The museum holds over 300 vehicles in its inventory at any given time, though the collection rotates frequently.
The building was designed by Grant Jones of Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, specifically to reflect the aesthetic of American automotive design.
It is a Smithsonian Affiliate, one of only a select few museums in the Pacific Northwest to hold this designation.
The foundation of the collection originated from Harold LeMay, a Tacoma businessman who at one point held the Guinness World Record for the largest private automobile collection.
The facility features a 'Showcase Gallery' designed to accommodate large, rotating thematic exhibits, such as British sports cars or vintage motorcycles.
The museum includes a dedicated space for its 'Automotive Hall of Fame' inductees.
The roof structure is engineered to span a wide area without internal support columns, maximizing display flexibility.
The museum's site was previously a remediated brownfield, part of a larger downtown Tacoma redevelopment project.
LeMay - America’s Car Museum is a 165,000-square-foot facility housing one of the largest automotive collections in North America. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the museum features rotating exhibits across four levels that span more than a century of automotive history. The building design itself mimics the motion of a car, characterized by a striking curved roofline and metallic aesthetic. It displays hundreds of vehicles ranging from vintage brass-era machines to modern performance supercars. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits including driving simulators and family-friendly zones. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, providing curated educational content and rotating historical loans. Its collection focuses on the influence of the automobile on American culture and technology. The facility includes a designated speed zone, theater space, and banquet halls. It is situated adjacent to the Tacoma Dome, serving as a prominent regional landmark for automotive enthusiasts.
The main ramp connecting the four floors provides an unobstructed view of the featured vehicles on multiple levels.
Start your tour on the top floor and work your way down to follow the chronological layout.
Check the official website's 'Exhibits' page before visiting to identify which specific galleries may be temporarily closed for rotation.
Take advantage of the provided racing simulators, which are included in the museum experience.
Avoid visiting during local Tacoma Dome events, as parking in the immediate vicinity becomes significantly restricted and congested.
Open daily throughout the year; occasionally closed on major national holidays.
Casual attire is appropriate; comfortable walking shoes are required due to the large floor space.
