The Tesla Cybertruck is known for two things: A polarizing, radical look that’s been described as everything from “dystopian” to flat-out “ridiculous,” and lead designer Franz von Holzhausen, who unexpectedly smashed its supposedly unbreakable armor glass windows onstage with a metal ball when the vehicle first debuted last November at a private event.

Except for a handful of media and enthusiasts, the Cybertruck hasn’t been available for up-close and personal viewing. But that's changing Friday when the Petersen Automotive Museum will display the futuristic electric pickup truck in its lobby as part of its grand reopening post Covid. 


What You Need To Know

  • Tesla Cybertruck will be displayed in Petersen Automotive Museum lobby from June 19-26

  • Tickets must be purchased in advance at Petersen.org/tickets

  • Tickets are $16/adult, $14/seniors age 62+, $11/children age 4-17

  • Petersen reopens June 19 with new hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

With a pointy, triangular profile clad in stainless steel, the Cybertruck is “a really futuristic-like cyberpunk, ‘Blade Runner’ pickup truck,” Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk told the media outlet Vox. More utilitarian than a Ford F-150 and quicker than a Porsche 911, the all-electric Cybertruck can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, tow more than 7,500 pounds and travel more than 500 miles per charge, according to the Tesla web site. 

Musk says the company has already taken 250,000 preorders for the truck, which starts at $39,900 for the single-motor version and costs as much as $76,900 for a trimotor with all-wheel drive and full self driving. Production is slated to begin in late 2021.

“Tesla has been a trailblazer in the widespread acceptance of electric vehicles since introducing the Model S prototype,” said Terry Karges, executive director for the Petersen Automotive Museum. “The Cybertruck paves the way for the utility vehicle of the future, and we can’t wait to display it proudly in our lobby, as we reopen to the public.”

The Petersen has been closed since LA Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a citywide stay-at-home order on March 19.

Already, the museum is showcasing two Tesla vehicles -- the prototypes for its first car, the limited-production Roadster, and its followup, the Model S full-size sedan. The bestselling electric vehicle brand, Tesla manufactured its 1 millionth car in March.