The Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the world’s great car museums, and its building is a landmark in itself: a wrap of red panels and twisting stainless steel ribbons on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Inside are three floors of rotating exhibits plus the Vault, a basement collection of more than 300 rare cars, from movie vehicles to royal limousines.
You do not need to be a car fanatic to enjoy it; the movie cars alone are worth the trip. This guide covers tickets, the Vault, what to see, parking and how to fit the Petersen into a Miracle Mile museum day.
In this guide
The Petersen is on our list of the best museums in Los Angeles.
Petersen Automotive Museum at a glance
- Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile, Los Angeles
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Tickets (including the Vault): adults $52; seniors (62+) $45; youth (12 to 17) $42; kids (4 to 11) $25
- Parking: $24 daily maximum with admission, in the museum garage
- Nearest Metro: Wilshire/Fairfax station on the D Line
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Tickets and the Vault
Every Petersen ticket now includes access to the Vault, so there is no separate tour to book. Current prices are $52 for adults, $45 for seniors 62 and up, $42 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $25 for children 4 to 11. Children under 4 are not allowed in the Vault.
Ticket tips
- Buy online to choose your time slot, especially on weekends.
- Vault entry is timed, so book the earliest slot that works and explore the main floors afterward.
- Check the museum’s calendar for special events, car shows and holiday tours.
- Large bags may need to be checked.
What is in the Vault
The Vault is the Petersen’s underground storage area, opened to visitors as a guided or self-paced experience. It holds more than 300 vehicles, many of them one of a kind:
- Movie and TV cars, often including Batmobiles, cars from the Fast and Furious films and other famous screen vehicles.
- Presidential and royal cars, such as limousines used by heads of state.
- Rare European sports cars from Ferrari, Bugatti and Porsche.
- Hot rods and customs from Southern California’s car culture.
- Prototypes and concept cars that never went into production.
The collection rotates, so what you see depends on the day.
The main exhibition floors
The three main floors cover the history and culture of the automobile:
- Third floor: the history of the car, including how LA was shaped by cars and freeways.
- Second floor: the industry and design, with engineering and alternative-fuel displays, plus the Forza Motorsport racing experience.
- First floor: the artistry of the car, with rotating headline exhibitions on themes like supercars, design legends and Hollywood vehicles.
The museum also has a kids’ area on the second floor, with hands-on activities and a Pixar Cars-inspired zone that has long been a family favorite.
Hours and the best time to go
The Petersen is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekend afternoons can be busy, and the Vault slots sell out first.
Getting there and parking
The museum is at the southeast corner of Wilshire and Fairfax in the Miracle Mile.
- Metro: the D Line extension opened in May 2026, and Wilshire/Fairfax station is right next to the museum. See our LA Metro guide.
- Parking: the Petersen’s garage entrance is on Fairfax Avenue, with a $24 daily maximum when you visit the museum.
Nearby things to do
The Petersen sits on LA’s Museum Row, so you can easily plan a full day:
- LACMA: across Fairfax, with Urban Light and the new Geffen Galleries.
- La Brea Tar Pits: the Lake Pit mammoths are a short walk east.
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: the film museum on the opposite corner.
- The Original Farmers Market: about 10 minutes’ walk north for lunch.
Tips for visiting
- Book the Vault first and plan the rest around it.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; check signs in the Vault.
- Take the elevator to the top and work your way down.
- Car fans: watch for weekend “cars and coffee” style meetups and special events in the garage and plaza.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Petersen Automotive Museum tickets?
Adult tickets are $52 and include the Vault. Seniors pay $45, youth $42 and children 4 to 11 pay $25.
Is the Vault included in Petersen tickets?
Yes. Vault access is included with every general admission ticket. Children under 4 cannot enter the Vault.
How long does it take to see the Petersen?
Plan two to three hours, including the Vault.
Where do you park for the Petersen Automotive Museum?
Use the museum garage on Fairfax Avenue, with a $24 daily maximum with admission.
Is the Petersen good for kids?
Yes. Kids enjoy the movie cars, racing simulators and the hands-on family area.
Photo credits
Featured image: Denys Nevozhai dnevozhai / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
