Tallahassee’s Automotive Museum features more than 160 classic, antique, muscle and film cars. Located just 20 minutes northeast of Florida State University’s campus, this is a must-visit for all car enthusiasts.
This large-scale Americana exhibit is primarily from the personal collection of Tallahassee entrepreneur and museum owner DeVoe Moore. The museum first opened to the public in his 1996 year and features every classic car imaginable. It spans two floors and features cars such as his 1912 Ford Model T, which dates back to the days of the Titanic.
For those interested in American history, the museum also features one of the carriages used in President Lincoln’s funeral procession and a replica of the gun used in his assassination. For Batman fans, there’s also a life-size Batmobile and Batcycle.
Museum staff will help you create a very welcoming experience. Before entering, they assure visitors that they will be happy to help with any questions they may have and will also provide a brief history before entering. Some of the cars on display include a 1970 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet convertible, one of 33 built and one of his 15 with his four-speed transmission. It’s a “limited edition”.
“The antique firearms here are worth seeing,” said museum visitor and Americana enthusiast Lewis O. Nelson. “The cars are the main attraction, but this museum is so much more than that.”
America is known for its many technological innovations, and the museum doesn’t shy away from national automotive feats. The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air received small improvements such as a gold grille with parking lights. Other classic American icons on display include the Tacky 48, described by the Orlando Sentinel as “a car too far ahead of its time.”
This car focuses on safety with innovations such as disc brakes, a padded dashboard, and a windshield that pops out in the event of a collision. Much of the innovation in the automotive industry can be attributed to the cars displayed in museums. Much of American culture grew to be loved and continues to live within its walls.
This museum is famous for its vintage cars, but it also has a collection for everyone. The museum features a variety of motorcycles, a Steinway grand piano, and even a vintage Barbie doll. The piano is seductive and graceful, and anyone will be easily captivated by his nine unique pieces included in this collection.
Just under 10 years ago, Moore purchased his 500,000th Art Case piano. This is the first time the New York-based piano company Steinway has sold to a private collector. This delicate, angelic piano was purchased by him in 2014 for over $300,000 and is loved by all who have witnessed it.
“The different designs of Steinway pianos are really amazing,” said museum visitor Angelo Avila. “I’m fascinated by the ‘gold’ piano in the White House… Hearing it makes the whole trip worth it.” ” The piano company says the collection is one of the “finest” private collections in the country.
There’s so much packed into the museum that you’ll need an afternoon to see it completely. Some hallways may have over 100 items crammed together on just one long shelf. Most of the collection is on the second floor, where one wall is adorned with a large collection of Native American artifacts.
An authentic Native American dugout canoe found in the Tallahassee River is one of the museum’s treasures. This artifact is believed to be hundreds of years old and is an important piece to the collection as it promotes education about Tallahassee’s Native American history. Native American jewelry, including spearheads and beads, are displayed in glass display cases, allowing you to explore the rich history.
Many of Tallahassee’s attractions are reflected on the walls of the Automobile Museum. The city has a long history and proudly shows off its historical diversity. This museum has all the American nostalgia in a neat, classic package.