The Petersen Museum's New Exhibit Explores Two Decades Of Automotive Design & Pop Culture

“Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s” showcases the iconic vehicles, retro games, fashion and pop culture that shaped a generation

Embracing its role as the ultimate automotive time capsule with an ever-changing collection of exhibits and special features, the Petersen Automotive Museum prides itself on its diverse offerings and its focus on preserving the greatest eras of motoring. And while its niche exhibits drive passionate pursuits from around the world, they’re also designed as informative displays to teach future generations of enthusiasts about the influential cars that helped pave the way. The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibit, “Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the ’80s and ’90s,” is a nostalgia-packed journey through one of the most defining eras in pop culture and automotive design.

Located in the Mullin Grand Salon, the showcase combines angular ’80s lines with the wild experimentation of the ’90s, featuring more than 30 exceptional vehicles. From the legendary 1995 McLaren F1 to the 1-of-1 Lotec C1000 and even the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder replica from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the exhibit celebrates design, performance innovation, and unforgettable movie moments. It’s a time capsule with imports, mysterious concepts, rally legends, and even motorcycles rounding out the mix.

With retro arcade games, mannequins styled in neon and acid-wash curated by ASU FIDM, and music that defined a generation, “Totally Awesome!” recreates the feel of a mall arcade or a garage hangout from decades past. Curated in part by the Museum of the Gam, the exhibit taps into what made the ’80s and ’90s so exciting. Executive Director Terry L. Karges calls it a “full sensory time machine,” and he’s not wrong. Whether you’re into vintage fashion, iconic movie cars, or groundbreaking automotive tech, this exhibit hits all the right nostalgic notes. Open through April 2026, it’s a must-see celebration of the decades that made driving personal and culture loud.