The mission of the Saratoga Automobile Museum is to “preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts” while educating visitors on the importance of the automobile in history and today.
The museum is located in a neoclassical style building that used to be a New York State Bottling Plant. This building, which dates back to the 1930s, sits in the vast Saratoga Spa State Park. The park is also home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the National Museum of Dance and other attractions, as well as hiking trails and beautiful views.
Exhibits, Events & Educational Programs
The Saratoga Automobile Museum curates new and ongoing exhibits for visitors to enjoy. From now until January 21, 2024, check out the “Bond in Motion” Exhibit. This exhibit features the official collection of original James Bond vehicles. One of the many featured vehicles is the 1977 Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie,” which was used in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Special docent exhibit tours are available on Wednesdays at 2pm, Fridays at 11am, and Sundays at 2pm.
Now on display, “Purpose Built” is a new exhibit that highlights unique and specially designed vehicles built for a particular use. In its first installment, “Purpose Built” looks at one of the most iconic road races of all time—the Mille Miglia—and two cars built specifically for this race: the 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Spider and the 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM Spyder.
Currently, the artwork of Lyn Hiner is on display in the museum as well. The exhibit is called “Abstracted Air” and features five original paintings. The bright colors and details make this exhibit one you won’t want to miss! “Abstracted Air” originals, reproductions and micro-reproductions are available for purchase via the Museum’s gift shop.
Did you know the first Grand Prix in the US was in New York State in 1948? The ongoing “Racing in New York” exhibit educates museum-goers on this and other interesting facts about racing in the state dating back to 1896. One vehicle currency on display is a 1979 Budweiser McLaren M24B driven by Johnny Rutherford. Other ongoing exhibits include “East of Detroit” and “The New York State Stock Car Hall of Fame.” “The Bottling Plant” is a permanent exhibit in the museum.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum also has a variety of events including outdoor car shows, masterclasses and fundraising events, like the nationally acclaimed Saratoga Motorcar Auction held every September. Check their website here to see what events are coming up!
In addition to exhibits and events, the museum offers educational programs including the Distracted Driving Safety Initiative and a variety of Restoration Programs to educate car enthusiasts.
Hours and Ticket Information
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, but it is open on different days during certain months. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from January to March, is open daily from April to September and is open Tuesday-Sunday from October to December. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 6-16, students 17 and older, senior citizens, and Veterans or active military personnel. Children under 6 can enter for free.
“We were pleasantly surprised. Cars from all different eras dating back to the early 1900s. The history and description of the cars is easy and quick to read. You can get up close to each of the cars. Totally worth going.”
—Diane S., TripAdvisor
Take Amtrak to Saratoga Automobile Museum
Enjoy a day of auto history from New York via Amtrak to Saratoga Springs Station in Saratoga Springs—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Saratoga Springs Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Saratoga Springs office today at: 518-587-0687.
