Schlumpf Collection – National Automobile Museum
Grand Est
The Schlumpf Collection – National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France, is renowned as the world's largest automobile museum, housing over 500 vehicles from 98 different brands. The collection includes pioneering cars dating from 1878 to 1918, with 430 classified as historical monuments. Notably, it features an impressive array of 14 Rolls-Royce cars and the largest Bugatti collection globally, boasting more than 120 models. The museum is located in a former textile mill building dating back to 1880, itself a classified historical monument, covering over 20,000 square meters. The collection was assembled by the Schlumpf brothers, Hans and Fritz, prominent 20th-century textile industrialists with a passion for classic cars, particularly Bugattis from the nearby Molsheim factory. After their textile empire collapsed in the 1970s, the hidden collection was revealed to the public in 1977 by striking workers, leading to its preservation as a national heritage. Since 1982, the museum has been managed by an association dedicated to maintaining this exceptional automotive heritage. The exhibits are displayed in Belle Époque-style settings, with replicas of Parisian street lamps enhancing the ambiance. This museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into automotive history, craftsmanship, and the industrial heritage of Alsace.
Plan your trip to France with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside peak holiday periods to enjoy a more relaxed experience. Advance ticket purchase is recommended to avoid queues, especially in summer months. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum offers guided tours and special events, so check the official website for current schedules and booking options.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds over 560 automobiles, making it the largest car collection worldwide.
- •It features the largest collection of Bugatti cars globally, with over 120 models.
- •430 cars in the collection are classified as historical monuments, highlighting their cultural significance.
- •The museum is housed in a former 1880 textile mill, which is itself a listed historical monument.
- •The collection was kept secret by the Schlumpf brothers until 1977, when it was discovered during a workers' strike.
History
The Schlumpf Collection was initiated by Hans and Fritz Schlumpf, Alsatian textile industrialists who avidly collected classic cars during the 1960s.
Their textile business collapsed in 1976 following economic challenges, revealing their secret car collection to the public in 1977 during labor strikes.
The collection was saved through the establishment of the Association of the National Automobile Museum, which purchased it in 1981.
The museum officially opened in 1982 in the former Schlumpf textile mill, preserving both industrial and automotive heritage in Mulhouse.
Since then, it has been expanded and modernized, remaining a key cultural institution in the region.
Place Guide
Belle Époque Exhibition Hallslate 19th century
The cars are displayed in halls decorated with 500 replicas of Alexandre III bridge street lamps, creating an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere that enhances the historical experience.
Bugatti Collectionvarious, primarily early 20th century
This section showcases over 120 Bugatti automobiles, including rare models like the Bugatti Royale, one of the most expensive cars in the world, originally owned by Ettore Bugatti.
Rolls-Royce Galleryvarious
Featuring an impressive collection of 14 Rolls-Royce cars, this gallery highlights luxury automotive craftsmanship and design evolution.
Historic Textile Mill Building1880
The museum is housed in the former Schlumpf textile mill built in 1880, a protected historical monument that reflects the industrial heritage of Mulhouse.
Contact
Phone: 03 89 33 23 21
