Martin Auto Museum and Event Center
A dazzling indoor collection of over 190 classic, vintage, and modern cars, offering interactive experiences and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Martin Auto Museum and Event Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dazzling indoor collection of over 190 classic, vintage, and modern cars, offering interactive experiences and family fun.
"It's crazy how many cars they have packed into this one building! Your eyes won't know where to look first."
🎯 Sit in the Cars!
Many cars let you sit inside for photos! Ask staff which ones are available. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Stay Cool Indoors
Perfect escape from the Arizona heat, fully air-conditioned. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Shelby Cobra
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the legendary Shelby King Cobra, a true icon of automotive racing history.
The Golden Sahara II
Special Exhibition Area
See the George Barris-designed Golden Sahara II, a futuristic marvel on display until early 2025.
Bumblebee Transformer Car
Themed Display
Fans of Transformers will love the iconic Bumblebee car and a large statue of the beloved character.
Free Arcade Games & Carousel
Entertainment Zone
Enjoy unlimited free rides on the carousel and classic arcade games for endless family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Interactive Car Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit in the Cars!
Many cars let you sit inside for photos! Ask staff which ones are available. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Stay Cool Indoors
Perfect escape from the Arizona heat, fully air-conditioned. +1 :snowflake:
💰 Free Fun for Kids
Kids 12 & under are free, plus enjoy free arcade games & carousel rides! :moneywithwings:
📚 Car Library
Explore a quiet library with automotive books for a more relaxed experience. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit in the Cars!
Many cars let you sit inside for photos! Ask staff which ones are available. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Stay Cool Indoors
Perfect escape from the Arizona heat, fully air-conditioned. +1 :snowflake:
💰 Free Fun for Kids
Kids 12 & under are free, plus enjoy free arcade games & carousel rides! :moneywithwings:
📚 Car Library
Explore a quiet library with automotive books for a more relaxed experience. :books:
🚗 Event Space
The museum also hosts events, check their schedule for special car shows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Martin Auto Museum for its vast and diverse collection of well-maintained cars, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the unique interactive experience of sitting in many vehicles. It's highlighted as a great family-friendly destination with free activities for kids and a welcome escape from the heat. Some minor confusion exists regarding exact admission pricing.
"We love this spot! This is a great spot for families to visit, you'll be able to escape the weather while enjoying looking at vintage, classic and even newer cars. We also loved that they had a carousel for kids plus a small game room with arcade games that were free to play. We loved that many of the cars you were allowed to touch/sit in to take photos, it really adds to the experience especially if you are a car lover.
It is crazy how many cars they have packed into this one building! Your eyes won't know where to look first, I felt like a kid in a candy shop when we entered and had to look at every single car. We took our time walking through looking at the cars, snapping some photos and checking out the rest of the car memorabilia they had scattered through out the building. I would say we were inside for about an hour and a half give or take.
Every car there was in fantastic condition from the paint job to the seats themselves, they had a few cars there were only manufactured a few years ago and they also had vehicles that are now almost a hundred years old! I also like how many bathrooms were available through out the building, the one I stopped by was very clean which is fantastic considering how many people were in & out of the museum the day we were there. You can tell the owners & staff really care about the museum and keep everything in the best condition possible.
Plus if you are a fan of Transformers they have a bumblebee car + a huge statue of bumblebee himself right behind the car. Before you leave don't forget to check out the giftshop!"
Luna H. (The Moonlit Nook Blog)
"A great place to visit for any classic car enthusiast, the Martin Auto Museum boasts about 200 cars on display. Each car has its own extensive placard with information and they have many unique and interesting cars to see. There's also a room for a growing collection of model cars. All the staff were extremely friendly, I really can't stress enough how nice everyone was and how welcome they made me feel. You can ask questions and chat away about cars all day long and they will be happy to oblige! You can even sit in some of the cars if you like(certain cars are not available due to safety or condition) which surprised me, as these types of places are usually very "hands off". Overall a fun and friendly place!"
David Flynn
"Amazing car museum approximately 30min by car from downtown Phoenix. They have over 190 cars from various periods in history and there are signs with info in front of all of them. The staff are friendly and will chat with you about the cars too!
