Exhibitions & Events at a Glance (see below for more detailed information)
May 7 - NEW EXHIBIT- Art Wall: Tom Fritz
May 7 - Discovery Day: Car Greeting Cards
May 30 - Museum OPEN for Memorial Day
June 4 - Discovery Day: Roadster Placemats
June 18 - NEW EXHIBIT- Scooters: Size Doesn't Always Matter
June 28 - Curator's Tour: Scooters: Size Doesn't Always Matter
July 9 - Scooters and Supercars Day
Through Oct 16 - Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough
NEW EXHIBITS
THE ARTWORK OF TOM FRITZ
Opens Saturday, May 7, 2011
Art Wall
Born and raised in San Fernando, California, Tom Fritz's vivid childhood recollections of the motorcycle and automotive cultures that were prevalent in Southern California during the 60's and 70's are a part of the power that shaped the artist he would become. Tom was a designer and illustrator for major corporations including Northrop Grumman and Petersen Publishing. Today, he paints out of his studio in Ventura County, California. As a member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Tom has been honored with the coveted Peter Helck Award (Best of Show) at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as well as being the recipient of several Awards of Excellence at the Meadow Brook Concours. On view May 7, 2011 through November 6, 2011.
SCOOTERS: Size Doesn't Always Matter
Opens Saturday, June 18, 2011
Gordon R. Howard Gallery
With today's high fuel prices, growing traffic congestion, and environmental consciousness, people are looking for easier, cheaper and cleaner ways to get where they are going. The diminutive scooter has been popular for generations in other countries, yet until recently has remained but a footnote in American transportation culture. This exhibit will explore different types of scooters from around the world, how and why they differ, and the culture that surrounds them.
DISCOVERY DAY
Car Activities & L.A. BookPALS
First Saturday of every month, 1-4pm
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for arts and crafts, and at 2:30pm, actors from L.A. BookPALS read stories. The program is included in Museum general admission. Call 323-964-6308 for more information. Future topics include:
May 7, 2011, Pop-up Greeting Cards
Make Mom a lovely greeting card for Mother's Day!
June 4, 2011, Roadster Placemats
Before you head out on summer vacation make a placemat about all the fun things you'll do!
CURATOR'S TOUR - SCOOTERS
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
7:30 p.m. Gordon R. Howard Gallery
Join Petersen Automotive Museum Curator Leslie Kendall as he guides you through Scooters to explore the unique two-wheeled vehicles that have spawned cult-like followings in some countries and mobilized others. Reservations recommended for all programs. Call 323-964-6347, email cdrescher@petersen.org for more information or to RSVP.
SCOOTERS AND SUPERCARS DAY
Saturday, July 9, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 3rd Level Petersen Parking Structure
In conjunction with its summer feature exhibitions "Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough" (3/5/11-10/16/11) and "Scooters" (6/18/11-2/5/12), the Petersen Automotive Museum is hosting Scooters and Supercars Day. The highlight of Scooters and Supercars Day will be the public super car and scooter show. Only at the Petersen will you see vehicles by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Vespa, and Honda all proudly parked next to one another! Guest of Honor Steve Saleen will speak about his racing and manufacturing endeavors and technical how-to sessions with Griot's Garage car care products throughout the day will have you polishing your vehicle of choice like never before.
Car show pre-registration is only $15 per vehicle ($10 for Petersen members), a great weekend activity for your car or scooter club! Registration provides free admission for two (2) to the Petersen Automotive Museum on Saturday, July 9, 2011, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. All programs are open to museum visitors with paid admission on July 9. For more information or to register your car or scooter contact Clayton at 323-964-6347 or cdrescher@petersen.org. For information on vendor spaces, contact Chris at 323-964-6320 or cbrown@petersen.org.
SUPERCARS: WHEN TOO MUCH IS ALMOST ENOUGH
Open through October 16, 2011
Grand Salon
Supercars have existed since the first decade of the twentieth century and while their mechanical and design specifications have evolved from era to era, they have always had in common immensely powerful engines, minimal passenger carrying capacity, adventurous mechanical specifications, and a commanding presence. Like supermarkets, supermodels, and supercomputers, supercars represent an extreme. More than mere transportation, they offer a bold and extroverted means to express oneself.
NHRA: SIXTY YEARS OF THUNDER
Through May 29, 2011
Gordon R. Howard Gallery
Explore the colorful and exciting history of one of America's most popular motorsports. From the wild Gassers and Altereds, to nitro-burning top fuel dragsters and fabulous funny cars, the Petersen Automotive Museum will be filled with enough horsepower to change the Earth's rotation!
IMAGINING THE FUTURE:
The Southern California Automotive Design Studio, Presented in Cooperation with Art Center College of Design
Ongoing Exhibit Visitors will see a comparison of a 1930's studio with a modern-day studio with various examples of the creative process in 2-D and 3-D form from different points in California's rich automotive history. Design demonstrations by Art Center students will occur in the exhibit on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from approximately 10am-3pm.
HOT WHEELS(r) HALL OF FAME
The Hot Wheels Hall of Fame at the Petersen Automotive Museum, features Hot Wheels(r) full-size and die-cast cars, original models, wooden patterns, injection molds and drawings of original vehicle designs.
ALTERNATIVE POWER: LESSONS FROM THE PAST, INSPIRATION FOR THE FUTURE
From the highly styled 1963 Chrysler Turbine to the General Motors EV1, automobiles equipped with innovative propulsion systems are presented to illustrate the growth of alternative vehicle technology.
MAY FAMILY DISCOVERY CENTER
Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm
The May Family Discovery Center is an interactive learning center that teaches basic scientific principles using the fundamental elements of the car.
SPECIAL FEATURES AT THE PETERSEN
SPECIAL EVENTS AND FILMING - Please call (323) 964-6348 or visit www.petersenevents.org to host your event or shoot film at one of LA's most exciting venues!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES - The Museum offers a wonderful venue for children's birthday parties. Party guests can enjoy all three floors of the museum including the May Family Discovery Center. For more information or to book your party, call 323-964-6373.
SCHOOL TOURS- Taking a field trip to the Pete is an excellent way to teach your students about the history of Los Angeles and its intertwined relationship with the automobile. Students learn basic scientific principles and their applications as they explore hands-on activities in the Discovery Center. School Tours focus on history/social science, visual arts, and science & technology. Call (323) 964-6358 for information and reservations.
GROUP TOURS - A docent-led tour is available to groups of ten or more. - (323) 964-6346.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Come and be a part of the Petersen's "Pit Crew". For an application or more information call - (323) 964-6358, email volunteers@petersen.org.
MUSEUM STORE - Excellent souvenirs and gifts for auto enthusiasts (323) 964-6328.