Petersen Automotive Museum

Specialties The Petersen Automotive Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution. It also offers five different venues for your wedding, mitzvah, corporate event, or other special occasion. History Established in 1994. The Petersen Automotive Museum was started by publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen (who created HOT ROD, MOTOR TREND, and many other magazines) and the Natural History Museum of LA. In 2000, the Petersen Museum split from the Natural History Museum, and became self-sustaining. It is not owned by the Petersen family. One unique feature that separates the Petersen Automotive Museum from other automotive museums is the constantly rotating exhibit spaces. To keep The Museum fresh, relevant, it was decided from the beginning not to display the entire Museum Collection at once. In the 100,000+ square feet that comprise The Petersen Automotive Museum, only about 150 vehicles are on display at any one time. The other half of the 300+ vehicle collection are in the museum's "Vault", awaiting the chance to go on exhibition.