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Petersen Automotive Museum Unveils Reimagined Vault Featuring AI-Powered Tour Experience
The Petersen Automotive Museum has revamped its James H. Frank Family Vault, now featuring over 300 vehicles and two new galleries: the Phil Hill Legends Room and the Icons Gallery. This expanded space offers visitors a chance to explore rare and historic vehicles beyond the main exhibits. The redesigned Vault covers more than 70,000 square feet, showcasing automotive innovation, motorsports, design, and cultural significance.
Among the highlights are displays like "The Ultimate Racing Machine," celebrating 50 years of the BMW 3 Series, an updated Formula 1 exhibit, and numerous iconic supercars. Visitors can get closer to these cars than in other museum areas, providing unique access to some of its most notable vehicles.
The Vault introduces "Lens to the Past," an AI-powered tour that enhances visitor experience. By snapping a picture of any vehicle with their phone, visitors can instantly identify it using AI technology. This feature connects them to a vast database of cultural, historical, and artistic information about each car.
In addition to basic details like name, origin, specifications, and history, visitors receive curated audio narrations recounting each vehicle's story. The tour adapts to individual interests for a richer museum experience. "The Vault has always been one of the museum’s most popular elements," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum.
The collection includes notable vehicles such as the 1978 BMW 320i Group 5 and the 2001 BMW M3 GTR Straßenversion. Other highlights are the 1990 BMW M3 Group A DTM, 2011 BMW M3 GT, and 2024 BMW M4 GT4. Additionally, visitors can see rare models like the 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR and the classic 1960 Porsche RS60 Spyder.
Further attractions include a 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsa and a historic 1915 Stutz Bearcat. The collection also features a 1941 Willys Jeep "Slat Grille" and a legendary 1956 Corvette SR "The Real McCoy." These vehicles offer enthusiasts a glimpse into automotive history.
Special Events and Visitor Information
A special guided tour is scheduled for Father’s Day weekend. A limited number of guests will have the opportunity to explore the new space and view the museum's auto workshop during this event.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission costs $21 for adults, $19 for seniors (62+), $13 for youth (12-17), and $12 for children aged four to eleven. Active military personnel with ID, personal care attendants, and children under four enter free.
The museum operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering ample time for exploration. For further details or ticket purchases, visit www.petersen.org or call their information line at 323-930-CARS.
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