Le Mans Museum: face to face with heroes of yesteryear
Le Mans Museum: a place of history and variety
What stands out: the exhibition changes frequently. There are permanent sections – such as an impressive timeline of Le Mans history – but every year the museum also gets temporary thematic exhibits. During our visit, McLaren took center stage. The collection showed the connection between the British marque and Le Mans, including the legendary F1 GTR, which won the 24-hour race immediately upon its debut in 1995. It is special to see such a car up close, in a context where its significance really gets through to you. The changing exhibits also make it worthwhile for repeat visitors to come again and again. Past exhibits have included Porsche, Matra and Alpine.
More than just race cars
Although the emphasis is on Le Mans and motor racing, the museum also provides broader context. The rise of the automobile, the role of the Sarthe region in the automotive industry and the technological evolution of vehicles – all pass by. You walk through decades of design, technology and human stories. Also nice: the emphasis is not just on winners. Stories of brave outsiders, pioneers and tragic moments are also given space. By doing so, the museum shows that Le Mans is not only about speed, but also about perseverance.
Interaction and atmosphere
The museum is clearly laid out and has a quiet atmosphere. You don’t have to be a motorsports fanatic to find it interesting: even those less familiar with Le Mans will find stories, images and presentations that provide context. Interactive displays provide variety, though it is primarily a place for watching, reading and thinking. Also impressive is the “miniature square” where all the cars that have ever participated are arranged in glass cases. What a job it must have been to collect all those miniatures.
Ten showpieces
Here are ten cars from the Le Mans Museum’s permanent collection worth checking out:
- Bentley 3 L Sport (1924) – The car that gave Bentley its first victory at Le Mans
- Chenard & Walcker “Tank” Z1 (1937) – A prototypical model for Le Mans with striking streamlined design
- Simca 5 Gordini (1937) – Small yet powerful, competitor in the 750 cm³ class
- Ferrari 166 MM (1949) – Ferrari’s first Le Mans victory, with direct link to the origin of the brand name MM for Mille Miglia
- Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1958) – Symbolic of American luxury in the collection
- Porsche 904 GTS (1964) – GT car that won class victories, with an alluring Porsche design
- Porsche 917 LH (1971) – Legendary Longtail version, iconic in Le Mans history
- Matra-Simca 670 B (1974) – French prototype that brought innovation and engineering together
- Jean Rondeau Rondeau M379 (1980) – The only car built and won by the same person – a unique piece of Le Mans heritage
- Bentley Speed 8 (2003) – Modern endurance car with 21st century successes
Practical information Le Mans Museum
Below is the most important info if you want to visit the museum itself:
- Location: Musée des 24 Heures du Mans, Circuit de la Sarthe, Place Luigi Chinetti, 72019 Le Mans
- Website: lemans-musee24h.com
- Opening Hours: Open daily, usually from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note that during events or winter months, times may vary.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on site or online. Combination tickets with admission to the circuit or specific exhibits are also available.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and suitable for visitors of all ages.
- Accessibility:
- By car: Free parking available next to the museum.
- By train: TGV to Le Mans from Paris; then local connection or cab.
- By bicycle or on foot: Special routes and access points are available to visitors during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Guided tours: Guides are available (for an additional fee), including in English.
- Store and café: The museum shop offers books, miniatures and memorabilia. There is also a small café for a coffee or snack.
