Richard A. Stephens, former Academy of Art University President, has always had a penchant for cars, a sentiment that has been passed down to his daughter and current President of the Academy, Dr. Elisa Stephens. Desiring to offer automotive design at the Academy, Mr. Stephens wanted to give students a design perspective that they would not be able to receive from anywhere else. With access to a museum of rare and classic vehicles, students can study exquisite design and apply that sense of craftsmanship to their own artistic pursuits.

The Academy of Art University Automobile Museum preserves and pays homage to these classic fixtures of international automotive innovation and also provides inspiration and a sense of history to students who attend the Academy of Art University. Special guests, student groups, and the general public are now able to observe, admire and study this rare collection.

1849 Washington St
San Francisco, CA 94109
P: 415-618-3720
Email: pborgwardt@academyart.edu

Academy of Art University Automobile Museum Admission:

General Admission: $15
Senior/Military: $10
Kids under 12: Free
Plan: 1hr

Academy of Art University Automobile Museum Hours:

Tuesdays from 11 AM to 1 PM
Thursdays from 2 PM to 4 PM

academyautomuseum.org

Image via https://academyautomuseum.org/?page_id=13

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The Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum was dedicated on July 4, 2000, in the historic Casa del Desierto, Harvey House, in Barstow, California. The Museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert Communities. Displays include the development of the United States Route 66 from early pioneer trails, railroads, automotive history, businesses, and sites.

Visitors making this roadside attraction a day destination or staying in the area longer can learn more about what to experience while on the Mojave Desert or on Route 66 from many handouts, books and knowledgeable docents. Because of greater interest, our technical resources and preservation efforts are building to offer better assistance.

On May 1, 2003 Hampton Inn Hotels designated the Harvey House Route 66 Mother Road Museum as a “Roadside Attraction” by officially posting a sign, one of “66” along the Route’s 2,448 miles.

During the heyday of rail passenger service in the Western United States, Barstow boasted a splendid rail depot/restaurant/hotel complex called the “Casa del Desierto”, House of the Desert. Completed in 1911, the Casa del Desierto was the fourth “Harvey House” built by the Atchinson, Topeka, and the Santa Fe Railway Company along its right-of-way and operated by the Fred Harvey Company. These Harvey Houses established an unparalleled standard of food service to the traveler, and entered the lore of American railroading and the West.

681 N 1st Ave,
Barstow, CA 92311
P:  760-255-1890
Email: barstowmuseum@yahoo.com

Route 66 Mother Road Museum Admission:

Donation
Plan: 1hr

Route 66 Mother Road Museum Hours:

Friday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm

route66museum.org

Image via Brendan Kiely

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Closing October 27, 2024

The Automobile Driving Museum exists to preserve automotive history, interpret its historical significance, and provide visitors with the opportunity to take a ride in one of the museum’s historic, classic and antique automobiles. By doing this, they will enrich the lives of all people seeking to grasp the importance of automotive history by providing a facility where one can get a feel of the past.

The museum also serves as a central meeting place for car clubs, car enthusiasts, and the community. The museum maintains an accurate source of reference material on the history of cars and the automotive industry.

610 Lairport St
El Segundo, CA 90245
P: 310-909-0950
E: marisolr@theadm.org

Automobile Driving Museum Admission:

Adults $15
Seniors $10
11-17 $5
Under 10 Free
Plan: 1hr

Automobile Driving Museum Hours:

Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

automobiledrivingmuseum.org

Image via https://www.facebook.com/pg/theadmorg/photos/

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The JA Cooley Museum is San Diego’s Most Unique Collection of Antiques and Automobiles. The museum is 10,000 sqft feet of the private collection of Jim and Carmen Cooley. Located in the University Heights community of San Diego, 1 mile north of Balboa Park this is the largest private collection of the Industrial Revolution and the history of San Diego.

The museum features over two dozen automobiles from 1886 to 1933. Each car highlights advances in technology at the very beginning of car manufacturing. There are over 25 different categories of collections displayed including lamps, bells, irons, purses, trains, clocks, spittoons, posters, cameras, cast iron toys, typewriters, household appliances, music machines, telegraphs, telephones, and phonographs.

4233 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103
P: 619-296-3112
Email: jacooleymuseumsd@gmail.com

JA Cooley Museum Admission:

Adults $10
Children $2

Plan: 1-2hr

JA Cooley Museum Hours:

Daily 11am – 4pm

jacooleymuseum.com

Image via Sean Mathis

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