Howdy Folks:
I am planning to have day and the time in L.A. in the near future. I had planned to see the Peterson, but after taking the Google Map Streetview inside tour, I lost the desire to actually go and see it.
Any and all comments / experiences appreciated.
Thanks Dr. D

 

Here's my take (living 35 miles from there and never have gone) If you are coming out here, skipping it would be like skipping the Hollywood sign.

You will not even think twice about skipping it for about 6 months, then regret it forever more after that. I've found that I usually take away SOMETHING from those types of places and it makes the detour all worthwhile.
There is also this place which is much smaller, but has some pretty cool cars: https://marconimuseum.org/plan-your-visit/

 

I've been to the Petersen Museum maybe twice in the past, long before the remodel a couple of years ago. Some of the displays always brought a smile such as the tableaus of 1950s gas stations and drive-in movies with appropriate automobiles. I guess it depends how long you will be in LA and/or if this is your first visit or if you have been several times. Also, you could incorporate the Petersen visit with a visit to LACMA across the street.

Doug

 

I would go just to see the Steve McQueen XKSS (assuming it is still in residence there). Probably my all-time favorite vehicle....

 

Plenty of online reviews here. 4.7 / 5


So's the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum as I recall..

 

Its been over ten years since I visited. I don't know how often they change the exhibits, but when I went it seemed to be very focused on hot rods and the "California" car culture. Hot rods are not really my interest but it was well laid out and the exhibits were very professionally done. Another one to not miss while you're there though would be the Nethercutt Museum.

 

I was at the Petersen a couple of months ago. I believe that the 70 years of Porsche exhibit will still be there. There are some great motorcycle exhibits also. If you go, be sure to take the additional tour of the "Vault". There are some fantastic cars that are out of the display rotation. You can check the website to determine which exhibits are currently on display. It is well worth going. The La Brea tar pits are just down the street also! Who doesn't like prehistoric mammals?

 

Thanks for the replies folks:
My scale has definitely tipped in favor of doing the Peterson.
Jon, It looks like McQueen's XKSS is in the vault tour and I agree that it is a must see.
The other museums are attractive also. The Nethercutt is to die for, but time will not allow. (My wife is suggesting another trip to include as such )
Again thanks to all,
Dr. D

 

The last time I was at the Peterson in January 2014, they had their Jaguar celebration exhibit with everything from an SS roadster and McQueen's XKSS all the way through to an XJ220 and the new-at-the-time F-Type, so I came away with a very positive impression in my head. Definitely not representative of what they usually have, but from the other reviews here it sounds like it's always worth a visit.

 

My grandson and I toured the Peterson a few years ago. Lot of cool cars there. In the vault we saw McQueen's XK-SS, Sadam Hussein's Grosser Mercedes, and the amazing round-door Rolls Royce, t ou name a few. Well worth the visit, IMO.

Granville

 

Howdy folks:
Just wanted to say thanks to all. I am glad that we did not skip it. (Also saw the Tar Pits and the "HOLLYWOOD" sign)
We did the extended 2 hour "vault" tour. (no food, drinks, cameras, touching, interupting the tour guide, or wandering around) and we saw McQueens 56 XKSS , the round door RR and much more, all impressive. Also, the Porsche exhibit.
My wife even joined in on the trivia. The Nethercutt was closed while we were there.
I am glad that we went , Again thanks

 

Glad Dr D that it didn't disappount! Glad the XKSS and round door Roller were still there. Worth it just for those.

Granville

 

I would have wanted photos of the XKSS. I guess no means no during that particular tour....

 

Hello Jon:
Yes. The tour guide explained that the cars in "The vault" have been photographed many time. Their concern is taking pictures within the vault for security reasons and not the cars themselves. (It is ironic that Peterson has its own Vault video on YouTube) Photos are allowed throughout the main museum.

 

I was likewise frustrated about that, as I'm sure many other visitors in the vault have been. I had the good fortune to talk to the owner of an XKSS at the races at Riverside, about 55 years ago. He even let me sit in it. Didn't get to drive it, however. Sad.

Granville

 

Glad you enjoyed the museum and your stay in LA. The XKSS was on public display a couple of years ago. You could stand right next to it and look inside.