The museum is housed in the ancient cellars of the Abbey of Stavelot, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit originally consisted of public roads connecting the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot.
The collection includes rare racing machinery that reflects the engineering shifts of the early 20th century to the modern era.
The museum archives document the transition of the circuit from a 14-kilometer public road course to a modern, closed-circuit configuration.
Stavelot served as the center of a historical principality, and the museum's location honors this regional history alongside racing culture.
The Spa-Francorchamps Racetrack Museum, located within the historic 18th-century Abbey of Stavelot, chronicles the evolution of one of the world's most challenging racing circuits. The collection houses a rotating selection of vintage race cars, motorcycles, and historical documents dating back to the track's inception in 1921. Displays highlight the technical evolution of motor racing alongside the development of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit itself. Visitors explore thematic exhibits that detail the design modifications and safety changes of the legendary track. The museum serves as a repository for memorabilia from the Belgian Grand Prix and iconic endurance races held at the venue. Housed in vaulted underground cellars, the exhibition space retains the original architectural character of the abbey. Interactive displays and archival film footage provide context for the circuit's rich competitive heritage. The museum operates in conjunction with the larger Abbey of Stavelot site, which also includes museums dedicated to the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy and poet Guillaume Apollinaire.
The arched brick corridors of the museum provide a dramatic backdrop for photographing the vintage racing cars.
Combine your visit with a walk through the rest of the Abbey of Stavelot complex to see the other two specialized museums on-site.
Check the official website for current exhibition themes, as the vehicle collection rotates periodically to feature specific eras or manufacturers.
Allocate time to explore the Abbey grounds and courtyard, which offer a distinct contrast to the industrial theme of the racing exhibits.
Do not confuse the museum with the racetrack itself, which is located several kilometers away in Francorchamps.
Closed on certain Mondays during the winter season; visitors should verify seasonal adjustments on the official website.
Maintain a quiet volume within the vaulted cellar areas to respect the acoustic environment and other visitors.
