The automobile and Los Angeles, inseparable for a century, have been linked together in a historical experience that has led to the creation of one of the world's largest and most innovative automotive museums, the Petersen Automotive Museum.

The Museum is located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, where, 75 years ago the world's first linear shopping district dedicated to the emerging auto age was developed -- the Miracle Mile -- with its wide store windows set close to the sidewalk and street, and large rear entrances to accommodate the traffic.

Experience a 20th Century "road map" depicting the evolution of a culture that has influenced life throughout Southern California and especially Los Angeles -- the only major city that was entirely shaped by the automobile. Three floors of automotive history take the visitor through time and trace the automobile's influence on the culture of Los Angeles.

The first floor follows the history of the automobile with lifelike dioramas and settings, allowing visitors to experience the automobile as it relates to everyday life. The second floor is devoted to five rotating exhibition galleries with state-of-the-art presentations of race cars, classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles, movie and celebrity cars, and automotive technology and design.

The May Family Children's Discovery Center is located on the third floor. Designed to spark children's interest in science by way of the automobile, the 6,500 square-foot, "hands-on" learning center teaches basic scientific principles using the fundamental elements of a car.

A dazzling all-glass penthouse conference center and Founder's Lounge constitute the fourth floor, which is available for corporate or private functions.

In June, 1994, Robert E. Petersen and his wife, Margie, fulfilled a long-time dream when they donated $5 million to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum as founding benefactors to start the Petersen Automotive Museum. In April, 2000, the Petersen's gave a gift of $24.8 million dollars to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum to pay off the bond debt and to establish the Petersen Automotive Museum as an independent non-profit organization. Overall, their gifts to the Petersen Automotive Museum total more than $30 million, one of the largest gifts to any museum in the United States.

The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Admission prices are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered parking is available for $6 per car. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Mondays and some holidays.

For general Museum information, call 323-930-CARS or visit the Museum¹s website address at www.petersen.org.