My wife and I will be Cali the 2nd week of December and I wanted to know if both museums can be seen in 1 day, I don't want to run to see both.
The drive is the only issue. Petersen is in MidWilshire area west of Downtown, the NHRA museum is out in Pomona 35mi away. In LA time 35 miles is about 1hr-1.15hr. Traffic any weekday by 3pm to Pomona is a bit much. It mostly works out if you have other things to do in the areas and save each one for its own day. Can be done. Peter is much for fun when there is early event on like a swap, mini show outside before they open. That way your there like a 9am, take a few hours to see. leave by noon. Get out to Pomona by 1:30. That museum is much smaller. but still another two hours maybe. I would recommend a Saturday as return traffic to LA on a Sunday is full of ****. Though if you start out in Pomona, your Hotel may be cheaper, then go into LA. http://www.petersen.org/visit/?gclid=CNnEh8uatMECFbRzMgodlEgAqQ http://www.museum.nhra.com/apcm/templates/general.asp?articleid=625&zoneid=41&navsource=contact also look here for events http://www.socalcarculture.com/events.html some that might interest in Dec. 3 Pomona* - Prolong Twilight Cruise Night - NHRA Museum 1101 W. McKinley Ave. - 4PM - 8PM - Info 7 Pomona - Pomona Swap Meet and Cl***ic Car Show at the Fairplex - Info
As stated, a drive by of both is possible, but like most museums, you really have to spend some time absorbing the exhibits to appreciate them. It all depends on what you want to get out of it. I saw things on my third visit to the Peterson that I missed on the first two. I also agree that the Peterson is best visited in conjunction with an ancillary event being held on the parking deck, like the Cobra meet I stumbled on during one of my stops. These would probably be held on a weekend.
i would check the petersen website to see what exhibits will be on display. the main attractions may not even be all that exciting depending on what you're in to. don't get me wrong, the pete is a great place period if you're simply into automobilia, but if your bent is hot rods then the NHRA museum is the hot ticket. i would start in Pomona when the museum opens, work your way back to LA in the late morning/early afternoon, check out the petersen, then find some killer grub and call it a day.
The Petersen Museum is closing down for major renovation on October 20, 2104, until December 2015 (?). There is not much info on their website as to what will happen while the are closed. It looks like they will have a "vault" open for viewing.
BigDogSS is correct. The Pete is CLOSING this Sunday for a year, so your December visit will have to be NHRA only. Six of the cars will be moved to an exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley at the end of October, with more to follow in November and January. Details here: http://www.reaganfoundation.org/det...&args_a=cms&args_b=35&argsb=N&tx=3103&sw=3103 The Reagan exhibit is scheduled to run through May 2015. I haven't heard yet whether other exhibits may be opened elsewhere during the closure.
Well that really throws a wrench into the works! Were actually going to San Diego for her holiday party which is a real bore, I had hoped to visit the 2 museums before heading home. What a bummer.
You might Try stopping by the Nethercutt collection or Justice Brothers or both along with the NHRA http://www.nethercuttcollection.org/ http://www.justiceprivatecollection.com/
I also recommend the Nethercutt. It's an amazing collection. http://www.nethercuttcollection.org Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Reservations are required to see an additional part of the collection across the street. It is worth seeing just the main display alone. The opportunity to see the reservation required part would be a great bonus. The best part of the collections I mentioned is both were FREE last time I was there.
Did the full tour about ten years ago. I never had an appreciation for what I'll call the Heavy Cl***ics until I walked into the Grand Salon and laid eyes on that pewter '33 Deusenberg with the silver padded top. Mainly because it's something totally out of my universe to ever own. Had to pick my jaw off the floor on that one. Lee
Since you're going to be in San Diego if you have time visit the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park, lots of other museums and the Zoo if your wife wants something to do as well.
Definitely the Nethercutt if one is in L.A. If it is as years ago, there is also something probably of interest to the women who faithfully tag along with us.
I have been to both, and many other attractions in and around the area. My wife's work sends us to San Diego every 3 years for her Holiday party, the years in between the party is on the East coast.
I'd try doing both the NHRA museum and the Justice Bros. collection . They're both relatively close to each other and there both hot rod and race car displays . JB is only open on week days , call first and check times for both .
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