FAQs

Tickets FAQ

What does a ticket to Petersen include?

Our general admission ticket gives you access to the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st floor galleries. The Vault is not included in general admission purchases. You may purchase a combination ticket online to access all galleries plus the vault, or buy the Vault add-on at our Admissions Desk either by card or by cash.

Do I need a ticket to visit the Petersen Museum?

All visitors must purchase tickets to visit any of our galleries or the vault. A ticket is NOT required to visit the Petersen Store or our Meyers Manx Cafe. Tickets can be purchased by cash and card at the admissions desk.

How do I access my tickets purchased online?

A confirmation email/receipt will be sent to you shortly after purchase. Please show this receipt to our admissions desk to visit the museum. If your online receipt is missing, check your spam folder first and then contact admissions@petersen.org

How long do my online tickets last?

Your online ticket purchase to the museum will last for one year from receipt of purchase. Refunds are given on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with admissions@petersen.org for any additional questions.

Where do I check-in?

If you’re visiting us with a general admission or combo ticket, please check in with us at our Admissions desk located in the lobby of the 1st floor. If you’re arriving for a Shop Tour, please check in at our Security Desk located on the first floor, immediately to your right from the front doors.

Museum Policies

To ensure the safety of other visitors and our collection, the Petersen enforces the following policies:

• Visitors are asked to refrain from touching vehicles, exhibited objects, and display platforms at all times.

• For the safety of all visitors and staff, shoes are required.

• Use of wearable AR or VR devices is not permitted while walking in the museum. Devices can be used only while stationary.

• Visitors are asked to maintain a two-foot distance from all vehicles at all times.

• Handheld photography is permitted unless otherwise indicated by signage. Restrictions may apply to special exhibitions. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted at any time.

• For the safety of our collections, guests may be asked to store large accessories at the Security Office on the First Floor. This may include large backpacks, camera bags, purses, diaper bags, umbrellas, travel bags, and other oversized items that are larger than 15 x 12 x 4 inches (medical necessities exempt). Large bags may remain stored on or under the seat of a stroller or wheelchair for the duration of a visit. Small bags for carrying necessary items are available for use at the Security Desk. The Museum may refuse to accept other items at its discretion and is not responsible for items held.

• Complimentary wheelchairs are available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis at the Admissions Desk. Checkout requires a photo ID, and wheelchairs must be returned before exiting the building.

• Strollers are welcome in the museum.

• Food and beverage are not permitted in the museum galleries, with the exception of water bottles that can be sealed with a lid.

• Families can eat snacks on the patio located on the first floor

• Weapons are not permitted on the premises.

  For more information please call Visitor Services at (323) 930-2277 or (800) 702-7061

Membership FAQs

I’ve purchased a Membership; when will I receive my Membership cards? 

Your Annual Membership Cards and one-time complimentary Parking Voucher will be shipped to the address provided at the point of purchase. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your printed Membership cards to arrive. You can utilize the benefits of your membership immediately! On your first visit, please have the Order Number included in the payment confirmation email ready as well as your photo ID, and we will issue you a Temporary Membership Card.

I am already a Member. How do I Renew?

Please visit petersen.org/membership and select "Join or Renew" or enroll in Auto-Renewal to receive a discount. Please use the primary email when renewing your Membership.

I’m a Member. Do I have to reserve tickets before visiting the Petersen?

Advance ticket reservations are not required for General Admission, and Members must visit the Admissions Desk on-site to check-in. Members may purchase Vault tickets in advance if preferred. Checkered Flag 200 Members receive two complimentary Vault tickets per visit (Primary or Secondary Member +1 Guest)! Please feel free to visit the Admissions Desk to check-in.

How do I purchase, renew, or gift a Membership?

• At the Admissions Desk at any time during your visit or on your way out 

• Online at https://www.petersen.org/membership

• By phone at 323-930-2277 (Press 2).

Be sure to select the Gift Membership option if purchasing a Membership for someone else.

Can I bring a Guest with me?

Most of our Membership levels include a Guest benefit! The Dual and Family levels include up to 1 guest and CF200 includes up to 4 Guests for General Admission per visit. This is for anyone who is not assigned to your Membership by name, giving you the flexibility to bring a different person (Adult or Child) with you every day. All levels of Membership also enjoy a discount on General Admission tickets for additional Guests (on-site only).

I purchased or renewed my Membership. Can I request a tax receipt? 

The confirmation email following your purchase includes tax deductible information. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your printed tax deductible receipt to arrive with your new annual membership cards, or email membership@petersen.org to request a new receipt.

