The Schlumpf brothers secretly amassed the collection while running their textile empire, leading to a massive labor strike when workers discovered the hidden wealth.
The museum holds the world's largest collection of Bugatti vehicles, including the legendary Type 41 Royale Esders.
The site was originally a wool-spinning mill, and the layout incorporates the industrial scale of the original factory buildings.
The collection includes the 'Coppa Florio' winner and other significant pre-war Grand Prix racing cars.
The 1878 Jacquot steam-powered carriage is among the oldest vehicles on display.
The museum features a rare 1930s 'Motorized Organ' designed to entertain during the collection's early days.
The Musée National de l'Automobile, located in Mulhouse, houses the world's largest automobile collection, originally assembled by industrialist brothers Hans and Fritz Schlumpf. The museum displays over 400 historic vehicles, ranging from the earliest steam-powered carriages to modern racing machines. It is situated on the site of a former wool-spinning mill once owned by the Schlumpf brothers. The collection features a distinct emphasis on Bugatti models, including two of the six existing Bugatti Royale Type 41s. Visitors can view the exhibits across sprawling halls designed to evoke a grand automotive timeline. A dedicated exhibition track allows for occasional demonstrations of functional classic cars. The facility maintains a significant focus on technical evolution, chassis design, and the aesthetics of vintage automotive engineering.
The 'Hall of Honor' where the most prestigious vintage Bugattis are lined up under a dramatic vaulted ceiling.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the exhibition space covers over 20,000 square meters.
Check the museum's event calendar for scheduled track demonstrations if you want to see the cars in motion.
Pick up the audio guide at the entrance to gain context on the complex history of the Schlumpf brothers.
Trying to see every single car in detail; focus on the marquee Bugatti and Rolls-Royce sections if short on time.
Open daily throughout the year, including public holidays, except for Christmas Day.
