A Guide to Visiting the Larz Anderson Auto Museum

The Larz Anderson Auto Museum, known as “America’s Oldest Car Collection,” is just ten minutes outside of downtown Boston. Here’s what it has to offer.
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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You’ll find the Larz Anderson Auto Museum among the 64 verdant acres of Larz Anderson Park just ten minutes outside of downtown
Boston
. The museum, home to “America’s oldest car collection,” was founded by wealthy socialites Larz and Isabelle Anderson at the turn of the 20th century. 
Today, the museum not only showcases their amazing collection of automobiles, but is also a living testament to their legacy of community, education, and an enduring love for their city. 
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum of today is a continuation of the founders’ tradition of opening their Carriage House to the public to showcase their growing collection of cars. After Isabelle’s death in 1948, she entrusted the couple’s collection to the Veteran Motor Car Club of America—and they’re still running the museum to this day. 
There’s tons to do and explore at this Boston car museum, which is why
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What kind of exhibits are at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum?

A trip to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, also called “America’s oldest car car collection,” is a trip through time. Larz and Isabelle made their first car purchase in 1899 with the Winton 4 h-p Runabout—which wasn’t marketed so much as a “car” but a “horseless carriage.” 
Throughout their marriage, the couple purchased 32 motor cars, 14 of which are still on display in their Carriage House. 
The museum also features a series of rotating exhibits focused on—you guessed it—cars! Here’s a more in-depth look at two of them. 

Hidden Treasures 

Vintage car lovers will not want to miss this one. The Hidden Treasures exhibit features rare collector’s automobiles sourced from some of New England’s most exclusive private collections. 
Some of these vehicles are out of their garages for the public to enjoy for the very first time! This exhibit invites viewers to take in all of the splendors and wonders of some truly exceptional automobiles. 

Born of Necessity 

The Born of Necessity exhibit pays homage to a true American classic: the
pickup truck
. Here, you’ll learn about the truck’s humble origins that date back to 1918, when
Chevrolet
first rolled out their Model 490. 
At this exhibit, you’ll not only learn the history of the pickup truck, but also discover how this particular style became so deeply embedded in American culture and lore. 

When is the Larz Anderson Auto Museum open? 

The Larz Anderson Auto Museum
is closed until May 5th, 2022 for renovations. 
Once they reopen, you can visit the museum on Wednesdays - Sundays between 10 am and 3 pm. They’re also closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and on New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 
Even if the museum itself is closed, a trip to the Larz Anderson Park is well worth the short drive from Boston. Fun fact: the Larz Anderson Park is one of the best kite-flying spots in the greater Boston area! 

How much is admission for the Larz Anderson Auto Museum? 

Tickets for the Larz Anderson Auto Museum are available in person and online ahead of time. Ticket prices are as follows:
  • Adults: $12
  • Seniors: $7
  • Students: $7
  • Military: $7
  • Children 6-12: $7
  • Children under 6: Free 
You can also arrange a private group tour of the museum for a $100, 10-person minimum. Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks ahead of time or they’ll be subject to a $45 late fee. 
Memberships to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum are also available at individual, family, contributing, sponsoring, and patron levels. 
Each of these membership packages grants you free entry to the museum and lawn events, invitations to member-only events, discounts to certain museum-sponsored events, and access to the museum’s automotive research library. 
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pricing, which can vary depending on the term of your membership: 
  • Individual: $45 
  • Family: $65, 4 family members   
  • Contributing: $125, 4 family members and 4 guest passes  
  • Sponsoring: $250, 4 family members, 4 guest passes, and a 10% discount on function rentals  
  • Patron: $500, 4 family members, 4 guest passes, and a 25% discount on function rentals 

What else is going on at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum? 

The short answer? A lot! The museum takes advantage of its prime location in the Larz Anderson Park to host
fun lawn events
every Saturday and Sunday from May through October. Each lawn event has a different theme, like
Cadillac
Day or German Car Day, that showcases different cars. 
If you’re looking to go the educational route, you can register for one of their
community speaker series
lectures. Their most recent speaker, automotive journalist Patrick Foster, delved into the history of another American classic, the
Jeep
.  
And, last but certainly not least, you can even hold a wedding, party, or other
private event
at the museum!  

Where can I find affordable car insurance? 

Once you’re done exploring everything the Larz Anderson Auto Museum has to offer, you should take a minute to see if you can find a better deal on your
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