If you like cars and all their glorious histories and inner workings, here are five places to add to your bucket list!
Rev up your engines and take a trip through automotive history! From classic British designs to iconic race cars, these five car museums offer fascinating insight into the evolution of the automobile.
Whether you’re a gearhead or just love a good story, these museums will fuel your passion for cars.
Best Of British
Located in Ambergate, Derbyshire, Great British Car Journey celebrates over 100 years of British motoring history. Opened in May 2021, the museum features more than 150 British classics, from the pioneering 1937 Austin Seven to a McLaren 650S, along with rare models like the Gilbern and cars once owned by Elton John and British judges.
Set in a large industrial unit, the chronologically arranged exhibits each tell a unique story such as the British car industry’s slow revival after the Second World War. Visitors can also enjoy child-friendly activities, themed events, and the ‘Drive Dad’s Car’ experience, which offers the chance to drive classic British cars like Reliant Robins and Rolls-Royces.
As a tourist attraction, the Great British Car Journey has garnered quite a few tourism awards, including the Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023 for New Tourism Business Gold, Tripadvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice, Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2021 Finalist for Collection and Personality, The Historic Motoring Awards 2021 Finalist, and VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.
https://greatbritishcarjourney.com/
Address: Great British Car Journey, Derwent Works, Ambergate, Derbyshire DE56 2HE
Tel: (+44) 01773 317243
Japanese Precision
The Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagoya, Japan, offers a comprehensive journey through automotive history. This museum showcases around 140 meticulously maintained cars from across the globe, covering from the first gasoline-powered car to modern electric vehicles. In addition, they also acquire and restore cars, and are hosts for the Toyota Automobile Museum Classic Car festival, an event aimed at promoting car culture.
While owned by Toyota, the museum is not strictly about its brand; it highlights iconic vehicles, from the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen to modern models, alongside Toyota classics like the 1936 Toyoda AA and the 1997 Prius. Notable non-Toyota pieces include the 1922 Grand Prix Sunbeam, a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K, and a DeLorean DMC-12. Visitors can also access a free library housing extensive automotive resources.
https://toyota-automobile-museum.jp/en/
Address: 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture 480-1118, Japan
Tel: (+81) 561635151
Art In Motion
The Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, is the world’s oldest private automotive collection, featuring 275 vehicles that span the history of motoring. Opened in 2010, it showcases antique cars, including an 1887 model, a 1912 Eysink, and Dutch Spyker vehicles. Highlights include Le Mans champions like the 1957 Jaguar D-Type and rare classics owned by icons such as Elvis Presley, James Bond, and Winston Churchill.
Beyond cars, the museum also offers exhibitions such as “Art in Motion”, the world’s largest automotive art collection, and “The Beauty of Speed”, celebrating motorsport legends and their cars.
https://www.louwmanmuseum.nl/en/
Address: Leidsestraatweg 57, 2594BB Den Haag
Tel: (+31) 70304 7373
Four-Wheeled Fun
The Musée Nationale de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse, France, has an impressive automobile collection with over 500 vehicles and offers a captivating journey through automotive history. Created by the Schlumpf brothers, the collection includes iconic models like the Bugatti Royale, a 1930 masterpiece renowned for its luxurious design and powerful 12-litre engine.
Secretly assembled between 1961 and 1963 by Fritz Schlumpf, the collection was housed in a cavernous former textile factory. Financial troubles forced the brothers to abandon the project in 1976, but the collection was eventually acquired in 1982 and modernised in 2000. Besides showcasing cars, the museum offers fun experiences such as virtual F1 car driving.
https://www.musee-automobile.fr/en/
Address: 17 Rue de la Mertzau, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Tel: (+33) 38933 2321
Big Is Better
Autoworld, established in 1986 in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, is built around the remarkable Mahy family collection. It is one of the world’s largest, with around 1,000 vehicles, including iconic Belgian brands like Minerva and FN.
Founded by mechanic Ghislain Mahy, whose passion for restoring cars began in his youth, the museum incorporates 200 of these vehicles alongside contributions from King Albert II and other key figures. Dedicated to showcasing the evolution of automotive technology, comfort, and safety, Autoworld has continuously expanded, adding zones like Sport & Competition, which highlights motorsports with over 20 racing vehicles in an engaging setup. At the same time, Belgium @ Autoworld celebrates the nation’s rich automotive heritage.
Currently, a special Maserati exhibition runs until February 2025.
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Tel: (+32) 2736 4165
Just Enjoy The Ride
This list of car museums offers something for every enthusiast, from historical treasures and classic restorations to cutting-edge displays and interactive experiences. Happy exploring!
