MUSEUM POLICIES

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

Children ages 14 and older may enter and enjoy the museum without supervision. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 18 years old.

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.

To protect our collections, items larger than 15 x 12 x 4 inches (such as large backpacks, shopping bags, and umbrellas) must be stored at the First Floor Security Office. Medical necessities are exempt, and large bags may remain stored on strollers or wheelchairs. Small totes for essentials are available at the Security Desk. The Museum reserves the right to refuse any item and is not responsible for lost or damaged property

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, but are prohibited in the vault

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

Ticket FAQs

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Membership FAQs

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.

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

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.

  • At the Admissions Desk at any time during your visit or on your way out 
  • Online on our Membership page
  • By phone at 323-930-2277 (Press 4).

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

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).

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.

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. 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!

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.

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.

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 4).

Vault FAQs

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.

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.

Strollers are not allowed in the vault at any time.

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.

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.

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

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

The Discovery Center closes daily at 5:30 PM

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 Horizon Gallery

The Forza Motorsport Gallery closes daily at 5:30 PM

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.