Cité de l'Automobile Schlumpf Collection
Explore one of the world's largest car museums, home to the legendary Schlumpf Collection and over 400 historic vehicles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Cité de l'Automobile Schlumpf Collection
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of the world's largest car museums, home to the legendary Schlumpf Collection and over 400 historic vehicles.
"One of the most impressive collections in the world, with one of the largest Bugatti collections. "
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The museum halls can be quite cold, so pack a jacket or sweater for comfort.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Car enthusiasts can easily spend a full day; plan for at least 2-3 hours for a good overview.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Bugatti Collection
Main Exhibition Hall
Home to one of the world's largest Bugatti collections, including the ultra-rare Bugatti Royales.
Early Automobile Pioneers
Entrance Hall
Trace the evolution of the automobile from horse-drawn carriages to early motorized marvels.
1930s Luxury & Sports Cars
Specific Exhibition Sections
Admire the elegance of 1930s luxury saloons and the power of sports cars from the mid-20th century.
The Seized Lamborghini Aventador
Special Exhibition Area
See a striking Lamborghini Aventador, seized by customs and now on display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Cold, Embrace the Cars
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The museum halls can be quite cold, so pack a jacket or sweater for comfort.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Car enthusiasts can easily spend a full day; plan for at least 2-3 hours for a good overview.
🗺️ Find the Entrance
The entrance can be tricky to locate on maps; allow extra time for navigation.
🚗 Explore Beyond the Cars
Don't miss interactive exhibits like the crash simulator for a unique experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The museum halls can be quite cold, so pack a jacket or sweater for comfort.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Car enthusiasts can easily spend a full day; plan for at least 2-3 hours for a good overview.
🗺️ Find the Entrance
The entrance can be tricky to locate on maps; allow extra time for navigation.
🚗 Explore Beyond the Cars
Don't miss interactive exhibits like the crash simulator for a unique experience.
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Tickets are reasonably priced, with potential discounts for families and students.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cité de l'Automobile as one of the most impressive car collections globally, particularly highlighting its extensive Bugatti display and the historical breadth of its vehicles. While the cold interior is a common point of caution, the affordable entry and engaging interactive exhibits, like the crash simulator, contribute to a highly recommended and memorable experience.
"The automobile museum features a massive hall filled with vintage cars, primarily showcasing European brands. In addition to the impressive car collection, the museum offers interactive elements such as a crash simulator, gaming consoles, video rooms, and other entertainment options.
One important note: the hall is extremely cold, so make sure to bring a jacket to stay comfortable during your visit."
samuel heinrich
"Definitely one of the most impressive collections in the world. The museum is beautifully curated and they have one of the largest Bugatti collections in the world. The collection includes 2 super rare and impressive Bugatti Royales. It's suggested to allow 2 hours here. But if you are a car nut you can easily spend the entire day admiring their spectacular collection. Also don't forget to read up on the history of the collection. It's an incredible and fascinating story."
Sean Halperin
"Amazing museum, plenty of especially French cars. Very well organised, definitely the biggest Bugatti collection in the world."
Jan Pumr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Mulhouse, France. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options, including buses, also serve the area.
While the museum is a major attraction, some visitors find the entrance a bit confusing to locate on maps. It's advisable to use GPS and allow a little extra time for navigation.
Yes, the museum is often covered by local tourist passes, which can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
The museum is typically open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific holidays or events.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the Cité de l'Automobile, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is around 18€, which is considered a fair price for the extensive collection and experience offered.
Yes, the museum offers discounts for families and students, making it a more accessible experience for various visitor groups.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons or if you're visiting on a weekend. Check the official website for online booking options.
For a thorough exploration, it's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours. However, passionate car enthusiasts could easily spend an entire day admiring the collection.
The museum is generally well-organized, but specific accessibility details for wheelchairs or other mobility aids should be confirmed directly with the museum.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts over 400 extraordinary automobiles, including one of the world's largest Bugatti collections, early automotive marvels, and 1930s luxury cars.
Yes, the museum offers interactive elements such as a road safety simulator where you can experience a barrel roll, and gaming consoles. +1
Yes, many visitors report that the large halls can be quite cold, so it's highly recommended to wear warm clothing, even during summer.
The collection was amassed by brothers Fritz and Hans Schlumpf, who were industrialists with a passion for cars. Their story is fascinating and adds depth to the museum visit.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions. For example, 'Legends of Rally' featuring rally cars like Porsche and Lancia was scheduled from November to March.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Cité de l'Automobile has a bar and restaurant on-site, catering to visitors' physical well-being during their visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas outside the main exhibition halls to maintain the museum's condition.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or professional shoots.
The sheer variety of cars, from vintage to modern, offers countless photo opportunities. The Bugatti collection and the early automobile displays are particularly photogenic.
The seized Lamborghini Aventador offers a unique, albeit somber, photo opportunity. The diverse range of marques also provides excellent backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on specific sections that might capture younger imaginations, like the early automobiles that look like carriages or the more modern sports cars. The vastness of the museum means you can tailor the visit to your children's attention spans. Remember to bring those extra layers, as the cold can be a factor for little ones.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Collectors
Don't miss the chance to delve into the fascinating history of the Schlumpf brothers and their incredible acquisition. Allow ample time, as many visitors report being able to spend an entire day immersed in the details of these spectacular machines.
📸 Photography Buffs
Focus on capturing the iconic Bugatti models for striking shots, or explore the details of vintage car interiors and exteriors. The sheer scale of the collection means you can experiment with different angles and compositions. While general photography is permitted, be mindful of any restrictions on flash to protect the exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating Schlumpf Story
The story of how this vast collection came to be is as compelling as the cars themselves. The brothers' dedication and foresight in preserving automotive history have resulted in one of the most impressive car museums in the world. Visitors often express fascination with this unique origin story, which adds a layer of intrigue to the museum experience.
Understanding the Schlumpf brothers' passion and the scale of their acquisition provides a deeper appreciation for the Cité de l'Automobile. It's not just a display of cars; it's a testament to a remarkable personal endeavor that has preserved a significant piece of automotive heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Exploring the Diverse Car Collection
Visitors are particularly drawn to the extensive Bugatti collection, which is considered one of the largest and most significant in the world. This includes several ultra-rare Bugatti Royales, masterpieces of engineering and design. Beyond Bugatti, the museum showcases a wide array of European brands, including French marques like Renault and Alpine, as well as prestigious names like Ferrari, Bentley, Mercedes, and Ducati.
Beyond the sheer number of cars, the presentation is also noteworthy. The museum is beautifully curated, with specific sections dedicated to different eras and types of vehicles, such as luxury saloons and sports cars from the 1930s to the 1950s. This thoughtful organization allows visitors to appreciate the design, technology, and cultural impact of each era.
Interactive Road Safety Experiences
This hands-on approach makes the museum experience more dynamic and educational, especially for younger visitors or families. It transforms a visit to a car museum into an opportunity to learn about responsible driving and the evolution of vehicle safety technology.
These interactive elements, alongside other features like gaming consoles and video rooms, add a modern dimension to the historical car collection, ensuring that the Cité de l'Automobile appeals to a broad audience with diverse interests.
Social
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