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AACA Museum

About

The AACA Museum (AACA Museum, Inc.) is an outstanding transportation museum located in Hershey, in the heart of Pennsylvania, USA. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of American automaking and is rightfully considered one of the best car collections in the country. If you are passionate about cars or simply interested in technical progress, this place is definitely worth a visit.

AACA Museum. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

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Across more than 6,600 square meters, the museum presents an impressive collection of over 130 cars, buses, motorcycles, and various automotive artifacts. The collection spans a significant period—from the late 19th century (1890s) to the 1980s—allowing visitors to trace the evolution of vehicles over almost an entire century.

As a non-profit organization, the AACA Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the American Alliance of Museums, confirming its high status and significance in the US cultural landscape. Visitors can see both rare, unique models and well-known mass-produced cars, many of which have undergone meticulous restoration and appear before the public in their original glory.

Contacts

To get the most up-to-date information on the AACA Museum opening hours and available contact methods, it is recommended to check the museum's official website (if available) or contact the tourist information centers in the town of Hershey. You can find the museum itself at: 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA.

How to contactContact
Address161 Museum Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
Phone number+1 717-566-7100
Websitewww.aacamuseum.org

What to Do

A visit to the AACA Museum (Antique Automobile Club of America Museum) in Hershey is a fascinating journey through the history of American car manufacturing. Guests can explore numerous themed exhibits, each dedicated to a specific era of vehicle development in the USA. Many halls are designed as historic street scenes, creating a unique atmosphere and allowing for a deeper immersion into the past as you view cars in their 'natural habitat.'

One of the museum's crown jewels is the world's largest collection of Tucker automobiles. These rare and, for their time, innovative cars consistently draw the attention of enthusiasts. Furthermore, the museum prides itself on an extensive display of buses from various models and eras, as well as an impressive collection of motorcycles showcasing the evolution of two-wheeled transport. Every exhibition is carefully thought out to tell a unique story.

The AACA Museum regularly hosts special and temporary exhibitions that make every visit unique. These exhibitions can cover a wide range of topics: from trucks and passenger vehicles to specific car brands, historical periods, or even unusual pairings, such as the 'Auto and Ale' exhibition, where car culture meets local breweries. For families with children, there are interactive zones and educational programs that make the visit both informative and fun for young car lovers.

Getting There

The AACA Museum is conveniently located for visitors traveling by car. It is situated at 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA. Thanks to a well-designed system of road signs within the town, finding your way to the museum is easy, even if it's your first time here.

If you're planning a drive from other major Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, you can reach Hershey via modern highways. The trip is comfortable, and signs for the town and the museum itself will help you navigate with ease.

For those who prefer public transport, there are also convenient options. You can first reach the town of Hershey by train or intercity bus. Upon arrival, you can get to the AACA Museum by taxi or use local public transport if a suitable route is available.

When arriving by car, you don't need to worry about parking. There is a spacious parking area right next to the AACA Museum designed for a large number of visitors, making your visit even more convenient.

Nearest city: Hershey

History & Facts

The AACA Museum, located in Hershey, USA, first opened its doors to the public on June 26, 2003. Since its founding, it has quickly grown into one of the most famous and respected automotive museums in the United States. Interestingly, despite its name, the museum is not directly part of the Antique Automobile Club of America, but it collaborates closely with various automotive associations and collectors, allowing it to present unique exhibits to visitors.

Over the years, the AACA Museum has gained recognition from both experts and car enthusiasts alike. Its high status is confirmed by numerous awards. One of its significant achievements was the NAAMY Award of Excellence, presented by the National Association of Automobile Museums in 2014. This award highlights the outstanding quality of the displays and the museum's contribution to preserving automotive heritage.

With its rich collection and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the AACA Museum is rightfully considered one of the leading automotive museums not only in the USA but worldwide. It is regularly included in lists of the twelve best car museums in the world and consistently ranks among the top ten museums in the United States. This makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in automotive history and culture.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to the AACA Museum in Hershey, you should expect that exploring the exhibits will take you about 2-3 hours. This is usually enough time to see the main car collection and get a general idea of American automotive history.

However, if you are a true vintage car enthusiast or deeply interested in transport history, you might need significantly more time. The museum often hosts themed exhibitions and temporary displays, and studying these in detail can take extra hours. Therefore, avid car lovers should set aside at least half a day to enjoy all the unique exhibits without rushing.

Working Hours

The exact opening hours of the AACA Museum in Hershey may vary depending on the season and the day of the week. We recommend visiting the museum's official website or contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information on the schedule, as well as any possible changes for holidays.

Generally, for popular attractions like the AACA Museum, it can be helpful to check if advance ticket booking is necessary, especially during peak tourist season. Many museums are open year-round, but it's always best to verify this information before planning your visit to ensure it is as comfortable and interesting as possible.

9:00 – 17:00

Nearby

A visit to the AACA Museum in Hershey is undoubtedly an exciting event for all fans of automotive history. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling and full of impressions, it's worth paying attention to the attractions located nearby. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this unique corner of the USA and discover something new.

The town of Hershey and its surroundings offer a variety of leisure options, from other museums to entertainment centers and natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to expand your itinerary and see more than you originally planned! Here are some interesting places located near the AACA Museum:

NameDistance
Museum of Bus Transportation0 km
Giant Center2.2 km
Iberian Lounge2.5 km
The Spa at Hotel Hershey2.5 km
Hershey Gardens2.6 km
Butterfly Atrium2.6 km
Hersheypark2.8 km

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