The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a museum of automotive history, with more than 400 iconic cars on display. From Beverly Hills, you can plan a visit around its galleries, check whether you want to add the Vault, and combine the trip with another nearby museum.
- Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Typical hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; check-in closes at 5:30 PM
- General admission: Includes galleries and exhibitions; the Vault costs extra
- Time to allow: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours, plus time for the Vault
What does the Petersen Automotive Museum cover?
The Petersen Automotive Museum covers automotive history through a collection of more than 400 iconic cars on display. Its galleries and exhibitions are included with general admission, while the Vault is a separate experience.
The museum’s collection is the main reason to set aside time for a visit. For a broader Los Angeles museum day, you can also consider the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.
What are the tickets and opening hours?
The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check-in closes at 5:30 PM, and the last Vault call is at 5:00 PM. Check the official site before you go for current hours, ticket prices and admission details.
General admission covers the museum’s galleries and exhibitions. You can add the Vault through a combination ticket or as an add-on at the admissions desk. The listed combination ticket prices are:
- Adults, ages 18+: $52
- Seniors, ages 62+: $45
- Youth, ages 12–17: $42
- Children, ages 4–11: $25
Children under 4 are not allowed in the Vault. Advance reservations are not required for general admission, but everyone needs a ticket to enter the galleries or Vault. You do not need a ticket to visit the Petersen Store or Meyers Manx Cafe.
Unused tickets are valid for 12 months from purchase, and same-day re-entry is permitted. Non-flash photography is allowed throughout the museum.
How do you get to the museum from Beverly Hills?
The museum is at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, and Metro’s Wilshire/Fairfax station on the Purple Line provides public-transit access. If you are driving, the parking garage entrance is on Fairfax Avenue.
On-site parking costs $18 for the first two hours, then $3 for each additional hour, with a $24 daily maximum when you have museum admission. The first 15 minutes are complimentary. The garage is open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM; overnight parking is prohibited.
Accessible parking is on Level P1. If you are planning to drive, check the official site before you go for current parking information.
How much time should you plan for the galleries?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the museum, with additional time needed for the Vault. You can use that estimate to plan the rest of your day, especially if you intend to visit another museum nearby.
The Discovery Center is on the second floor and closes daily at 5:30 PM. Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian there at all times. If the Discovery Center is part of your plan, make time for it before its daily closing.
What accessibility and facilities are available?
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible tours, touch tours and ASL interpreters can be arranged upon request.
The Meyers Manx Cafe is open seven days a week. Its hours are 8:00 AM–3:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Friday and Saturday. The Petersen Store and cafe can be visited without a museum ticket.
Which nearby museums can you combine with a visit?
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is another museum option to consider for a Los Angeles outing. You can also look into the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures when comparing nearby cultural stops. Allow 2–3 hours for the Petersen’s galleries alone, and extra time if you plan to add the Vault.
FAQs
Do you need to reserve Petersen Automotive Museum tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are not required for general admission. All visitors need tickets to enter the galleries or Vault.
Is the Vault included in general admission?
No. The Vault is an additional experience, available with a combination ticket or as an add-on at the admissions desk.
Is parking available at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
Yes. On-site parking is available in the garage entered from Fairfax Avenue. The first 15 minutes are complimentary, and parking with museum admission has a $24 daily maximum.
How long do most visitors spend at the museum?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the galleries. Plan additional time if you are visiting the Vault.