Major Changes Planned for an Automotive Institution

THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE Museum in downtown Los Angeles has announced plans for “a complete exterior transformation” and “a dynamic redesign” of the building’s interior. The changes are to begin next year, the 20th anniversary of the museum that was founded by well-known auto magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen.

Plans for the Petersen building, which at one time housed a department store, are dramatic, to say the least, as evidenced by the renderings seen on this page. As museum officials put it, these changes “will transform the Petersen building into one of the most significant and unforgettable structures in Los Angeles.”

“Long ribbons of stainless steel will wrap around three sides and over the top of the deep red building, making a visceral statement that evokes the imagery of speed and the organic curves of a coachbuilt automobile,” the museum said in a statement. “At night, the color and forms will be lit from within to accentuate the steel sculpture and act as a beacon in the (Wilshire Boulevard) neighborhood known as The Miracle Mile.”

Meanwhile, inside the museum the redesigned galleries “will feature state-of the-art lighting, digital displays and immersive learning stations that will tell the stories of the people and machines that changed the world over the past century.” Showcased within the building will be “a restored and upgraded permanent collection that includes historically significant American and European classics, hot rods, groundbreaking race cars, the latest in alternative fuel technology, cars with Hollywood heritage and even vehicles designed and built in Los Angeles itself.”

The plans have not been without controversy, however, as several high-ticket vehicles from The Petersen’s collection have already been sold to help finance the building’s transformation and some former employees have said the changes also will shift the museum’s focus from Southern California’s role in the evolution of the automobile and automotive culture to a more global viewpoint. That, they say, would not be in keeping with Robert Petersen’s direction for the institution.

In reply to those accusations the museum said in a statement: “The collection has now reached over 400 pieces. Not only are we unable to showcase all of the vehicles, but maintaining and keeping that many cars in running order is virtually impossible. We are culling the collection for the first time in nearly 20 years, selling cars that can easily be procured on loan or vehicles that were never intended for exhibition. Just to be clear, the ‘crown jewels’ of the collection are not being sold, only vehicles that we have in multiples or are not in show-worthy condition. The Petersen will continue to have one of the greatest collections of hot rods in the world (including nine America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners) as well as rare and unique pieces from turn-of-the-century horseless carriages to modern supercars.”

Furthermore, the museum said: “The Petersen is expanding on its mission to showcase both Southern California car culture and the finest vehicles from around the world. Southern California car culture will not be abandoned. Hot Rods and race cars will always be a part of our museum, as will exotics, art deco automobiles and vehicles with Hollywood provenance. We will concentrate on the best, most interesting and most beautiful cars from around the world, and tell the story of Southern California and the automobile. This mission also includes expanding and restoring our collection of vehicles that were built here.”

Obviously, it will be interesting to see what happens at The Petersen — both inside and out — over the coming months.

The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax). For more on The Petersen, visit petersen.org or call 323-930-CARS.