The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum: Philadelphia’s Celebration of Racing Heritage

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum stands as a monumental tribute to the spirit of automotive competition and the tangible innovation it has driven over the last century. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, this museum is recognized worldwide for its unrivaled collection of historic racing sports cars, each carefully preserved and presented to tell the stories of triumph, technology, and transformation on the track. Explore the museum’s exhibits, events, and detailed information at the official Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum website.

Origins and Vision

Founded by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Simeone—who acquired his first historic car as a young man—the museum grew from a personal passion for racing history. Dr. Simeone amassed the collection over more than 50 years, guided by the principle that “competition improves the breed” and that the evolution of racing cars demonstrates how engineering, design, and spirit can foster change and innovation. The collection is presented in immersive dioramas that evoke legendary venues such as Le Mans, Bonneville, Watkins Glen, Mille Miglia, and Sebring, linking cars to the iconic tracks where they forged their legacies.

The Collection: Over 75 Legendary Cars

Housed in a purpose-built 100,000-square-foot facility, the museum features more than 75 rare and significant vehicles representing brands from Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes, Bentley, and Aston Martin to Corvette and Ford. Highlights include:

• The psychedelic “Hippie” Porsche 917, celebrated for its flamboyant paint and racing pedigree
• The 1958 Aston Martin DBR1, famously driven by Stirling Moss
• The Cobra Daytona Coupe, once thought lost for decades
• Le Mans-winning Bugatti and Alfa Romeo models
• Legendary NASCAR and endurance trial vehicles

This range allows visitors to traverse automotive history, from its earliest days in 1909 to the advances seen by the mid-1970s. Every machine runs—not just displayed—ensuring authentic demos during museum events and “Demo Days,” where cars are exercised before an audience, an experience unique to the Simeone.

Visitors can dive deeper into the cars and history by browsing the exhibits page.

Signature Exhibits and Dioramas

The museum’s 21 thematic exhibits take guests through automotive evolution. Each diorama reconstructs a historical scene, reflecting motorsport’s advances in design and engineering. Exhibits represent famous races and tracks:

• Le Mans
• Nürburgring
• Sebring
• Bonneville Salt Flats
• Mille Miglia
• Brooklands Track
• Watkins Glen

Special exhibits—like the recent “Das Museumsprogramm: Past, Present, and Future”—feature nine decades of Volkswagen history, underscoring the museum’s commitment to celebrating global car culture. As a living museum, it rotates displays for events, awards, and manufacturer milestones to keep the experience fresh and informative.

Education, Community & Library

The museum’s mission goes beyond display—it fosters public appreciation for automotive history and competition’s role in technological advancement. The library, containing automotive literature and rare period documents since 1892, serves as a research hub for enthusiasts and historians. Frequent book signings, talks, workshops, and educational programs invite families, schools, and car clubs to participate and learn.

Photography and group tours are welcomed, making the Simeone an inclusive destination for educational field trips, car enthusiasts, and families alike.

Museum Experience and Events

The Simeone’s regular driving demonstrations put these classics in motion, letting visitors hear, see, and experience motorsport heritage. Notably, the museum established the annual “Spirit of Competition Award,” honoring figures like racing champion Lyn St. James. This award celebrates excellence and perseverance—values embodied in every vehicle exhibited.

Check the latest calendar of events, demos, and special exhibits on their website. Museum hours run from Tuesday to Friday (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and weekends (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), at 6825-31 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA, easily reached from Interstate 95.

Philadelphia’s Rich Museum Landscape

While exploring the Simeone, visitors can discover countless other museums nearby, each enriching the city’s cultural landscape. Below are some must-see institutions, each link serving as a bridge to Philadelphia’s diverse heritage:

• Experience Japanese architecture and serene gardens at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
• Delve into America’s founding story at the Museum of The American Revolution.
• Admire masterpieces at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
• Stroll the treasures of the Philadelphia Museum of Art—iconic for art and city views.
• Make learning fun at Please Touch Museum, perfect for families.
• Explore medical marvels at the quirky Mutter Museum.
• Step into history at Eastern State Penitentiary.
• Marvel at revolutionary architecture in Carpenters’ Hall.
• Tour nation-changing sites at Independence Hall.
• Celebrate freedom at the National Liberty Museum.
• Encounter contemporary art at Fabric Workshop & Museum.

Social Impact and Preservation

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It seeks to inspire future engineers, designers, and car enthusiasts, demonstrating how motorsports drive the advancement and ingenuity we see in today’s vehicles. Maintaining cars in working order is central—every exhibit runs and participates in regular demonstrations, reinforcing “the spirit of competition” as more than a theme but a living mission.

Visiting Tips

• Purchase tickets in advance or learn about discounts and memberships via the museum site.
• Review the collection to preview rare vehicles or plan themed visits.
• Attend Demo Days for the ultimate museum experience—watch vintage racecars roar to life!
• Group tours and photography are welcome, but be sure to contact the museum for special arrangements if needed.
• Connect with the museum’s educational events, and follow their updates and exhibits online.

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is more than a repository of rare vehicles—it’s a dynamic celebration of innovation and competition, connecting generations to the world’s greatest racecars and their fascinating stories. Through engaging events, immersive exhibits, and outreach, it stands as a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts, families, and anyone captivated by engineering, design, and sheer racing spirit.

Plan your visit at Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, and explore nearby Philadelphia museums for a deep and wide-ranging celebration of art, history, culture, and creativity throughout the city.

Visit The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

• Name: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

• Address: 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153

• Phone Number: 215-365-7233

• Email Address: info@simeonemuseum.org

• Map Location: View Location on Google Maps

Ticket Information

• General admission tickets are available for purchase onsite or online.

• Prices typically range around $16 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.

• Children under 12 may have free or reduced admission during certain events; check website for details.

General Admission Information

• Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Monday and major holidays.

• The museum features over 75 historically significant racing sports cars spanning 1908 to 1970.

• Visitors can enjoy guided tours, special exhibits, and educational events.

• Photography is allowed; the museum embraces an interactive, educational experience.

Accessibility Information

• The museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking spaces available onsite.

• Elevators and ramps provide access to all exhibition floors.

• Guests with special needs are encouraged to call ahead for specific accommodations.

Other Visitor Information

• The museum hosts special “Demo Days” where cars are run and displayed in motion.

• Events such as book signings, temporary exhibits, camps, and car-club events are held regularly.

• Free parking is available for visitors.

• The museum encourages visitor engagement with staff and volunteers.

This museum is renowned for its dedication to the spirit of competition in automotive history and is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and families alike.