The site originally served as a Catholic military academy for boys established by the Dominican Sisters in 1923.
Harold LeMay was a local businessman who held a Guinness World Record for owning the largest private car collection in the world.
The estate houses more than just cars, including a significant collection of over 3,000 antique dolls and various historical curiosities.
The property features a historic chapel and gymnasium that have been repurposed to display portions of the automobile collection.
The grounds incorporate historic elements of the original Marymount Seminary, reflecting early 20th-century institutional architecture.
LeMay Collections at Marymount is a historic 80-acre estate in Tacoma, Washington, housing one of the world's largest private collections of vintage vehicles. The site was originally a military academy and later a seminary, contributing to its diverse architectural character. The collection features over 500 vintage, classic, and rare automobiles, alongside extensive displays of automotive memorabilia, doll collections, and antique glass. Visitors can tour the former Marymount Academy buildings which now serve as galleries for the diverse items amassed by Harold and Nancy LeMay. The property includes expansive grounds that host major automotive events, car shows, and community gatherings throughout the year. The collection is distinct for its focus on the history of American transportation, including obscure marques and pre-war vehicles. Exhibits are distributed across various indoor locations on the estate, requiring walking between different halls. The site functions as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of automotive heritage.
The main gallery floor where several rare, brightly colored pre-war vehicles are arranged in a classic showroom display.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the collection spans multiple buildings across a large campus.
Check the event calendar in advance, as the site periodically closes for private events or major car shows.
Bring a camera, as photography is generally encouraged, and the vintage signage offers excellent composition opportunities.
Do not attempt to see everything in less than two hours, as the sprawling layout and volume of items require significant time.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Respect the 'no touching' policy regarding the vintage automobiles; maintain a quiet demeanor in the restored chapel areas.
