The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles recently had its largest opening to date with the simultaneous launch of four new exhibitions that showcase a range of automotive innovations. These exhibitions cover everything from supercars to concept vehicles, self-driving cars, and electric rides, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of the automotive industry.
Autumn Nyiri, one of the curators of the exhibitions, expressed the significance of having four exhibitions open at the same time. She highlighted that each exhibition delves into different aspects of automotive history, from design to propulsion to future technologies. The exhibitions, which opened on August 3rd, are located on the second floor of the museum and will run through the following year.
One of the exhibitions, titled „Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles,“ curated by Nyiri, focuses on speed and performance. It features a rotating display of iconic supercars known for their speed and power. Among the cars showcased is the 2020 Bugatti Divo, a 1,500-horsepower machine with a top speed of over 230 miles per hour. Another highlight is the 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR, which can reach speeds exceeding 250 miles per hour and can run on renewable biofuels. The exhibition also includes the 2022 Apollo IE, known as the „Purple Dragon,“ one of only 10 cars built by Apollo Automobil.
The „Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles“ exhibition explores the history of electric cars, which have been around for over a century. Nyiri explains that electric vehicles were once more popular than gas-powered cars due to their cleanliness, quiet operation, and ease of use. The exhibition features vehicles such as the 1896 Riker electric roadster, a 1928 Auto Red Bug electric roadster, a 2009 Mini Cooper E, and a 2021 Lanark DS Roadster inspired by European sports cars.
„Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past“ curated by Jonathan Eisen, showcases 10 concept cars from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s that never made it to production. These concept cars offer a glimpse into the evolution of automobile design and represent futuristic visions from the recent past. One standout vehicle is the 1995 Ford GT90, a radical-looking supercar inspired by race cars.
The final exhibition, „Driven by Possibility: Waymo’s Road to Autonomous Transport,“ curated by Eisen, explores the future of autonomous driving technology. The exhibit features prototype vehicles and the Terregator, a six-wheeled mobile robot, from Waymo LLC, formerly known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project. Visitors can learn about the past, present, and future of autonomous vehicles and the technology behind them.
Overall, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s new exhibitions offer a comprehensive and engaging look at the diverse innovations within the automotive industry. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, history buff, or technology lover, these exhibitions provide something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the museum to experience these exciting displays and learn more about the past, present, and future of automotive innovation.