As you approach the grand entrance and take in the vast and unique architectural lines of LeMay–America’s Car Museum that was opened to the public in 2012, you might recognize the building’s resemblance to a hood scoop on a vintage Ford Mustang, as many have stated.
Once inside, you will find yourself surrounded by more than 300 vehicles, carefully curated over the span of four floors, and 165,000 square feet of space. The distinctive design of the facility, spearheaded by the interior ceiling’s massive, curved beams of timber looming more than 100 feet above the distinguished Showcase Gallery exhibit space, have left many speechless.
Venture further, and you will find well over a century’s worth of history, stories, and progression of the automobile. From 1800s steam-powered horseless carriages to a brand-new 2022 Ford GT, America’s Car Museum has something for just about everyone to appreciate.
You will be taking an adventure through history as you experience handcrafted, coach-built cars of the roaring ‘20s, as well as extravagant, robust Cadillacs of the fabulous ‘50s and vehicles of other vintages that the museum has acquired from prominent collectors across the globe, and most notably, from the LeMay family. See Route 66 in its heyday, and the iconic mid-century sedans, wagons, and muscle cars that drove it. Experience the birth of NASCAR and American racing, encounter a variety of European imports, and even get a look at how cars of the future might be driven with alternative fuel sources.
America’s Car Museum also serves as an educational center for students of all ages, featuring a variety of rotating exhibits, and hosts more than 200 private events most years, from small gatherings of a few dozen to annual fundraisers of more than 500 attendees.
The 3.5-acre grass show field adjacent to the building provides ample space for car shows, live music festivals, and outdoor drive-in movie events. As the museum celebrates the past ten years, ACM will look back on its extensive accomplishments. It is a spectacular venue that has housed one-of-a-kind exhibits, flagship community events, countless memorable stories and experiences, and ultimately has brought people closer together through the passion that they share for cars and automotive heritage. ACM will host a commemorative 10th Anniversary Wheels & Heels Gala event on Saturday, September 10 that will feature awards, an auction, dinner and fireworks.
America’s Car Museum has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle, and ShowCase Magazine’s Best of Washington. This is the result of the work of countless individuals, collaborating and coming together to create what has now become an internationally recognized destination. The museum is now a cornerstone cultural attraction in our local community where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the automobile.
LeMay–America’s Car Museum
americascarmuseum.org
MORGAN LUCAS