Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Public Vault Tour

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles offers car enthusiasts and history buffs an immersive experience through its expansive public vault tour. Visitors can explore over 250 rare and historic automobiles, tracing the evolution of transportation design and engineering. From early pioneering models to cutting-edge concept cars, this 90-minute self-guided audio tour allows you to uncover the museum’s hidden treasures and gain a deeper appreciation for the automotive industry’s past, present, and future. With convenient on-site parking and nearby public transportation, the Petersen Vault Tour is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for automobiles.

Key Points

• The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles offers a 90-minute self-guided audio tour of its behind-the-scenes 100,000 square foot vault.
• The vault tour showcases over 250 rare and historic automobiles, including classic cars, motorcycles, and trucks from around the world.
• Visitors can explore the evolution of transportation design and engineering, from pioneering models to cutting-edge concept cars.
• The tour provides an immersive automotive history experience, allowing visitors to discover iconic classic cars and the evolution of motorcycles and trucks.
• The vault tour is included with general admission to the museum, which offers self-parking and nearby public transportation options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Petersen Vault Tour

The Petersen Automotive Museum’s public Vault Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 250 rare and historic automobiles spanning 120 years of automotive history.

During this 90-minute self-guided audio tour, guests can enjoy a 100,000 square foot behind-the-scenes vault filled with classic cars, motorcycles, and trucks from around the world.

The Vault showcases the museum’s extensive collection, providing an intimate glimpse into global automotive culture and the evolution of transportation.

With no food, beverages, or photography allowed, the Vault tour provides a focused and exclusive experience for automotive enthusiasts to discover the treasures hidden within this renowned museum.

Automobile Exhibits and Collections

Throughout the Vault, visitors can discover an impressive array of automobiles that showcase the evolution of transportation design and engineering over the past century.

From early pioneering models to cutting-edge concept cars, the museum’s diverse collection offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and technological advancements of the automotive industry.

Classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s, such as the Ford Model T and Duesenberg Model J, sit alongside iconic muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s, including the Shelby Cobra and Chevrolet Corvette.

The Vault also features rare and exotic supercars, from the sleek Lamborghini Countach to the powerful McLaren F1. Each vehicle tells a story, inviting visitors to explore the evolution of automotive design and engineering.

Immersive Automotive History Experience

Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Public Vault Tour

Beyond simply showcasing an impressive array of automobiles, the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Tour immerses visitors in a captivating exploration of global automotive history, culture, and innovation. Across a sprawling 100,000 square feet, the self-guided audio tour guides guests through rare and meticulously curated exhibits, transporting them through over a century of automotive evolution.

Experience	Highlights
Classic Cars	Discover iconic models from around the world
Motorcycles	Explore the evolution of two-wheeled transportation
Trucks	Marvel at the power and utility of these workhorse vehicles
Automotive Culture	Immerse in the stories and innovations that have shaped the industry

Vault Tour Inclusions and Details

A Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Tour includes general admission to the museum as well as a 90-minute self-guided audio tour through the vault’s expansive collection. Visitors can explore over 100,000 square feet of automobile exhibits, spanning 120 years of automotive history. They’ll discover a vast array of classic cars, motorcycles, and trucks from around the world, seeing global automotive culture.

However, there are a few restrictions – no food, beverages, or backpacks are allowed in the vault, and photography/videography is prohibited. Plus, children under 10 aren’t permitted on the vault tours.

With ample self-parking available and EV charging ports on-site, getting to the museum is convenient for all visitors.

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Restrictions and Policies

Visitors should be aware of several restrictions and policies when exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault.

No outside food, beverages, or backpacks are permitted inside the vault, as these items could potentially damage the delicate vehicles on display.

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited to protect the museum’s rare and valuable collection.

Children under the age of 10 are also not allowed on the vault tours, as the space may not be suitable for younger visitors.

These measures are in place to ensure the preservation of the museum’s prized automobiles and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Adhering to these policies will allow visitors to fully enjoy the vault’s impressive automotive history.

Directions and Transportation

The Petersen Automotive Museum‘s prime location on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles makes it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Self-parking is available in the museum’s own structure, with the cost being $17 per car. On top of that, the museum boasts 3 electric vehicle charging ports for eco-conscious visitors.

Public transportation options include the Metro bus and subway, with the closest station being the Wilshire/Fairfax stop. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also convenient options for reaching the museum.

Regardless of how you choose to arrive, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s central location ensures a hassle-free visit to explore its impressive automobile exhibits.

Parking and Electric Vehicle Charging

Self-parking is available within the museum’s own parking structure at a cost of $17 per car.

The parking structure is conveniently located just steps from the museum’s entrance, making it easy for guests to access the exhibits.

Plus, the Petersen Automotive Museum provides 3 electric vehicle charging ports for eco-conscious visitors.

The EV charging stations are a welcomed feature for those driving electric or hybrid vehicles, allowing them to recharge during their visit.

Whether arriving by gas-powered car or electric, visitors to the Petersen Automotive Museum will find ample and convenient parking options to suit their transportation needs.

Additional Museum Information

Beyond the parking amenities, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a wealth of additional features that enhance the visitor experience.

Guests can explore over 100,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing a remarkable collection of rare and historic automobiles spanning 120 years. This expansive gallery space allows visitors to enjoy the global automotive culture and uncover fascinating stories behind the vehicles on display.

The museum’s Vault tour provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at over 250 additional automobiles not featured in the main galleries. However, certain restrictions apply, including no food, beverages, or backpacks allowed, and no photography or videography permitted in the Vault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into the Vault?

No, food and beverages are not allowed in the Vault. This restriction is in place to protect the delicate automobiles on display. Visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks before or after their Vault tour in the museum’s designated dining areas.

Is There a Guided Tour Available Instead of Self-Guided?

No, there is no guided tour available for the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Public Vault. The tour is self-guided with an audio component, allowing visitors to explore the vault at their own pace.

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted at the Museum?

The Petersen Automotive Museum accepts various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay. Visitors can purchase tickets onsite or online in advance to skip the lines.

Are Discounts Offered for Students, Seniors, or Military?

Yes, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. Visitors can save up to 20% off general admission prices by presenting valid ID at the time of purchase.

Do I Need to Reserve Tickets in Advance for the Vault Tour?

Yes, reserving Vault Tour tickets in advance is recommended, as they can sell out quickly. Visitors are encouraged to book their Vault Tour tickets ahead of time to ensure availability and avoid disappointment on the day of their visit.

Recap

The Petersen Automotive Museum’s behind-the-scenes vault tour offers a captivating and immersive look into the evolution of transportation design and engineering.

Visitors can explore over 250 rare and historic automobiles, from early pioneering models to cutting-edge concept cars.

With convenient on-site parking and public transportation options, this automotive history experience is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, located in the heart of Los Angeles.

You can check availability for your dates here: