Automobile museums often feature a wealth of beautiful and intriguing cars ranging from race cars to rare modes of transportation and everything in between. They also have meeting venues that could put attendees right in the middle of the exhibits, providing a backdrop that’s hard to match elsewhere. Plus, guests can compete in scavenger hunts, learn more about the cars through docent-led tours or even take a spin in a vintage car.

Here’s a closer look at five automobile museums around the country that are sure to have people racing to any meeting or reception.

National Corvette Museum

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Celebrating America’s only sports car, the National Corvette Museum began as a way to preserve Corvette history for future generations. Not only does it do just that, but it also honors the innovation, performance and design of this iconic car along with the passion of those who love it. When planners host events at the museum, it becomes an integral part of the experience. Planners can choose from intimate spaces for 20 or larger venues for up to 1,500. For instance, the conference center has 8,297 square feet of space complete with stage, bar and prep kitchen. In the Wendell Strode Club Room, planners can customize 800 square feet for a smaller gathering.

Regardless of which space they book, planners can elevate the experience with unique offerings.

“Guests can put their skills to the test in the Corvette Racing Simulators or create a custom Corvette-inspired driver’s license at the Drivers ID Photo Booth,” said Carrie Rich, senior digital marketing manager for the museum.

Groups can even rent the Skywall, a video display wall of more than 850 LED panels standing 8 feet tall and stretching across nearly 300 feet. The museum also offers on-site catering and A/V services to further customize events.

corvettemuseum.org

America’s Transportation Experience/The AACA Museum

Hershey, Pennsylvania

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, America’s Transportation Experience in Hershey, Pennsylvania, seeks to preserve and present the history of the automobile and American transportation. Also known as the AACA Museum, it features a collection of antique, classic and special-interest vehicles as well as rotating exhibits that spotlight the people, moments and cars in automotive history. Alongside these displays, the museum hosts a variety of events in four distinct spaces: the Cammack Archival Center, rotunda, main gallery and lower level.

Accommodating up to 100 guests, “the rotunda is the perfect size for any gathering,” events coordinator Brittany Berry said. “Floor-to-ceiling windows make this room stunning, and with a few motorcycles around the perimeter of the room, you are still reminded that you are in the museum.”

In the lower level, guests can mingle among buses, antique vehicles and motorcycles. “This area is definitely larger, but we can always position the vehicles in a way that still makes the space cozy,” Berry said.

The museum partners with A/V professionals to offer stage lighting, video production and livestream capabilities, DJ and entertainment services, and more. C&J Catering provides food and beverage offerings ranging from light bites at cocktail receptions to plated dinners.

For additional entertainment, “meeting planners also have opportunities to incorporate guided tours, exhibit experiences or customized event enhancements, such as scavenger hunts, to create memorable attendee experiences,” Berry said.

atexpa.org

Studebaker National Museum

South Bend, Indiana

Since 1986, the Studebaker National Museum has sought to preserve the legacy of the Studebaker Corporation that produced cars in South Bend, Indiana, from 1852 to 1963. Cars on display include presidential carriages, military vehicles and, of course, iconic Studebakers. Guests will have the opportunity to see the collection during events, something advancement coordinator Jackson Garrison wants everyone to keep in mind.

“Folks planning events at the Studebaker National Museum should remember that the special treat for their guests is to see the museum,” he said. “It seems like so many of our guests forget to take advantage of our unique space and enjoy all three floors of classy cars.”

Attendees can start in the AM General Atrium, modeled to resemble a spacious Studebaker factory floor. Covering 2,100 square feet, the space can accommodate more than 150 people and can be expanded to 3,600 square feet when incorporating the museum gift store. Groups can further expand capacity by using the museum boardroom, which has 768 square feet of space. Separately, the boardroom is ideal for executive retreats, evening receptions and other small events.

Both spaces include refrigerators, sinks, microwaves, counter space, projectors, retractable screens and audio equipment. The museum maintains a list of 10 vetted and licensed professional caterers to accommodate every budget.

studebakermuseum.org

Gilmore Car Museum

Hickory Corners, Michigan

Born with a gift from Genevieve Gilmore to her husband, Donald Gilmore, the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, took root from Donald’s personal collection of automobiles and property. Sitting on a 90-acre campus about a 30-minute drive northeast of Kalamazoo, the museum houses more than 400 automobiles in more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space. There are seven partner museums and collections, further expanding the opportunities for meeting attendees to explore.

The Gilmore Car Museum can customize any event in several distinctive spaces that include the Heritage Ballroom, which can seat up to 160 guests; the Carriage House, which can accommodate up to 135 guests; and the Summer House, for up to 250 guests.

“The Summer House is one of our most unique event venues,” said Ashley Wendland, director of special events. “Its walls are primarily glass, and two sides feature large glass garage doors that can be opened to connect guests with the surrounding campus.”

In addition to in-house and outside catering options, meeting planners can opt for food and beverage from the on-site Blue Moon Diner, a 1941 diner serving up Chicago- and Coney-style hot dogs, Blue Plate specials and old-fashioned frozen custard.

Planners also can elevate their event with museum tours, vintage automobile rides and yard games.

“Our Model T Driving Experience is one of our most popular activities,” Wendland said. “Participants learn how to drive a Model T, giving them a hands-on experience with automotive history that they won’t find at a typical meeting venue.”

gilmorecarmuseum.org

Midwest Dream Car Collection

Manhattan, Kansas

In 2019, Ward and Brenda Morgan opened the doors to their private automobile collection as a way to both preserve automotive history and share it with their community. The Morgans’ Midwest Dream Car Collection in Manhattan, Kansas, features more than 65 classic cars and rare vehicles along with rotating special exhibits. It even garnered national attention when Travel + Leisure magazine named it one of the eight best car museums in the country in March 2026 — a list that also included the AACA Museum.

Events can take place directly on the museum floor, but each meeting room also offers the option to open up to the exhibition floor for additional space or to incorporate the exhibits into events. Capacity typically accommodates 200 guests but can be increased upon request. The museum maintains a list of approved caterers as well as full A/V options, including projection screens, microphones and surround sound.

“A private event at the Midwest Dream Car Collection offers guests much more than a beautiful venue,” said Jennifer Elliott, director of marketing and digital engagement. “Attendees can explore more than 65 classic, rare and iconic vehicles, hear the stories behind the collection through our audio tours, discover rotating special exhibits, and enjoy a short film in the museum theater. These unique experiences give guests plenty to see and do while making your event truly memorable.”

midwestdreamcarcollection.org