Savoy Automobile Museum - Cartersville, GA

Attraction: Savoy Automobile Museum
Location: 3 Savoy Lane, Cartersville, GA 30120
Industry: Museum
Website: https://savoymuseum.org/

Picture this: construction crews breaking ground on what would become one of Georgia’s premier automotive museums, only to unearth the rusted remains of a 1954 Plymouth Savoy half-buried in the earth.

That serendipitous discovery wouldn’t just inspire the museum’s name – it would set the tone for an institution that celebrates the unexpected stories hiding behind every classic automobile.

The Savoy Automobile Museum opened its doors in December 2021 as the newest jewel in Georgia Museums Inc.’s crown, joining prestigious sister institutions like the Booth Western Art Museum and Tellus Science Museum.

Sprawling across 37 acres in Cartersville, this 65,000-square-foot facility doesn’t just display cars – it creates automotive theater. You’ll find yourself wandering through spacious, light-filled galleries where every vehicle is positioned for 360-degree viewing, allowing you to appreciate design details that would make even casual observers pause in admiration.

Rotating Exhibitions That Keep You Coming Back

Ever-Changing Displays: The museum operates on a brilliant rotating exhibition model, featuring about 12 different shows annually across four temporary galleries plus one permanent Savoy Collection gallery. You might discover a spectacular array of vintage Packards one visit, then return to find legendary designer Chip Foose’s personal collection on display, including his famous Hemisfear creation.

Themed Excellence: Each exhibition tells a compelling story, whether it’s “The British Invasion” showcasing post-WWII European sports cars that captured American hearts, or racing exhibitions featuring Indianapolis 500 winners and cars driven by pioneering female racers. The curatorial team excels at creating cohesive narratives that transform individual automobiles into chapters of larger automotive stories.

Celebrity Car Collections: The museum regularly hosts exclusive exhibitions from renowned collectors and designers. The Chip Foose collection drew automotive enthusiasts from across the country to see 12 pristine vehicles from the legendary designer’s personal garage, including rare Fords, his custom Hemisfear, and even a Ferrari – cars he actually drives rather than just collects.

Original Automotive Art: Beyond the automobiles themselves, you’ll encounter 30 specially curated original artworks throughout the galleries and café, featuring everything from oil paintings of historic racing scenes to stunning automotive sculpture. The intersection of fine art and automotive culture creates an unexpectedly sophisticated atmosphere.

World-Class Facility & Atmosphere

European Modern Design: The late architect Frank Bergman designed the Savoy with a striking “European Modern” aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless. The building’s sleek silver and red exterior houses galleries with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, creating an almost gallery-like atmosphere for the automotive displays.

Spacious & Immaculate: You’ll immediately notice the museum’s commitment to presentation excellence. Each vehicle enjoys generous space, allowing you to walk completely around every display. The spotlessly maintained facility feels fresh and airy, with polished floors that reflect the gleaming chrome and paint of the classic automobiles.

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Theater & Educational Features: A full-sized theater screens automotive documentaries and films as part of your admission, while informative placards accompany each vehicle with historical context and fascinating details about construction, production, and ownership history. Complimentary highlight tours are available most Wednesday through Friday mornings at 11:00 AM.

The Famous Plymouth Savoy: Outside the main entrance sits the museum’s namesake – that original 1954 Plymouth Savoy discovered during construction, now serving as a tangible reminder of how automotive history can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Other Considerations

Exceptional Value: At just $17 for general admission ($7 for youth ages 3-12), the Savoy offers remarkable value for a world-class museum experience. The pricing reflects the museum’s nonprofit mission while remaining accessible to families and automotive enthusiasts alike.

Convenient Location: Strategically positioned at the intersection of US-411 and GA Highway 20, the museum sits just off I-75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga, making it an ideal stop for travelers. Ample free parking eliminates the stress of finding spots that plagues many urban attractions.

Dining & Amenities: The on-site Savoy Café offers reasonably priced soups, salads, and sandwiches with a panoramic view of the museum floor. You don’t need admission to dine at the café, and the food consistently receives praise for quality and value. A compact gift shop provides automotive-themed souvenirs and memorabilia.

Family-Friendly Experience: While car enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate, the museum designs its exhibitions to engage visitors of all ages and automotive knowledge levels. Most guests spend 60-90 minutes exploring the galleries, though serious enthusiasts often linger much longer.

Annual Events: The museum hosts “The Connection” car show each September, drawing hundreds of classic car owners and thousands of spectators for one of Georgia’s premier automotive gatherings. Food trucks, live entertainment, and special exhibits make it a destination event for the automotive community.

Savoy Automobile Museum
📍 3 Savoy Lane, Cartersville, GA 30120