Automobile Museum "Rau Collection"

For all fans of the classic automotive industry and vintage aesthetics, the Rau Automobile Museum (Colección Rau) will be a true discovery. Located in the charming city of La Plata, this private museum is a unique space where the history of global car manufacturing comes to life. Covering an area of about 450 square meters, it houses an impressive collection of rare vehicles, each carrying its own unique legend.

Rau Automobile Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum is the result of many years of passion and meticulous work by brothers Jorge and Cecilio Pablo Rau. Situated in the heart of Argentina, this venue stands out for its intimate atmosphere. Its history began with the purchase of a single 1927 Ford Model T, which laid the foundation for a vast collection of vintage machinery.

The exhibition is striking in its diversity: from iconic models of the early 20th century to rare examples of automobilia — vintage parts, accessories, and advertising signs. The museum is deservedly considered one of the hidden gems of the region, attracting guests not only with its technical components but also with the heartfelt story of a family that turned a youthful hobby into a cultural asset for the city.

For more details before your visit, you can use the following contact information. Please note that the museum is private, so contacting the owners can be helpful for planning your visit.

A visit to the museum is, above all, an opportunity to study the evolution of automotive design in detail. Guests can spend hours examining the polished hoods and leather interiors of vintage cars, with models from the beginning of the last century holding a special place. Besides cars, there is a rich collection of vintage motorcycles and all sorts of memorabilia: from antique gas pumps to authentic accessories of the era.

The museum owners are often on-site and are happy to share stories about how a particular piece joined their collection. Photography enthusiasts will find an endless number of inspiring angles here — the atmospheric lighting and dense arrangement of exhibits allow for striking shots. It is an ideal place for quiet family leisure or a deep dive into technical history in the company of like-minded people.

If you are planning a group visit, guided tours are available by prior appointment. This is an excellent chance to learn technical details of restoration and little-known facts about how transport developed in Argentina. Even those far from mechanics will appreciate the aesthetics of the "golden age" of car manufacturing and the enthusiasm of the collection's creators, invested in every square meter of this space.

Getting to the museum is quite easy thanks to its location in the Casco Urbano district of La Plata. The museum is situated on Avenida 1, one of the main thoroughfares, between 34th and 35th Streets. If you are already in the city center, a taxi ride will take just a few minutes, while walking enthusiasts can reach the site while exploring the architecture of the historic center.

For those planning a trip from Buenos Aires, the most convenient option is the train or an intercity bus. The journey takes about an hour. Upon arriving at La Plata station, you will be relatively close to the museum; from here, you can take local public transport (buses) that stop near Avenida 1, or use a taxi service.

If you are traveling by car, enter the address Avenida 1 121 into your navigator. Street parking is usually available in the Casco Urbano area, but it is recommended to arrive a little early to find a spot and start your tour of the collection on time.

The history of the "Colección Rau" museum began with the dream of two young men. Brothers Jorge and Cecilio Pablo Rau purchased their first exhibit — a 1927 Ford Model T — when they were just 18 and 20 years old, respectively. This purchase became the starting point for a grand collection that was gathered over decades before becoming accessible to the general public.

The official opening of the museum to visitors took place in 2006. This event was the culmination of the Rau brothers' lifelong ambition to preserve their homeland's technical heritage. Over the years of the museum's existence, the collection has been constantly expanded not only with vehicles but also with a vast amount of automobilia, making the exhibition comprehensive and profound.

Notably, the museum is located in the historic part of the city and is itself an important landmark on the region's cultural map. The brothers' personal efforts in finding and restoring rare models have made this place a significant site for preserving the history of Argentina's automotive industry, turning a private hobby into a true public asset.

For a complete and unhurried visit to the Rau Automobile Museum, it is recommended to allow 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to carefully examine all the cars and motorcycles on display and read about the history of the rarest exhibits.

If you are a true vintage machinery enthusiast or plan to photograph the collection in detail, your visit may take a bit longer. Although the museum is compact, it is very rich in details that deserve the close attention of classic design connoisseurs.

Typically, the Rau Automobile Museum is open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This makes it an excellent addition to a weekend trip to La Plata.

Since it is a private collection, the working hours may change or require prior appointment. Before planning your trip, we strongly recommend checking the latest information on the museum's official social media pages or contacting the owners directly by phone.

Exploring the surroundings after visiting the museum will allow you to get a better feel for the atmosphere of La Plata and discover different facets of the city. Nearby are both historical monuments and leisure spots that can be a great addition to your cultural program.

Here are several interesting sites located within a few kilometers of the car collection: