Recognized internationally for its innovative design, the four-floor structure is dedicated to the study and appreciation of automobile and its influence on our culture and lives. The huge 300,000 square feet showroom exhibits more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The first floor presents a winding journey through the "Streetscape," a display of more than 30 lifelike dioramas that attempt to bring back the sights and sounds of the automobiles contribution in shaping the cultural landscape of modern-day Los Angeles. The tour starts as early as 1901 in a downtown blacksmith shop where one of the first automobiles in Los Angeles was built. Into the rolling hills of Malibu, one will find a 1911 American Underslung stuck in a mud. There are displays of a 1932 Twin Coach Helms Bakery Truck, and car models from 1939 up to the 1960s.
If youre like me whose idea of an automobile is anything that has wheels and can take me anywhere I want to go, then the tour of the first floor will be such an eye-opener for you. For some people, cars are objects of desire. They are taken care of, nourished with essential accessories and pampered with luxurious add-ons. But dont lose yourself just yet; the ride has only just begun.
The second floor exhibits are divided into five main galleries that show the changes in automobile structure and design through the years. The Grand Salon and State of the Art Gallery house changing exhibits from time to time. The Bruce Meyer Gallery is home to classic hot rods such as Caroll Shelby models. The Otis Chandler Motorcycle Gallery features an exciting look as motorcycle history. Finally, the Hollywood Gallery showcases an array of cars owned by celebrities as well as the Bat-mobile from the Batman movies, Shag-mobile from Austin Powers, and other cars used in movies.
The May Family Discovery Center which opened on November 22, 1997 is located on the third floor of the Petersen Automotive Museum. It houses a collection of hands-on interactive exhibits The Discovery Center, the Vroom Room, etc. that kids of all ages can enjoy.
An all-glass penthouse conference center, Founders lounge and kitchen comprise the fourth floor which is also available for special events and functions. One of the National Basketball Association (NBA) All Star parties was held here last February.
The museum is located at the corner of Wishire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. So after hitting the brakes, people can pedal to the metal and swing by another museum.
MONA also offers nighttime bus tours of neon signs, movie marquees and permanent installations of neon art around the city. The trips also serve as an aesthetic and historic tour of the history of Los Angeles in the 20th century.
And while making the MONA trip, one may also include a side trip to the MOCA.