The Garage Automotive Museum

Imagine a place where road history comes alive and the gleam of chrome details shines—this is exactly the atmosphere offered by The Garage Automotive Museum. Located in the heart of Salina, this museum has become a key element of the major downtown revitalization. Since opening in early 2022, it has quickly earned the status of a premier attraction, highly praised even by famous collector Jay Leno.

The museum is not just an exhibition hall, but a modern educational center dedicated to the art of vehicle restoration and preservation. Occupying a site that once housed industrial warehouses, this $7 million space in the USA state of Kansas now draws thousands of tourists from across the country.

The museum's standout feature is its dynamic nature. Because "The Garage" partners with private collectors, the exhibits are constantly changing, offering visitors new rare specimens with every visit. It is a place that combines a love for technical progress with a deep respect for the automotive culture of the past.

To contact the museum administration and clarify information about special events, you can use the following contact details. Staff are always ready to help with organizing group tours or answer questions about current exhibits.

A visit to the museum promises to be an engaging experience thanks to its rotating exhibition concept. The lineup of displays is updated every four months, making every visit unique. Be sure to check out the Kustom Kemps of America Hall of Fame—a hall dedicated to custom cars built before 1969. You can also find extremely rare classic models here, such as the 1938 Lincoln Brunn Town Car Cabriolet, which once belonged to the owners of the legendary Ringling Bros. Circus.

For those who prefer active entertainment, the museum has prepared several interactive activities. Visitors can try their hand as a racing driver on virtual simulators or master the art of body painting using VR technology. Children will be thrilled by the massive Hot Wheels track and digital gas pumps, while a classic Mario Kart game awaits everyone in the lobby.

Don't forget to stop by the official photo zone to take a vibrant selfie against the backdrop of a stylized vintage car bench. It’s a great way to capture your impressions of being immersed in the world of powerful engines and elegant design.

The Garage Automotive Museum is conveniently located at 134 S 4th Street, in the very heart of the historic downtown area. It is easy to find just south of Iron Avenue. For those traveling through the state by car, Salina is a strategic stop as it sits at the intersection of major federal highways I-70 and I-135.

There is plenty of parking available downtown, making visits by private or rental vehicle very comfortable. If you are arriving in the region by plane, the nearest hub is Salina Regional Airport (SLN), from where the museum can be quickly reached by taxi or rental car.

While Salina is a city best explored by car, local bus routes are also available. Visitors planning to use public transport are advised to check current city schedules in advance to arrive at the museum doors at a convenient time.

The history of automobiles in Kansas is a chronicle of quiet agricultural settlements transforming into modern technological hubs. In the early 20th century, as the legendary Model T Ford began to conquer America, Salina became one of the places where innovation was embraced with particular enthusiasm. The first dealerships often opened in former stables and blacksmith shops, symbolizing the change of eras.

Motorsports have always played a special role in local culture. Long before professional tracks appeared, races were held on dirt ovals during county fairs. Local farmers and mechanics showed incredible ingenuity, modifying ordinary cars to achieve maximum speed. It is this passion for technical creativity that forms the foundation of the museum's concept, preserving the memory of the Midwest's "garage geniuses."

The museum also tells the stories of local racers who became heroes of their time. The collection at "The Garage" serves as a living bridge between the past, when the automobile was a symbol of unprecedented freedom, and the present, where classic forms are transformed into works of art. Even the museum building has its own history: it stands on a site once occupied by railway warehouses and a printing house, forming part of a large-scale urban renovation project.

A standard tour of the museum's main halls usually requires at least one hour. This provides enough time to admire the main exhibits and take souvenir photos in the specially designated zones.

However, if you are traveling with family or are a true automotive enthusiast, it is better to plan for 2–3 hours. This will allow you to try the virtual simulators without rushing, explore the details of the interactive exhibits for children, and carefully examine the unique models in the custom car hall of fame.

The museum's operating schedule is designed to cover both weekdays and weekends. You can visit the exhibitions on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Please keep in mind that the museum's status may change, and it may occasionally be temporarily closed to prepare new exhibitions. It is highly recommended to check the official website or verify current opening times on Google Maps before your trip.

After immersing yourself in the world of classic cars, it is worth taking time to see other interesting sites in the area. A walk through the city center will allow you to see historical monuments and modern recreation areas that make the atmosphere of this region truly special.