Exciting New Exhibits at Petersen Automotive Museum: A Must-See for Car Lovers!

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, is set to launch four new exhibitions on August 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its 30-year history. The museum, renowned for its dedication to showcasing the past, present, and future of the automotive world, will unveil these exhibits in its second-floor galleries, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of vehicles and technological advancements.

Exploring the Evolution of Electric Vehicles

One of the new exhibitions, Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles, will highlight the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) from the 1896 Riker to the 2021 Lanark DS Roadster. This exhibit, located in the Propulsion Gallery and supported by BMW and battery manufacturer Clarios, will feature notable vehicles such as the 1991 BMW E2 Concept, the 1970s Zagato Zele 1000, and the 1992 GM Impact. These vehicles represent significant milestones in the development of EV technology, showcasing the progress made over more than a century.

Concept Cars: Visions of the Future

The second exhibition, Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past, will focus on concept cars built since the museum’s opening in 1994. This display will include the 2002 XENO III, the 1999 Ford 021C, the 1995 Ford GT90, the 2002 Cadillac Cien, the 2004 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, and the 2008 Honda FC Sport. These vehicles embody the innovative spirit of automotive design, offering a glimpse into the future of car manufacturing and the creative possibilities that lie ahead.

Supercars and Hypercars: The Pinnacle of Performance

For fans of high-performance vehicles, the Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles exhibit will be a highlight. This display will feature extraordinary supercars and hypercars, including the Bugatti Divo and the Koenigsegg CCXR. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with breathtaking design to deliver unparalleled performance.

Waymo and the Future of Autonomous Transportation

The final exhibit, Driven to Possibility: Waymo’s Road to Autonomous Transportation, will explore the innovations in autonomous driving developed by Waymo, formerly known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project. Located in the Production Gallery, this exhibition will feature never-before-seen objects from Waymo’s development process, including the Waymo Firefly, the first autonomous vehicle to transport a passenger without a driver, a prototype version of the Zeekr platform, and the six-wheeled mobile robot Terregator. This exhibit will provide visitors with an in-depth look at the cutting-edge technology driving the future of autonomous transportation.

Celebrating Lowrider Culture

In addition to the new exhibits, the museum is currently hosting Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show, which opened on May 11, 2024, and will run until April 2025. This comprehensive exhibit, located in the Mullin Grand Salon, celebrates the artistry, culture, and history of lowriders. It showcases important lowriders in history, custom motorcycles, bicycles, and art. Notable vehicles on display include the 1964 Chevrolet Impala Gypsy Rose, the first lowrider inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Registry, and the 1958 Chevrolet Impala Dead Presidents.

The exhibit also features artwork and photography from influential artists in the Chicano lowrider art scene, highlighting the cultural diversity and craftsmanship of lowriders. This exhibit is a testament to the impact of lowrider culture on the automotive world and car customization.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum, we recommend taking advantage of the museum’s special events and guided tours. The opening night event for the new exhibits on August 3, 2024, promises to be an exciting evening with entertainment, food, and drinks. Additionally, the museum offers various workshops and activities, such as the Little Sparks: Summer of Speed event, which provides art lessons and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

For expert travelers, consider participating in the Road to Pebble Rally 2024, a seven-day experience that begins in Malibu and winds up the coast, offering exclusive access to private collections and major Car Week events. This rally provides a unique opportunity to explore some of the best driving roads in California and immerse yourself in the world of automotive excellence.

In conclusion, the Petersen Automotive Museum continues to be a beacon of innovation and culture in Los Angeles. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or an automotive enthusiast, the museum offers a wealth of experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of the automotive world. We encourage you to visit and explore the fascinating exhibits and events that make this museum a must-see destination.