About Petersen Automotive Museum
After a 2015 redesign with stainless-steel ribbons, the Petersen displays 100+ cars from racing legends to celebrity vehicles and movie cars.
Founded in 1994, Petersen Automotive Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 32 years. Today it draws approximately 400,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited design & decorative museums in the world. Located in Los Angeles, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 5,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Petersen Automotive Museum ranks #107
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #107 in our composite ranking, Petersen Automotive Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Petersen Automotive Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Vault tour (basement)
- ◆Bond cars
- ◆Hot Wheels exhibit
- ◆Movie cars
Recognition & awards
Petersen Automotive Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Petersen Automotive Museum is located in Los Angeles, United States at coordinates 34.0625°N, -118.3614°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Petersen Automotive Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum was established in 1994, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Los Angeles. With 400,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important design & decorative museums in the Americas region.
Other top design & decorative museums
If you enjoy design & decorative museums like Petersen Automotive Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #41Victoria and Albert MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #166Glasgow School of Art / MackintoshGlasgow, United Kingdom
- #178Glass Museum / Museum of GlassTacoma, United States
- #219Yves Saint Laurent MuseumMarrakech, Morocco
- #220Bauhaus-Archiv / Museum für GestaltungBerlin, Germany
More museums in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to 3 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Petersen Automotive Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #46J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Center)🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #72Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Petersen Automotive Museum?
Daily 10:00–18:00. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Petersen Automotive Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Petersen Automotive Museum located?
Petersen Automotive Museum is located in Los Angeles, United States. The exact coordinates are 34.0625°, -118.3614°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Petersen Automotive Museum known for?
Hollywood and Detroit on Wilshire. Key highlights include Vault tour (basement), Bond cars, Hot Wheels exhibit. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 5,500 reviews.
How many people visit Petersen Automotive Museum each year?
Petersen Automotive Museum receives approximately 400,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Petersen Automotive Museum founded?
Petersen Automotive Museum was founded in 1994, making it 32 years old. It is categorised as a design & decorative museum in our directory.
