Europe’s love affair with the automobile goes beyond winding Alpine roads or Grand Prix circuits. It is carefully preserved in some of the world’s most fascinating car museums. These spaces combine history and design to tell the stories behind legendary marques. Step inside, and you’ll discover the engines that shaped an entire continent.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart, Germany

The Mercedes-Benz Museum’s iconic double-helix design sets the tone for an innovative journey through automotive history. Spanning nine levels, it showcases over 130 years of engineering milestones, from the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen to advanced Formula 1 cars. Multimedia exhibits help bring the legacy of this iconic brand vividly to life.

Saab Car Museum, Trollhattan, Sweden

The building is located in the former Nohab factory, a short distance from the original Saab assembly plant. In the museum, you’ll find the story of Saab’s roots in aviation on full display. The 900 Turbo Cabriolet prototype is here, and so is the only remaining 1985 EV concept, along with other rare models.

Ferrari Museum, Maranello, Italy

Just steps from Ferrari’s legendary headquarters, this museum pulses with racing heritage and design brilliance. Visitors can admire rare prototypes, championship-winning F1 cars, and bold concept vehicles. Driving simulators and nearby factory tours add even more thrill to the celebration of Enzo Ferrari’s enduring legacy.

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart, Germany

The Porsche Museum, a visual and engineering spectacle, is housed in a futuristic building. Inside, more than 80 models, ranging from early 356s to modern hypercars, rotate through the exhibits. Audio guides in multiple languages tell the stories behind the brand’s evolution and motorsport glory.

Volkswagen AutoMuseum, Wolfsburg, Germany

Over 130 exhibits are on display at Volkswagen AutoMuseum. Among the collection are early Beetles, rare prototypes, and quirky oddities, like the military-style Type 181. This museum charts Volkswagen’s journey from post-war rebirth to its current electric innovations, and is a perfect companion visit to Autostadt, VW’s high-tech interactive center located nearby.

BMW Museum, Munich, Germany

Set beside the bold architecture of BMW Welt, the BMW Museum showcases the brand’s evolution. Around 125 vehicles and engines are arranged thematically to highlight innovation and performance. Additionally, its immersive layout and striking visual effects make it one of Munich’s top attractions.

Musee National De L’Automobile, Mulhouse, France

If you’re a fan of classic cars, this museum is a true treasure. It houses the world’s largest Bugatti collection with the magnificent Type 41 Royale, as well as over 500 vintage models. The exhibit flows through themed zones, but don’t miss the unrestored barn finds hidden in a shadowy corner.

Lamborghini Museum, Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

Lamborghini’s museum sits right where the story began: in the original factory outside Bologna. There, you’ll find the legendary Miura and today’s Aventador, plus experimental prototypes. For the full experience, you can even take a guided tour of the production line and see the bulls come to life.

Louwman Museum, The Hague, Netherlands

Visiting this car museum often feels like taking a journey through automotive history and culture. On full display are royal limousines and pre-war rarities, alongside over 275 vehicles. Art, film posters, and unique memorabilia add richness, while the elegant building and gardens enhance the overall experience.

Skoda Museum, Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic

The “Ferat” vampire car from a 1980s Czech horror film makes a surprise appearance here. Built on the grounds of Skoda’s original factory, the Skoda Museum tells a story that stretches back to bicycle production in the 1890s. Factory tours are also available, offering a close-up look at modern Skoda production.