Being a true gearhead has far deeper roots than just admiring cars or collecting information about them over the internet. It is an emotion, at times, even an identity. An identity that is molded over years for the true passion of everything with four wheels. We all start by collecting car posters as kids and later move to own miniature car collections. As teenagers, that passion is reflected in setting our favorite car’s picture as cellphone or laptop wallpaper.
Of all these years of growing up as a car fanatic, we could trade anything for a visit to a car museum. To witness a plethora of shiny, precious automobiles that existed decades ago is a dream that all of us must have had. If you weren’t that lucky to be able to visit a car museum as a child, let us tell you, it is never too late. There are many museums around the globe that house marvels that reflect the humble beginning along with the future of the automobile, and everything in between. We have curated the vast list and bring you 10 such automotive museums that you might want to visit at least once in your lifetime.
10 The Henry Ford Museum
Dearborn (USA)
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Ford single-handedly put America on the map of the automotive world. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, this iconic museum is a Mecca for automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Wandering through its hallowed halls, you will witness an awe-inspiring collection of artifacts that tell the incredible story of American innovation. From the groundbreaking Model T to the sleek Mustangs that have captured our imaginations for generations, the Henry Ford Museum showcases not only the evolution of automobiles but also pays homage to other game-changing inventions.
Noteworthy Exhibits
Abraham Lincoln’s Chair
JFK’s Presidential Limo
Thomas Edison’s Laboratory
Working Steam Engine
Rosa Park’s Bus
Wright Brothers’ Shop & Bicycle
9 The Petersen Automotive Museum
Los Angeles (USA)
The unique structure of the Petersen Automotive Museum itself is fascinating. The sleek and modern structure is a 95,000 square-feet building with three floors and 28 galleries. From vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars, the museum showcases a diverse range of vehicles that span over a century of automotive history.
Each exhibit tells a unique story, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation behind these iconic machines. One notable highlight is the “Hollywood Dream Machines” exhibit, which pays tribute to cars featured in popular films and TV shows. You will find famous vehicles like the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” and KITT from “Knight Rider.” It’s an opportunity to see these legendary cars up close and personal.
Noteworthy Exhibits
The 1939 Porsche 64s
The 1992 Batmobile from Batman Returns
The Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious
A De Tomaso Pantera which belonged to Elvis Presley
Lightning McQueen from Disney’s Cars
Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder from Star Wars
8 The Porsche Museum
Stuttgart (Germany)
The Porsche Museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the iconic Porsche brand. Here you will find everything Porsche and a bit more! The highlight of the museum is its interactive exhibits. You can get up close and personal with some of Porsche’s most famous race cars and even sit behind the wheel of a virtual racing simulator.
The museum also offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the development and evolution of Porsche automobiles. From their early beginnings to their dominance on racetracks around the world, every aspect of Porsche’s journey is explored.
Notable Exhibitions
Four-wheel drive Porsche 360 Cisitalia (1947)
Porsche 356 Nr. 1 Roadster (1948)
Porsche Type 804 Formula 1 racing car (1962)
Porsche 917 Short coupé (1970)
Porsche 917 Long coupé (1971)
The 1100 hp Porsche 917/30 Spider (1973)
Porsche 962C coupé (1987)
McLaren TAG Porsche F1 (1985)
Porsche 911 GT1 ’98, with Le Mans starting number 25 (1998)
7 Cité de l’Automobile
Mulhouse (France)
The world of vintage and classic cars in the Cité de l’Automobile will leave you fascinated. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 400 vehicles from different eras and countries. From early horse-drawn carriages to iconic sports cars like Bugatti and Rolls-Royce, there is something for every gearhead to marvel at.
The Schlumpf Collection — one of the largest collections of Bugatti cars in the world, cannot be missed. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship displayed in these rare automobiles are truly awe-inspiring. The museum also pays tribute to racing legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio and showcases some iconic race cars that have made history on tracks around the world.
Noteworthy Exhibits
Serpollet Double Phaeton Type A 1902
Peugeot VIS-A-VIS Type 26 1902
Mercedes Double Phaeton
Lancia Torpedo Type Epsilon 1912
Hispano-Suiza Coupé Chauffeur J12 1934
Léon Bollée Tricar, 1896
Ferrari Coupe 250 LM 1964
6 Mercedes-Benz Museum
Stuttgart (Germany)
This museum showcases several vehicles spanning different eras and models, giving visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Mercedes-Benz. From vintage classics to sleek sports cars and luxurious sedans, there is something for every gearhead to admire.
Each exhibit is carefully curated with detailed information about design concepts, engineering marvels, and technological advancements that have made Mercedes-Benz an iconic brand. So if you are someone who digs Mercedes like no one else then you must pay a visit.
Noteworthy Exhibits
The world’s first four-wheeled automobile
Over 1500 vintage and modern cars
The Popemobile
5 BMW Welt And Museum
Munich (Germany)
The popularity of this iconic BMW Welt And Museum is such that visitors from around the world flock here. From the latest models to classic favorites, there’s something for everyone to admire. You also get to dive deeper into the Bavarian company’s fascinating past. Discover how BMW has evolved through interactive displays and engaging exhibits.
Get up close with legendary cars like the iconic BMW 328 or marvel at their cutting-edge concept vehicles. You can also embark on a factory tour where you can witness firsthand how these incredible machines come to life – from assembly lines buzzing with activity to skilled workers meticulously handcrafting each detail.
Noteworthy Exhibits
The original car from the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies
BMW Isetta
BMW Art Cars
4 The Ferrari Museum
Maranello (Italy)
Ferrari is one of the most renowned automotive brands in the world and has symbolized sleek, low-slung designs. You are certain to be captivated by an incredible collection of Ferrari’s most legendary cars. From classic models like the 250 GTO to modern masterpieces like the LaFerrari, each vehicle on display represents a pinnacle of engineering and design.
Ferrari has not just displayed its prowess in production cars but also in Formula 1 races. The motorsport division of the Italian automotive giants dominated the racetracks for decades with arguably the most coveted driver in the history of motorsports — Michael Schumacher. Hence, this museum will be a haven for all the F1 fans out there.
Noteworthy Exhibits
The rare silver Ferrari 250LM
The 488 Pista Piloti
The 288 GTO,
The F40
The F50
Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari LaFerrari
Formula 1 Championship-winning cars
3 Museo Automobili Lamborghini
Sant’Agata Bolognese (Italy)
In an attempt to rival Ferrari, Lamborghini did not just create high-profile cars over decades but an equally commendable museum. Located in the small Italian town of Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Museo Automobili Lamborghini is a must-visit for any car enthusiast, especially if you have a soft corner for Lamborghini.
The museum takes you on a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of these iconic Italian supercars. From vintage classics to modern masterpieces, each vehicle tells a unique story of innovation and design. You can admire legendary models like the Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Aventador up close – their striking lines and roaring engines captivating your senses.
Noteworthy Exhibits
Miura
Countach
Huracán Performante
The Aventador SVJ
Centenario
Sesto Elemento
Veneno
2 Audi Museum Mobile
Ingolstadt (Germany)
This museum traces the history of Audi from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers. The museum complex is the highlight of the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, the largest operation center in Ingolstadt. The building offers a stunning few and there are three levels of display. There are over 80 automobiles and motorcycles for you to gawk at. Fourteen prototype vehicles are constantly on the move on a paternoster elevator.
Noteworthy Exhibits
Historic Audi Ur Quattro rally
Audi 50 LS 1977
A fleet of Audi TTs