Is parking included in the Membership?

Checkered Flag 200 Members receive complimentary parking validation with each visit during Museum hours. All other Membership levels receive two complimentary parking vouchers with their annual Membership Cards. All visitors receive a $3 discount on parking with Museum validation. Due to the limited capacity in our parking garage, we cannot guarantee parking for all of our Members, but Members often receive complimentary parking at Petersen events. Email membership@petersen.org to learn more!

Do I have a Membership ID Number?

Yes! Your Membership ID will be printed on your Membership Cards. Your Membership is also associated with the name and email of the Primary Member. Please present your Membership Card and/or a photo ID to access your Membership benefits. We can also pull up your Membership with the confirmation number you received in the payment confirmation email, or by the Primary Member Name or Email, and verify with your photo ID.

Can I share my Membership benefits?

Membership benefits are non-transferrable! Your Member Card and a photo ID are required to access your member benefits on site, including discounts at the cafe and store. The Primary or Secondary Member must be present to utilize the Guest benefits associated with certain Membership levels.

Can I change the name of the Primary or Secondary Member listed on my membership?  

Petersen Automotive Museum Memberships are tax-deductible, non-refundable, and non-transferrable. While the Primary Member name cannot be changed, the name of the Secondary Member listed on your Membership can be changed when your Membership is renewed. We are happy to discuss one-time exceptions for unique circumstances, and we do have Gift Membership options, so please contact us if you need assistance. If a name is misspelled on your Membership Card, or your mailing address or contact information has changed, please email us at membership@petersen.org or call 323-930-2277 (Press 2).

Do I need to name a Secondary Member?  

Naming a Secondary Member allows the Primary and Secondary Member to utilize the benefits of their shared Membership together or separately. If you purchased a Membership that includes a Secondary Member (Dual level and above), but aren’t sure who will be joining you at the museums most often, you can skip naming your Secondary Member at the time of purchase. However, their name must be added to the Membership profile prior to utilizing Secondary Member benefits. Please email us at membership@petersen.org or call 323-930-2277 (Press 2) to add a Secondary Member and request your Secondary Member Card.

Do you offer discounts on Memberships? Who is eligible?  

We offer a 10% discount to:

• Seniors (62+)

• First Responders (Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, Paramedics, and Emergency Medical Technicians)

• Active Military members & Veterans 

• Current California Educators (Kindergarten through College) 

Proof of eligibility is required. Sign up by visiting our Admissions Desk on-site. Discounts only apply to the levels of Individual, Dual, and Family.

The Vault FAQ

Does my General Admission Ticket give me access to the Vault?

A general admission ticket does not grant access to the vault. An online combo ticket or a separate vault ticket that can be purchased at Admissions can give you access.

What is the age limit of the vault?

Anyone over the age of 4 is welcome. Youth under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times while visiting the vault area.

Are strollers allowed in the Vault?

Strollers are not allowed in the vault at any time.

Can I touch the vehicles in the vault?

Touching vehicles or walking in between vehicles is not allowed at any time. Those who violate this policy may be asked the leave the vault area.

Are photography and videography allowed in the vault?

Yes! Taking photos and videos in the vault is allowed. However, only handheld devices are allowed. Tripods, gimbals, etc., are not allowed in the vault.

What vehicles are in the vault?

There are over 250 additional automobiles located in the vault and they may rotate out at any time. Ranging from some of the world's first vehicles, rare supercars, Formula 1 vehicles, political vehicles, celebrity cars, and so much more — you’re in for a treat every time you visit the vault.

Discovery Center FAQ

Can I leave my child at the Discovery Center?

All children MUST be accompanied by an adult or guardian in the discovery center at ALL TIMES. No exceptions.

What time does the Discovery Center close?

The Discovery Center closes daily at 4:30 PM

What activities are available for my child at the Discovery Center?

There are plenty of automotive-themed toys, books, crafts, and more available at all times in the discovery center. Special activities are available on the weekend, such as Reading Roadsters and Little Sparks. To see the activity schedule, please visit our Discovery Center page.

Forza Motorsport Gallery FAQ

What time does the Forza Motorsport Racing Experience Close?

The Forza Motorsport Gallery closes daily at 4:30 PM

How many races can I do?

All visitors using the seated simulators are limited to one race lap per visit.

Can children use the simulators?

Visitors must be at least 4’10 to use the seated racing simulators. Height measurement is available within the gallery. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children cannot be placed on laps while using the simulator.