Cars, office spaces, big names, all together. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is interesting because it’s not just a lineup of vehicles, it’s also an original Art Deco setting tied to how these cars were made. You’ll get a flexible admission window and a collection that runs from the 1890s to modern times in one spot, all under the umbrella of a National Historic Landmark.

I especially like two things here. First, the original Art Deco offices and the engineering and design spaces give the displays extra context, so the cars feel like part of a real workplace. Second, the museum’s collection spans 120+ automobiles, which makes it a satisfying stop even if you only know a handful of brands.

One consideration: comfort can make or break the visit. If you’re going in hot weather, plan for it—one July account described the museum as having no A/C, with a very uncomfortable experience that led them to skip additional areas.

Key things that make this ticket worth it

• Self-paced flexibility: admission lets you go when you want during open hours
• A National Historic Landmark setting: original Art Deco offices plus engineering and design spaces
• 120+ significant automobiles: covers major eras, from the 1890s to today
• Practical visitor rules: no tripods or selfie sticks, so displays stay easier to navigate
• Good family basics: children 6 and under are free, and changing tables are in all restrooms

A National Historic Landmark built for cars

If you like cars, you’ll probably picture chrome and spotlights. This museum adds something extra: it’s housed in a place with authentic industrial personality. The museum is a National Historic Landmark, and that matters, because you’re not looking at cars on neutral walls. You’re stepping into an original environment tied to the Auburn Automobile Company’s engineering and design work, along with Art Deco offices.

That combination makes the visit feel grounded. You can walk through and think about how design and engineering decisions became real vehicles you can stand in front of and study. It’s a different kind of car museum experience than a warehouse-like showroom, and it helps the cars feel more understandable, not just impressive.

Inside the museum: Art Deco offices and engineering-era design

Your main stop is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum itself. Plan to spend roughly 3 hours so you can slow down. There’s a lot to see, and the layout encourages browsing rather than rushing from one car to the next.

Here’s what makes the interior special. The museum includes original Art Deco offices from the Auburn Automobile Company, plus spaces connected to engineering and design. That means when you move from one display to the next, you’re not only reacting to the vehicles—you’re also seeing the kind of spaces where decisions were made.

Then there’s the collection scale. The museum includes over 120 significant automobiles, spanning the late 1800s through modern times. Even if you’re not a full-on car historian, that time range helps you spot changes in how cars were built and styled. You can compare eras side by side and notice how design priorities evolve as technology improves.

A practical note: this is a museum, not a drive-through. Give yourself time to walk the showrooms and read what’s there. If you’re the type who likes to look at details—grilles, dashboards, body shapes, manufacturing-era clues—this is the kind of place where time passes quickly.

A self-paced ticket that fits your day

This is an admission ticket, so you’re not locked into a timed tour group. That’s a big value for real travel days, when you want flexibility. You can come during open hours, explore at your pace, and spend more time with the cars that actually grab you.

The museum hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, for the broad operating range shown. It’s also closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, so it’s worth checking the calendar if your trip overlaps those dates.

The ticket is offered in English, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. Expect a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re traveling light and don’t want to hunt for paper.

Also, on timing: the average booking window is about 20 days in advance. That’s not a reason to panic, but it is a hint that you should lock in your plan sooner rather than later if you’re traveling during a busier stretch.

What to do first when you arrive

When you walk in, take a quick approach so you don’t lose momentum. Since there’s no stated guided flow, it helps to set a simple strategy for yourself:

• Start with your must-see era or brand interest, then broaden from there.
• Spend your first chunk of time getting oriented in the main show areas.
• Save your slowest, most detailed looking for the middle or later part of the visit.

Why this works: with a collection covering 1890s to today, you’ll likely have multiple interests pulling you in different directions. A quick start helps you avoid spending too long at your first attraction and then feeling rushed later.

Also, plan for stairs and multiple levels only if you know you’ll enjoy the experience even in the moment. One July account flagged that the upstairs experience wasn’t enjoyable because of heat. I can’t predict weather and comfort for your specific visit, but I can tell you to treat that as a signal: if it’s a hot day for you, pace yourself and take breaks.

Photo rules and comfort tips that actually matter

This museum has clear behavior rules: tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. That sounds like a minor point until you’re in a tight showroom and everyone is trying to set up gear. You’ll likely find it easier to move and see the cars without as much crowding from equipment.

Comfort is the other big factor. The museum is in a building with original architectural character, and that can mean temperature swings depending on the season. One July review described the museum as extremely hot due to no A/C and said they didn’t bother with additional areas. If you want to enjoy the museum rather than endure it, bring a strategy:

• Go earlier in the day if possible.
• Wear breathable layers.
• Give yourself permission to take pauses when you need them.

Restrooms are handled well for a museum stop. There are changing tables in all restrooms, and service animals are allowed. Those are small but meaningful practical wins, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you need accessibility support.

Price and value: is $19.24 a fair deal?

At $19.24 per person, this ticket sits in the “worth it if you’re into cars” category. The key value isn’t just the ticket itself—it’s what you get for that price:

• a flexible admission format (you choose when to enter during hours)
• access to a large collection, with 120+ significant automobiles
• a setting that includes original Art Deco offices and engineering/design spaces
• enough time to make it satisfying at your pace, with an estimated 3 hours

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes museums where you can learn through looking—not through a single lecture—this value makes sense. You’re paying to walk through a physical story of design and engineering over a huge span of time.

If you only have a quick passing interest in cars, you might not need a full 3 hours. But that’s not the museum’s fault—it’s just how personal interest works. The collection’s broad era range helps you catch something even if your knowledge is basic.

Who should book this admission ticket?

Book this if you fit any of these profiles:

• You’re a car enthusiast or someone who enjoys design and engineering details.
• You like museums that connect objects to real spaces, not just labels on walls.
• You prefer self-paced visits over fixed tours.

You might think twice if:

• Heat is a deal-breaker for you and you’re visiting during the hottest part of the year, since at least one account specifically called out major discomfort and limited enjoyment.
• You don’t enjoy spending time reading or studying the cars and want a more showy, guided experience.

On location basics: the museum is near public transportation, which is helpful if you’d rather not rely entirely on parking.

Should you book this Auburn Cord Duesenberg ticket?

I’d book this if you want a strong, satisfying car museum visit that mixes vehicles with original industrial Art Deco spaces. The combination of 120+ automobiles, the National Historic Landmark setting, and the flexible admission window makes it a solid use of a half day.

If you’re traveling with kids, it’s even easier to say yes: children 6 and under are free, and changing tables are available in restrooms. If you’re sensitive to heat, pick your day carefully and plan breaks—comfort affects how much you’ll truly enjoy the whole visit.

If your schedule allows, I’d also reserve time for about 3 hours. This place rewards slowing down, not sprinting through.

FAQ

How much is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum admission ticket?

The price is $19.24 per person.

About how long should I plan to spend inside?

Plan for about 3 hours (approx.).

Is this ticket self-paced, or is there a guided schedule?

This is an admission ticket that lets you visit at your convenience during opening hours.

What are the museum opening hours?

The hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Which days is the museum closed?

It is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Can children get in for free?

Yes. Children 6 and under are admitted free.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes. The ticket is mobile.

Are tripods or selfie sticks allowed?

No. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed in the museum.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellation within 24 hours of the start time is not refunded.