The museum has a nice 80s vibe with neon signage, music, and an arcade.
A unique point of this museum is that you can open the doors of some of the cars and sit inside. You can also get very close to a lot of the cars. They have a well stocked gift shop too. One of the best automotive museums I've seen."
Khi Yung Fong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Martin Auto Museum and Event Center is located at 4320 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306. It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. Parking is available on-site.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the museum. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
The museum is easily accessible by car via major roadways. Follow signs for Thunderbird Road in Glendale.
Glendale offers various shopping and dining options, including the Westgate Entertainment District, which is a short drive away.
The museum is a display space for its collection and special events. While you can drive your car to the venue, it's not part of the exhibition unless participating in a specific car show.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is a $10 donation per adult, and children 12 and under are free. Some sources mention a $5 entry fee, so it's best to confirm current pricing.
Hours can vary, especially for special events. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits, but it's always a good idea to check if there are special events or group visits that might affect availability.
Children 12 and under are free. Keep an eye out for potential special event pricing or group rates.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. However, one visitor mentioned being offered to store their drink in the fridge and was provided free bottled water.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a vast collection of over 190 cars, spanning vintage, classic, and modern vehicles, including unique custom builds and race cars.
Yes! Many cars allow visitors to sit inside and take photos, offering a unique interactive experience. Some vehicles may be off-limits for preservation reasons.
Absolutely! With free admission for kids, a carousel, free arcade games, and cars they can sit in, it's a fantastic family destination.
The museum features automotive memorabilia, a library, a gift shop, and even a carousel and free arcade games. +1
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the collection, especially if they take time to read the placards and sit in the cars.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and encouraged, especially since you can sit in many of the cars for unique shots.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that could damage delicate displays or disturb other visitors. Always be respectful of the exhibits and other guests.
The interactive cars where you can sit inside offer fantastic photo opportunities. The themed displays, like Bumblebee, also make for memorable shots.
Both phone and camera photography are welcome. The museum's layout and lighting are generally good for capturing clear images.
Definitely try to get a photo sitting in a classic convertible or a unique custom car. The Bumblebee car is also a popular photo spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and allow kids to explore at their own pace. The museum also offers a quiet car library for a potential sensory break if needed.
🚗 Classic Car Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for special events and car shows hosted at the museum, as these often bring in even more unique and rare vehicles.
The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always happy to chat about the cars, sharing stories and insights that enrich the visitor experience. ☀️ Day-Trippers & Tourists
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the collection. The interactive elements, like sitting in the cars, add a fun dimension that makes it more than just a passive viewing experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Collector's Dream: The Diverse Collection
and custom hot rods to unique concept cars like the Golden Sahara II, ensuring a visually stimulating experience for all. The museum also features a dedicated space for a growing collection of model cars, adding another layer of automotive appreciation. What sets the Martin Auto Museum apart is its interactive approach. Unlike many museums where exhibits are strictly 'hands-off,' here, visitors are often encouraged to open doors and even sit inside select vehicles for photos.
Beyond the cars themselves, the museum curates a rich automotive atmosphere. You'll find automotive memorabilia scattered throughout, adding context and charm to the exhibits. The space itself often features an '80s vibe with neon signage and music, creating a fun and nostalgic environment.
Family Fun and Sensory Comfort
Beyond the impressive car collection, the museum goes the extra mile to ensure kids have a blast. Admission for children 12 and under is free, and the unlimited carousel rides and free arcade games offer endless fun without additional costs.
For a quieter experience, the museum offers a calm car library where visitors can browse automotive literature in a peaceful setting.
Community Hub: Events and Gatherings
These events often feature unique vehicles, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, making them popular attractions for both locals and tourists. Visitors can check the museum's schedule for upcoming special events, which can range from classic car meetups to themed celebrations.
These events offer a dynamic way to experience the museum, often showcasing different collections or bringing in special exhibits. For instance, the museum has hosted events with Nancy Perry Productions, highlighting beautifully restored vehicles. Beyond public events, the venue is available for private rentals, making it a unique and memorable location for weddings, corporate events, and other celebrations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit