Newport Car Museum, the 114,000 sq. ft. building in Portsmouth that was once a missile manufacturing plant, has officially opened its doors to automobile fans and those simply interested in a family-friendly, fun excursion. Completely gutted and renovated for its current purpose, the museum now houses a private collection of 50 automobiles that highlight six decades of modern industrial automotive design.

 

Newport Car Museum is more like an experience rather than a museum housing a collection of automobiles. Owners and Founders Gunther and Maggie Buerman believe that the industrial designers that flourished after World War II transferred their creative passions into automobile design, and together, they aim to celebrate cars as more than just modes of transportation, but rather as works of art. That goal comes to life through a variety of exhibits spanning 50,000 square feet.

 

The museum's collection focuses on automobiles from the 1950s through the ’70s and from 1990 to the present, with separate exhibits for Ford Shelbys, Corvettes, World Cars, Fin Cars and Chrysler Mopars carefully curated to appeal to both men and women and to all generations. Meander through each exhibit, taking a step through automotive design of decades past. Throughout each exhibit, visitors will also find a collection of mid-century modern furniture by iconic designers, such as Americans Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Knoll Bassett, integrated into the artistic stylings of the museum. 

 

When you've finished exploring, test your skills on the toughest raceways and road courses in the world on one of six driving simulators. 

 

DETAILS

Where: Enter at Light - 1847 West Main Road, Portsmouth
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed Christmas and New Year's)
Admission:

  • $18 adults
  • $15 seniors, military, AAA & students
  • $5 children
  • Children under 4, free

Parking: Free, on site (300 available spaces, in fact!)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOODS UP

When: Saturday, June 17, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Details: This will be the public’s first chance to see what’s under the hoods of every car in the Newport Car Museum collection.

 

FAQs

IS THE MUSEUM HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, the museum is completely handicapped accessible.

 

IS PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED IN THE MUSEUM?

Yes, video and still photography is permitted in the museum. No tripods please.

 

WHO OWNS THE CARS ON DISPLAY?

The cars in the museum are on loan from a private collector.