Situated at one end of the Miracle Mile, The Petersen Automotive Museum has been preserving the history and cultural impact of cars in Los Angeles since 1994. Founded by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, the philanthropic couple sought out a windowless space to house a collection of priceless vehicles. The museum opened originally at a former department store designed by the renowned Los Angeles architect, Welton Becket. Since the museum’s opening more than 20 years ago, the institution has undergone serious renovations. In 2015, the museum’s exterior was fully remodeled by Kohn Pedersen Fox and the interior by The Scenic Route. The lead on this massive makeover, Gene Kohn, wanted the building to communicate speed and motion while remaining immobile. The finished product features over 100 tons of stainless steel ribbons and a sleek facade that mirrors some of the most iconic cars in history. The institution is poised to continue Robert E. Petersen’s legacy as well as invigorate Los Angeles’ reputation as an architectural destination.
