Batmobile, James Bond, and Ecto-1 at the Petersen Auto Museum

There is something really amazing about seeing iconic cars and vehicles up close. True, you can’t, you know, DRIVE them, but standing next to something like the Batmobile from Tim Burton‘s 1989 “Batman” is pretty freaking awesome. We were lucky enough to be invited to check out some of the new exhibits currently on display at the famed Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

For gearheads and car aficionados, the Petersen is an incredible experience. Treat yourself to The Vault (an additional fee but well worth) it to see motor history. There are many signs that remind you no photography, which we adhered to. Not so much with others visiting The Vault at the same time though.

What we were there to see was the newly unveiled iconic additions from film– the aforementioned ’89 Batmobile, the ongoing massive James Bond exhibit, and the ECTO-1 from “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”

Even if you’re not a car expert these are really great to see and experience.

The Bond Exhibit

There’s really nothing so awesome as hearing kids freak out (literally scream, in this case) in delight about seeing the Batmobile. (It’s worth noting the Petersen does have the classic Batmobile in The Vault as well. It’s right next to Green Hornet’s Black Beauty.)

My only real complaint is the positioning of some of the cars on display. It’s an embarrassment of riches, really. So many things to show, only so much space to do it in. I can understand that as a problem when laying out what goes where. But to have the Batmobile and the “Back to the Future” DeLorean placed where you can’t see the back ends? C’mon now.

There is of course numerous other collections and displays across four floors of galleries. The Hypercars are absolutely spectacular, and well worth spending some time with. Those lines…the creativity. If only you could hear their engines, too.

We highly recommend visiting, especially before the Bond exhibit goes away. The Petersen Automotive Museum is open to the public 7 days a week, 10:00am- 5:00pm. Last entry into The Vault is at 2:30pm. Be prepared to show proof of vaccination, or a recent negative Covid test for entry.