Is the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Worth Visiting?
Wondering if the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is worth visiting?
Without a doubt! If you like racing and sport cars, then this is the place to visit. Despite residing in the Philadelphia area for most of my life, I only stumbled upon this hidden gem recently. My curiosity was piqued when I read about a special event at the museum centered around “Cunningham: The Man and the Cars”.
While in Naples Florida, I learned about Cunningham during a docent-led tour at the Revs Institute. I wanted to explore more about these distinctive automobiles.
The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum has a Cunningham plus over 75 rare and significant racing sports cars from the 1900’s to present day. The collection includes Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Jaguar, Corvette, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and many more.
The museum was established in 2008 by Dr. Frederick Simeone who has a passion for automobiles. He has been collecting them for over fifty years.
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Where is the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum?
The museum is in an industrial area of Philadelphia, less than 10 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport. The address is 6825 Norwich Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153.
➡️ Google Map
Planning Your Visit
Below are things to know when planning your visit to the museum.
When to Visit the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
The museum hours are shown below. It is closed on Mondays and holidays.
- Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Last entry to the museum must be 90 minutes prior to closing.
How to Purchase Tickets
You can purchase tickets online or at the museum front desk. The tickets are valid for General Admission, Demo Days and Special Events. And the best part, your ticket does not have an expiration date. You can use it any time. Please refer to the museum’s website for current ticket pricing. Children 18 and under are free!
Best Things to See and Do at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
When you enter the museum, you can view a brief video introducing Dr. Frederick Simeone and exploring the world of car culture. This serves as a prelude to the exhibits awaiting you within the museum.
Below are the various exhibits you will see throughout the museum. Each exhibit features a collection of racing and sport cars associated with specific time periods. The displays have signs providing details about the automobiles. Some displays have videos highlighting a particular race or interviews. You will do lots of reading!
As you move through the museum, staff members will ask if you have any questions or require any assistance. You can wander around at your own pace.
1. Endurance Racing – Go Far Get There First
2. Pre-World War I Racing – Modified Sports Cars on Dirt Tracks for Prize Money
3. Watkins Glen – Road Racing Reborn in America
4. Bonneville Salt Flats – Go Top Speed as Long as You Can – Race Against Time
5. Brooklands Racetrack – Race With the “Right Crowd” on a Banked Oval Track
6. Timed Trials – One Car Racing Against Time
7. Hill Climb Trials – Up the Hill the Fastest 1 to 4 Passengers
8. Nurburgring Track – Germany’s Oldest and Fastest Race Track
9. The Targa Florio & The Mille Miglia – 1000 Miles on Central Italy’s Roads
10. The Match Race – Dueling for the Spoils
11. Salon of Sports Car Styles & Design
12. Sebring International Racing in the USA at Last
13. 24 Hours at Le Mans – The World’s Most Prestigious Sports Car Race
14. Americans at Le Mans – 45 Years of International Sports Car Silence
15. The Winner’s Circle – Champs from USA, Italy, France, England and Germany
16. Patterson Gallery of Automotive Art
This Gallery, on the second floor, has more than thirty paintings and sculptures showcasing Ferrari automobiles.
17. Demo Days at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Demo Days are held on Saturdays from 11:15pm to 2pm. The team presents a lecture on the car’s history and importance, followed by a move outside to a parking lot for a live demonstration. This is your opportunity to get up close, observe the details, and take lots of photos. Click here for Demo Day dates.
18. Exclusive Events and Exhibitions at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Year-round, the museum organizes special events, such as the one we recently enjoyed – “Cunningham: The Man and The Cars,” presented by Tom Cotter. Admission to this event was covered by our general admission ticket.
Tips for Your Visit
The following are tips for making the most of your visit to the Simeone Museum.
Where to Park?
The museum has a parking lot, and it is free.
Are wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available on a first come, first served basis.
Are docent-led tours available?
Docent-led tours can be arranged in advance. Please contact the museum at 215-365-7233.
Is food available in the museum?
No, not currently. They do have vending machines.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, see the front desk for the password.
Does the Simeone Museum have an audio tour?
The museum has a mobile phone app with over four hours of audio on the cars and exhibits in the collection. The Simeone Museum app is free and can be downloaded from the Google Store or Apple Store.
How much time to allow for visiting the museum?
You should allow for at least two to three hours to see everything the museum has to offer.
Is there a lot of walking at the museum?
Yes. Plan on wearing comfortable shoes. Throughout the museum, there are seating areas.
Are the cars in the Simeone Museum real?
Yes, they are and most of them are in working condition.
Where to Stay Near the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
The museum is very close to the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and downtown Philadelphia. There are several hotel options in the area.
Final Thoughts: Is the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Worth Visiting?
Yes, a trip to the museum is well worthwhile. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is more than just a static display of cars; it’s an immersive experience that educates and entertains. The museum regularly hosts events, lectures, and exhibitions, exploring the stories behind each vehicle and the racing history they represent.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for a unique and engaging outing, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum offers a one-of-a-kind journey. It is a great way to spend a day in Philadelphia.
If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Pennsylvania, we would be happy to help! Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
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