunning displays, extensive selection of vehicles, and engaging educational programs, the museum is a joy to explore for all ages. A visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum promises to be an enlightening, entertaining, and unforgettable experience that will forever change the way you think about the automobile and its incredible impact on our world.