Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Access

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone curious about the evolution of automobiles, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into over 120 years of vehicle history. While many visitors stick to the main exhibits, the real highlight here is the exclusive Vault — a behind-the-scenes collection of some of the most extraordinary cars, motorcycles, and trucks in the world.

What we love about this experience is how it marries educational exhibits with the thrill of seeing rare, one-of-a-kind vehicles up close. Plus, the value for money is notable, especially considering the access to the vault and the size of the collection. But a word of caution—the Vault is only 90 minutes long, so if you’re expecting a huge, in-depth tour, you might find it somewhat brief. Still, it’s perfect for those who appreciate high-quality displays and expert insights in a compact format.

This tour is best suited for car lovers, history buffs, and families with kids over 10 who enjoy interactive exhibits. If you’re in LA and have even a passing interest in automobiles, this experience warrants a spot on your itinerary. It’s engaging, informative, and offers a unique peek into some of the rarest vehicles around.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Collections: Over 250 iconic and rare vehicles spanning 120 years of automotive history.
• Exclusive Vault Access: A 90-minute self-guided tour to see vehicles not displayed elsewhere.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for kids over 10, with interactive exhibits and engaging displays.
• Value for Money: For $48, you get both the main exhibits and a behind-the-scenes look at historic and special vehicles.
• Knowledgeable Staff & Audio Tours: Guides and audio descriptions enhance the experience.
• Location & Accessibility: Located on Wilshire Blvd, with wheelchair accessibility and flexible timings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes the Petersen Automotive Museum Stand Out?

Walking into the Petersen Museum, you immediately sense that you’re stepping into a sanctuary for car lovers. The sheer size of the collection—250 unique vehicles—is staggering. From vintage cars from the early 1900s to modern supercars, the displays are thoughtfully curated to appeal to a broad audience.

The main exhibits span 25 galleries across 3 floors, covering a wide span of automotive history. We particularly appreciated the way the displays tell stories—whether it’s about the evolution of design, technological innovation, or the role cars play in culture. The museum also highlights Los Angeles’ rich car culture, which makes the experience even more relevant if you’re visiting the city.

The highlight? The Vault. This basement showcase is the real treat, containing over 250 vehicles that are far more exclusive and rare than what you see on display upstairs. Think vintage cars from the early 20th century, historic head-of-state vehicles, supercars, hot rods, and even cars that have redefined automotive boundaries. The Vault feels like a treasure chest for car aficionados, and the 90-minute self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace.

The Vault: A Closer Look

The 90-minute Vault tour is a major draw. Many reviews describe this part as “overhyped” by some, but most agree it’s a unique opportunity to see collections you won’t find anywhere else. You’re guided through a basement exhibit, where vehicles are displayed with care and context.

Expect to see cars that push innovation, as well as head-of-state limousines, award-winning hot rods, and turn-of-the-century classics such as a 1910 Ford Model T Roadster. The collection also includes vintage motorcycles and trucks, making it a broader glimpse into transportation history.

The experience is made richer by the audio tour available via QR code, allowing you to learn about each vehicle as you go. Many reviewers mention the knowledgeable staff, like Stephen in the Vault, who are enthusiastic and well-informed, enhancing the overall visit.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your day at the Petersen Museum will likely start with a walk through the main galleries. These 25 rooms are packed with cars illustrating different eras and styles, from classic to contemporary. The exhibits are designed to be interactive, often with engaging displays that appeal to kids and adults alike. For example, some vehicles are showcased with multimedia presentations or hands-on features, making it fun even if you’re not a die-hard car fan.

Expect to spend several hours exploring the exhibits, but with the Vault access, you’ll want to allocate about 90 minutes specifically for that part. The tour is self-guided, which is great because it allows you to linger over cars that catch your eye or skip past those that don’t interest you as much.

The admission price of $48 per person feels reasonable when considering the breadth of what you see. This ticket includes access to the entire museum and the Vault, plus the audio tour. Keep in mind, you won’t have a live guide, so you’ll be mostly exploring on your own, with staff available if you have questions.

The Experience for Different Visitors

Many visitors, including families and couples, have praised the friendly staff and the quality of exhibits. One reviewer noted the staff as “great and very knowledgeable,” which adds to the experience, especially for those who want to learn as they go.

While children over 10 are the only ones recommended, this is largely because of the size and nature of the exhibits. Younger kids might find the experience less engaging, but teens and older kids will likely find plenty to enjoy.

The experience also seems to cater well to car enthusiasts, with some reviews mentioning special collections like Porsche cars or themed exhibits such as “When Cars Were Art.” For non-car fans, it’s still a solid showcase of design, engineering, and pop culture—especially with the inclusion of the DeLorean from “Back to the Future”.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking through multiple galleries and the basement Vault.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible, so it’s suitable for visitors with mobility needs.
• The Vault is a self-guided tour, so plan some time to read the QR code descriptions or listen to the audio tour for context.
• Planning your visit in the morning or early afternoon can help you avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
• Since the tour is about 2 to 3 hours total, consider combining it with nearby LA attractions if you want a full day.

Is It Worth It?

At $48, this experience offers excellent value. You’re not only getting access to one of the largest collections of automobiles but also a rare behind-the-scenes view of iconic and historic vehicles. The range of exhibits, especially the Vault, appeals to both casual visitors and serious collectors alike.

Several reviews point out that the staff are friendly and helpful, and the exhibits are well-curated, making each visit engaging. The opportunity to see cars that are “not displayed anywhere else” makes this a unique stop in LA, especially if you’re into automotive history or design.

Skeptics might feel the Vault’s 90-minute duration is somewhat brief, but overall, the experience packs a lot of punch in a manageable timeslot.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This tour is perfect for car buffs, history lovers, and those interested in LA’s culture. It’s also suitable for families with older children who can appreciate the exhibits. If you’re after a deep dive into automotive innovation or want to see rare and historic cars, this tour hits the spot.

If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a distinctive museum experience that combines education, entertainment, and a peek into automotive exclusives, the Petersen Museum with Vault access is a worthwhile choice.

FAQs

Is the Vault access guided or self-guided?
The Vault tour is self-guided, lasting about 90 minutes. You can explore at your own pace with an audio tour accessible via QR code.

How much does the ticket cost?
The general admission ticket, which includes Vault access and audio tour, is $48 per person.

What is included in the experience?
Your ticket includes general admission to the museum, 90-minute self-guided Vault access, and the audio tour. Staff assistance is available, but there’s no live guide.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Children over 10 years old will enjoy the exhibits. Younger children might find it less engaging, but older kids who love cars will likely have a great time.

How long should I plan for the visit?
Allow around 3 hours—including time to explore the main galleries and the Vault. The Vault itself takes about 90 minutes.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience offers flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, if you’re seeking a compact but impactful look into automotive history, with the thrill of seeing rare vehicles up close, this tour delivers. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy self-paced exploration and expert insights at your own speed. For a reasonable price, the Petersen Museum with Vault access offers a memorable LA experience, whether you’re a die-hard car fan or simply curious about vehicle design and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: