Petersen Automotive Museum

A massive assembly of red and brushed steel ribbons wraps around the entire building on Wilshire Boulevard, a facade designed to evoke a sense of speed and motion. This is the Petersen Automotive Museum, one of the world’s largest collections dedicated to the car. The building itself was originally a department store from the 1960s, and its large, windowless structure was specifically chosen to protect the vehicles inside from sunlight. Inside, the museum is organized across three distinct floors, connected by a grand spiral staircase. The journey starts on the first floor, dedicated to “Artistry,” where you’ll find the most extravagant and sculptural car designs. From there, the second floor shifts to “Industry,” covering everything from manufacturing and engineering to motorsports. This level also includes interactive racing simulators, which are popular and should be booked in advance. The third floor focuses on “History,” tracing the automobile’s story with a clear emphasis on its role in shaping Southern California and its appearance in film and television. The real heart of the collection, however, is kept in the Vault. This subterranean level requires a separate, premium ticket for a guided tour, but it's where over 250 of the rarest vehicles are stored – everything from presidential cars and early Ferraris to iconic movie vehicles not currently on display upstairs. It’s a much deeper look into the full scope of the museum’s holdings. The main galleries change frequently, so the cars on view are always rotating, giving the museum a different feel with each visit.