Petersen Automotive Museum Director Ken Gross Concludes Term; Former Director Dick Messer Appointed Interim Head
9 November 2000
Petersen Automotive Museum Director Ken Gross Concludes Term; Former Director Dick Messer Appointed Interim Head
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 Petersen Automotive Museum Chairman of
the Board Bruce Meyer announced today that Ken Gross, Director of the Museum
since 1997, has concluded his tenure and will resume his career as a noted
international automotive journalist, author, and television personality. An
East Coast native, Gross and his family also plan to return to Virginia, where
they lived before moving to Los Angeles.
"Ken brought an automotive historian's perspective and a marketer's skill
to the Petersen Museum," says Meyer. "We thank him for his service and we'll
miss his knowledge and enthusiasm. Although Ken will be leaving at the end of
November," says Meyer, "he will continue to act as an ambassador for the
Museum and will be working on Museum projects and issues as a consultant."
"We'd like to thank Ken for his tremendous assistance in taking the
Petersen Automotive Museum from an adjunct of the Natural History Museum of
Los Angeles County to its present status as the independent non-profit
Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation, one of the most highly acclaimed
museums in the country," says publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen.
Petersen, along with his wife Margie, are museum benefactors whose efforts and
generous underwriting continue to be of enormous advantage to the Museum.
To help manage the transition of directors, Chairman Meyer and the Board
have asked Dick Messer, the inaugural Director of the Museum, to assist Museum
General Manager David Myers with day-to-day operations until a new permanent
director can be appointed. Messer, a life-long car collector who is well
connected in the collector car community, was the first to hold the post of
Museum Director from its inception in 1994 until 1997 when he left the Museum
to return to his many private business interests.
"It was a logical step to call Dick Messer and ask him to assist us
through this period," says Meyer. "Dick's management expertise has been
enhanced during the years he's been in the private sector. His knowledge and
enthusiasm for the automotive industry have not diminished and his familiarity
with the Museum and its infrastructure make him the best candidate to handle
the change."
The Petersen Automotive Museum entering its sixth year of operations, has
presented many popular exhibits, including "It's a Duesy!" a retrospective
featuring the luxurious 1930s-era Duesenberg automobile; "Ferrari at 50,"
celebrating the golden anniversary of Italy's finest performance car, and
"Surf's Up!: The Great American Woody." Currently on display are
"Hollywood Star Cars: Great Cars of the Movies."
The Museum's newest exhibit "The Coast Road: 1900-1950" includes historic
photography, memorabilia and vintage automobiles depicting the creation and
history of the 250 mile stretch of road between Santa Barbara and San Diego
popularly known as the Pacific Coast Highway. The exhibit is presented by the
Automobile Club of Southern California and runs now through January 7, 2001.
Beginning November 24 - January 28, 2001, the Museum will showcase
"No Straight Lines: The Vehicles of the Grinch," featuring several of the
vehicles used in the movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss' beloved story "How the
Grinch Stole Christmas." The exhibit will include scenic elements and props
used in the film which stars Jim Carrey.
The Petersen Automotive Museum, a non-profit organization, is located at
6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles. Admission prices are
$7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and $3 for children ages
5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered
parking is available for $6.00 per car. Museum hours are Tuesday through
Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS
or visit the Museum's Web site address at http://www.petersen.org.