National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse is not just an exhibition, but a true treasure trove for everyone passionate about the history of technology. Located in the Alsace region of France, it is rightfully considered one of the largest and most impressive automobile museums in the world, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

The museum is housed in a former 19th-century textile factory, which gives it a special atmosphere. Over 520 classic cars are presented across a vast area of more than 25,000 square meters. The crown jewel of the collection is the world's largest collection of Bugatti cars, featuring unique and extremely rare examples of this legendary brand.

Visiting the museum is a fascinating journey through time. The exhibition allows you to trace the entire evolution of car manufacturing: from the first steam carriages and rare models of the late 19th century to the luxury limousines and iconic sports cars of the 20th century. Every car here is not just a mechanism, but a work of art and a witness to its era.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding opening hours, ticket prices, and special events, we recommend visiting the official website of the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. There, you can find all necessary contact details and plan your visit perfectly.

Visiting the National Automobile Museum is a true immersion into the history of the global automotive industry. The main activity here is, of course, exploring one of the most impressive car collections in the world. The exhibition is thought out to the smallest detail: you can stroll through halls where cars are grouped by era, famous brands, and design styles. This allows you to trace the evolution of automotive thought from the first self-propelled carriages to modern supercars.

The museum's particular pride is the world's most complete collection of Bugatti cars. Fans of this legendary brand will see not only classic models but also the rarest racing examples. Beyond simple observation, the museum offers an interactive experience. Thanks to multimedia stands, you can delve deeper into the technical specifications of the cars, learn the biographies of their creators, and explore the historical context of each era. Visitors also have a view of the restoration workshops, where they can see the meticulous work being done to restore rare pieces.

Museum life is not limited to the permanent collection. There are regular temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific brands or periods of automotive history, as well as spectacular retro car shows. For families with children, educational workshops are often organized. After an exciting tour, you can relax in the local cafe or visit the souvenir shop to buy a memorable gift related to the world of cars.

Getting to the National Automobile Museum is quite simple, as it is located in the city of Mulhouse, an important transport hub on the border of France, Germany, and Switzerland. If you are traveling by train, regular services arrive in Mulhouse from major cities such as Paris, Strasbourg, Basel, and Zurich. This makes the city easily accessible for tourists from all over Europe.

The museum is within the city limits, about two kilometers from the Mulhouse central railway station (Gare de Mulhouse-Ville). From the station, you can quickly reach the museum by public transport—take a tram or a bus with routes passing near the attraction. The trip will only take a few minutes. Additionally, you can always take a taxi to be dropped off right at the entrance.

For those traveling by car, visiting the museum is also hassle-free. Spacious parking is available near the National Automobile Museum, with enough room for both passenger cars and large tour buses. This is especially convenient for organized groups and those who prefer exploring the region by car.

The history of the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse is an amazing saga of passion, secrets, and salvation. The founders of the collection were the brothers Hans and Fritz Schlumpf, successful textile industrialists. In the mid-20th century, they began buying up rare and historic cars, turning their hobby into a lifelong pursuit. The collection grew so rapidly that in 1965, Fritz converted part of his factory into a huge secret garage and restoration workshop, where a whole team of specialists worked on the cars.

The existence of this automotive treasure remained a secret until 1977. When the brothers' factory faced a financial crisis, it was occupied by trade unions. It was then that workers accidentally discovered the enormous collection, hidden from public view. There was a real threat that this unique collection would be sold off piece by piece to cover debts. To prevent the loss of this heritage, the French government declared the Schlumpf collection a national historical treasure in 1978.

This decisive step allowed the collection to be preserved for future generations. In 1981, it was acquired by the National Association of Automobile Museums of France, and by 1982, the museum, named "Cité de l'Automobile," opened its doors to the public. In 2000, the exhibition was extensively modernized, turning the museum into a modern and interactive center where every visitor can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the automotive era.

When planning a visit to the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, it's worth setting aside enough time to fully enjoy its impressive collection. For a general introduction to the main exhibits, it is recommended to allow at least 3–4 hours. This is enough time to stroll leisurely through the halls, see legendary cars, and get a general sense of the scale of this unique place, which is rightfully considered one of the largest automobile museums in the world.

If you are a true car enthusiast, traveling with children, or simply want to dive headfirst into the history of technology, feel free to plan half a day or even more. Extra time will allow you not only to study each car in detail but also to take part in interactive programs, see temporary exhibitions, relax in the local cafe, and perhaps even take a ride in one of the vintage cars. Such a relaxed approach ensures that you get the most out of your visit to this iconic site in France.

The National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse is open to visitors year-round; however, its operating hours may vary depending on the season. Usually, the museum welcomes guests daily from morning until evening, but schedules may change on national holidays. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is recommended to check for current information in advance.

To plan your visit, we strongly advise checking the exact opening hours on the museum's official website just before your trip. This will keep you informed of any possible changes. Additionally, during peak tourist seasons, it may be helpful to book tickets online to save time and avoid long queues at the ticket offices.

Visiting the National Automobile Museum is undoubtedly a highlight, but Mulhouse offers much more than just one—albeit world-famous—attraction. To make your trip truly complete, it is worth exploring other interesting places nearby. This will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and get to know its culture, architecture, and gastronomy.

A stroll around the museum's surroundings will reveal new facets of this Alsatian city. Just a few minutes' walk or a short ride away, you will find unique markets, historic buildings, and cozy establishments that will complement your impressions and leave unforgettable memories of your trip to France.