Petersen Automotive Museum - A Car Lover's Dream
When you are thinking about places to visit that truly celebrate the automobile, there is one spot in Los Angeles that really stands out. It is a place where cars tell their own stories, and every single one of those stories finds its special spot in the grand tale of human ingenuity and how we get around. This particular museum, you see, is often spoken of as the best of its kind anywhere in the world. It is a big, big collection, and it shows off so many different kinds of vehicles, from the very old to the very new, and all the interesting things in between. People come from all over, hundreds of thousands each year, just to walk through its doors and see what wonders await.
This remarkable place, the Petersen Automotive Museum, sits right there on Wilshire Boulevard, which is a famous street, right in what people call Museum Row, in a part of Los Angeles known as the Miracle Mile. It is a spot that is pretty easy to get to, and it is surrounded by other interesting things to see and do. You can find convenient parking right there on the grounds, which is always a nice thing when you are visiting a busy city. It means you do not have to worry about finding a place for your car when you are trying to enjoy the day, which, you know, makes things a lot simpler.
Since it first opened its doors back in 1994, this museum has been all about showing how cars have changed and grown over time, and how they have shaped the way we live and what we do around the globe. It is not just about fancy sports cars, though there are plenty of those, too. It is about how cars have touched so many parts of our lives, from how we travel to how we express ourselves. They even had a really important show back in 2000 that looked at lowriding, and they keep on showing how that part of car culture has added so much to the history of vehicles. It is, in a way, a place where you can see how cars are truly a part of us.
Table of Contents
- Who Started This Amazing Place?
- What Makes the Petersen Automotive Museum So Special?
- Can You See More at the Petersen Automotive Museum for a Little Extra?
- What Sort of Things Can You Expect to Find at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
- A Look at the Petersen Automotive Museum Through My Eyes
- Beyond the Petersen Automotive Museum: Other Car Spots to Check Out
- Remembering the Past and Celebrating Icons at the Petersen Automotive Museum
- Hosting Your Special Moments at the Petersen Automotive Museum
Who Started This Amazing Place?
You might be wondering, who came up with the idea for such a grand place dedicated to cars? Well, the Petersen Automotive Museum, which is quite a landmark in Los Angeles, was started by a couple named Robert and Margie Petersen. They had this vision to create a spot where people could come and really connect with the history and the excitement of automobiles. It opened its doors in 1994, and it is actually set up inside what used to be a big department store building. So, you know, it has a bit of history to it even before the cars moved in. It is pretty neat to think about how a place that once sold clothes and household items now holds some of the most famous and interesting vehicles you could ever hope to see.
| Founders | Robert and Margie Petersen |
| Year Founded | 1994 |
| Original Building Use | Department store |
What Makes the Petersen Automotive Museum So Special?
So, what exactly is it that makes the Petersen Automotive Museum stand out from other places where you can see cars? Well, it is often said to be the number one automotive museum in the whole world, which is quite a thing to say, actually. This place is really focused on showing people how cars have changed over time and how they have made a big mark on our lives and the way societies work all around the globe. It is not just a bunch of cars sitting there; it is about the stories behind them, the people who made them, and how they fit into history. You can see so many different kinds of vehicles here, more than 300 of the most unusual and sought-after ones you could imagine. It is like a big book of car history, but you get to walk right through it, which is pretty cool.
The museum is always bringing in new things to see, with current shows and ones that are coming up soon. You can explore all these different displays and learn so much. They have their regular areas, too, that are always there for people to visit. It is a place that feels alive, in a way, always showing something new or a fresh look at something old. They have these amazing events, and you can even book a special tour if you want a deeper look at things. They also have answers to common questions and policies listed, so you know what to expect before you even get there. It is all set up to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, you know, just a really welcoming place for anyone who loves cars or just wants to learn a bit about them.
Can You See More at the Petersen Automotive Museum for a Little Extra?
You know, if you are thinking about going, there is a special section, sort of a hidden collection, that you can get into for a little bit more money. People often wonder if it is worth the extra few dollars, and honestly, it really is. The things you see in there, it just makes the whole visit feel even more special, you know? It is a place where you can spend quite a bit of time, just looking at all the amazing vehicles, and it feels like every moment you spend there is time well spent, and the cost, well, it seems like a small thing when you see what is inside. This special area, called the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault, which is put on by Hagerty, holds some of the most unusual and exciting cars the museum has. This whole collection shows off so many years of how cars have gotten better and changed, from way back when to more recent times.
What Sort of Things Can You Expect to Find at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
When you visit the Petersen Automotive Museum, you will find yourself surrounded by so many different kinds of vehicles, each with its own story. They have these permanent displays that are always there, showing off various aspects of car history. But then, they also bring in new, exciting shows all the time. For example, they recently had a groundbreaking show that brought together the most famous machines of a motorsports legend, Ken Block. This display, called "People's Champ," really showed how much impact he had on the world of racing and car culture. It is pretty cool to see how they bring these stories to life, you know, not just showing a car, but showing what it means to people.
They also have these big events throughout the year. For instance, there is a special VIP event that is considered the biggest one for the Petersen Automotive Museum. If you are someone who really wants the best experience, with all the food you could want and access to everything, especially if you are interested in Formula 1 racing, this is the one to go for. They also have an annual gathering, like the one on a Saturday in July, where everyone can come and enjoy the cars together. And for those who are going to educational events at the museum, there is even free parking, which is a nice touch, too.
A Look at the Petersen Automotive Museum Through My Eyes
I remember going to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles a while back, it was on my 69th birthday, actually. That was, let's see, about eight years ago, since I am 77 now. It was a really memorable day, and I even took some pictures there. They were not the best quality, I have to say, so I apologize for that, but the experience itself was just fantastic. I also remember seeing a book there, the "deuce book," which you can buy from the museum store. It is pretty neat to have something like that to take home and remember your visit by, you know? It is like bringing a little piece of that amazing car history with you.
I have spent many years around cars and writing about them. Back in the 80s and 90s, I used to write articles about different cars, cover events, and even do technical stories. I had some really great people helping me out, like editors such as Jeff Tann, Jim McGowan, Jim Smart, and Pete. They were wonderful folks to work with, and they really helped shape my writing. I have also sold things for "Speedy Bill" over the years, so I have been pretty involved in the car scene for a long time. It is all part of a lifelong passion for vehicles and the stories they tell, which is why places like the Petersen Automotive Museum are so important to me.
Thinking about cars and their history, I remember some images from Gray Baskerville, who was a truly great person and is no longer with us. His pictures always had a way of capturing the spirit of the cars. And there is one photo that comes to mind, from around 1986, of the Power King too, at Famoso Drag Strip in Bakersfield, California. These sorts of memories and images are a big part of what makes the world of cars so rich and interesting, and places like the Petersen Automotive Museum do a wonderful job of keeping those memories alive for everyone to see and enjoy, you know, for years to come.
Beyond the Petersen Automotive Museum: Other Car Spots to Check Out
While the Petersen Automotive Museum is certainly a highlight, there are other cool spots for car enthusiasts, especially if you are visiting the Los Angeles area. You should really try to make some time for the Lion's Drag Strip Museum. It is a place that holds a lot of history for drag racing fans. That museum is going to be open to the public after its grand opening, but you will need to make a reservation. They are planning to be open on Wednesday afternoons, between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so that is something to keep in mind if you want to visit. It is a pretty specific window, so you have to plan a little, but it is probably worth it for anyone who loves that kind of history.
And speaking of other places, if you are in Burbank on a Friday night, you really ought to check out Bob's Big Boy. It is a classic spot where car people often gather, and you can see some really neat vehicles just hanging out there. It is a different kind of experience than a museum, more about the living, breathing car culture of today. I also remember, just last summer, we went to a museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. In that place, they had two complete cars with their engines about 90% put back together, and even a couple of extra engines just sitting there. It was pretty interesting to see cars in that state of being brought back to life, you know, a work in progress.
I would also really suggest taking a tour of a collection that has about 80 cars, which are currently parked in a venue. I highly recommend that experience. It is a lot of cars to see in one go, and it gives you a really good sense of the variety out there. One day, I would really love to see the Speedway Museum. But, you know, it is halfway across the country from where I am, and as I get a little older, the chances of making that trip seem to be getting a bit slimmer. Still, it is something I think about, because there are just so many amazing places to see cars and their stories all over the country.
Remembering the Past and Celebrating Icons at the Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum has a special way of bringing the past to life, especially when it comes to celebrating important figures in the car world. For example, they recently had an exhibit, the first of its kind, that let people see the actual machines that helped define a motorsports icon, Ken Block. This show, called "People's Champ," brought together his most famous vehicles. It is pretty incredible to be able to stand so close to the very cars that made history, you know? It really helps you feel the impact that someone like Ken Block had on racing and on car culture in general. It is not just about looking at cars; it is about feeling the spirit of those who drove them and pushed the limits.
The museum also does a great job of showing how different parts of car culture have grown and changed. They have been celebrating the story of lowriding, for instance, since their first show on the topic back in 2000. They continue to recognize how much lowriding has given to the whole story of cars. It is a place where you can see how cars are not just machines, but also a way for people to express themselves and their communities. This focus on culture, alongside the vehicles themselves, is a big part of what makes the Petersen Automotive Museum such a rich and interesting place to spend your time, honestly.
Hosting Your Special Moments at the Petersen Automotive Museum
What is really cool about the Petersen Automotive Museum is that it is not just a place to look at cars. It also offers a few different spots within its building where you can hold your own special events. So, if you are planning a wedding, or a Mitzvah, or maybe a corporate gathering, or any other kind of special party, they have spaces for that. It is a pretty unique setting for an event, if you think about it. Imagine celebrating your big day surrounded by some of the most incredible cars ever made. It adds a really distinct touch to any occasion, you know, making it truly memorable for everyone who comes. It is just another way this museum serves its community, going beyond just showing off its collection.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is really dedicated to showing and exploring what the automobile is all about and how it affects our lives and cultures around the world. It is a place where every car has a story, and every story has a spot in history. It is one of the biggest and most varied car museums anywhere, which is saying something. So, whether you are there to see the latest exhibit, learn about car history, or even host a party, it is a venue that offers a lot to people. It is a place where the love for cars is truly celebrated, and where you can connect with the passion that so many people have for these amazing machines.
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